Thread: Thailand and the new coalition government

• Consensus grows to treat drugs users less harshly than dealers

Public Health Ministry is considering a new regulation on drugs possession, specifically methamphetamine or ‘Ya Ba’ (also known as “crazy pills”), one of the most popular drugs in Thailand, in a bid to separate drugs users from dealers or manufacturers and facilitate treatment.

The Ministry’s acting permanent secretary, Dr Kittisak Aksornwong, chaired a multi-sector meeting on Friday with representatives from the Interior Ministry, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Office of Narcotics Control Board, Royal Thai Police Headquarters, Office of the Attorney General and Office of the Council of State.

Consensus grows to treat drugs users less harshly than dealers

The meeting, which lasted for over three hours, agreed that the ministerial regulation on illegal drugs possession should be revised. It should stipulate that those who possess less than five tablets of methamphetamine be classified as drugs users, allowing them to enter a treatment process instead of facing legal prosecution.

Meanwhile, those who possess more than five tablets will face legal charges of drug possession for either their own use (less than one year of jail term punishment) or for sale (a 1-10 years jail term).

Kittisak said the five-tablets stipulation is based on medical reasons as advised by the Department of Mental Health, Department of Medical Services, Department of Medical Science and the Food and Drug Administration.

Dr Dussadee Jungsirakulwitch, director-general of the Department of Mental Health, said that medical evidence indicates that using more than 55 milligrams of methamphetamine could cause mental disorder that would classify the patient as having SMIV (serious mental illness with a high risk of violence).

“SMIV patients have a high tendency of harming themselves and others, causing them to be a danger to the society and therefore needing immediate treatment,” she said.

The Public Health Minister will later issue a draft amendment of the ministerial regulations, which will be followed by a public hearing session before it can be proposed to the Cabinet for approval.

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• Cambodia eyes joint energy future with Thailand

Cambodia eagerly anticipates the opportunity to collaborate with Thailand for the renegotiation of a Joint Development Area (JDA) focused on oil and gas exploration within the 26,000sq km Overlapping Claims Area (OCA).

The area is estimated to contain significant oil and gas deposits beneath the seafloor, potentially holding up to 500 million barrels. As a looming power crisis casts a heavy shadow on the horizon, both nations are keen to secure a sustainable energy future.

Thai energy minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga said on October 30 that his government intends to shift the focus of negotiations with Cambodia towards the OCA.

The refocused approach prioritises joint development over the delimitation of territorial seas, according to Thai media.

“We require energy from the OCA, not the delimitation of territorial seas. Resolving territorial disputes is a complex and time-consuming process, as no country readily accepts alterations to its boundaries,” he was quoted as saying.

Thailand and Cambodia have asserted claims over their respective continental shelves and territorial seas at different points in time, each rooted in distinct legal frameworks.

“Both countries possess legitimate claims, making it challenging to determine right from wrong. If we cannot easily resolve this dispute, there’s little merit in further complicating matters by interlinking these two issues,” said Pirapan, also an expert in legal matters.

Cambodian Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak told the Post on November 2 that the country is open to collaborating with their Thai counterparts on the JDA, with a focus on mutual benefits for the two ASEAN neighboring nations.

“We are looking forward to working with them,” he stated.

However, he noted that the government had not received any invitations from Thai authorities as of yet.

Thai foreign minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara said after a visit to Phnom Penh in late September that his government needed to set up a new joint technical committee before resuming the OCA negotiation with Cambodia.

It remained unclear who would be part of the committee and whether it would fall under the jurisdiction of the foreign or energy ministries.

Pirapan – the energy minister and leader of the United Thai Nation Party in the incumbent coalition government – expressed potential interest in leading the committee and called for the separation of energy matters from the sea border negotiation process. He emphasised the participation of the private sector, which has a keen interest in energy, in the negotiations, as reported by Thai media.

“The foreign ministry is not involved in energy matters,” he explained, adding that the negotiations would face significant challenges if energy and territorial matters were intertwined.

The development rights to the OCA, spanning the Gulf of Thailand and overlapping the Cambodian and Thai borders, have long been a contentious issue between the two kingdoms. Both nations have asserted their claims over this area since the early 1970s.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in 2001, outlining joint exploration of the area. However, the Thai government decided to shelve this agreement in 2009.

Discussions regarding the joint exploration of the region resurfaced when former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra assumed office in 2011.

After the overthrow of the Yingluck government in May 2014, leaders from both nations sought to resume discussions.

The International Energy Agency (IEA), in its September 2013 Southeast Asia Energy Outlook, projected a significant decline of 75 per cent in Thailand’s gas production by 2035 and anticipated a rise in domestic demand for natural gas during the same period.

The IEA also identified the resolution of the long-standing dispute between Cambodia and Thailand over the OCA as a promising and enduring asset for Thailand’s energy outlook until 2035.

• Details of digital wallet payment to be clarified next week

Clarification of the details concerning the 10,000 baht digital handout will be announced in the coming week in line with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s promise that the scheme would be finalised by November 10.

Sources from the government revealed that a committee meeting on the project, chaired by the PM, will consider all the project details.

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, in his capacity as the committee chairman, has discussed the details with various agencies including conditions, criteria, and the initial funding sources. These include changing the project’s definition from a government policy for stimulating domestic spending to supporting the country’s digital economy.

By changing the definition, the objectives of the project have been altered, and politically, this can reduce pressure on the government’s economic stimulus policies, which have already been made known to parliament.

Proposals to adjust various conditions for participation in the project have also been discussed. For example, the original conditions set for using digital wallets or digital vouchers specified that the money could only be used for certain specified goods, and not for services, thus effectively preventing self-employed professionals from being able to participate in the project. This proviso could be amended, stating that digital money cannot be used for certain services such as hair salons, beauty salons, massage parlours, spas, equipment repair shops, and car wash services. The goods expected to be eligible for digital cash usage are primarily consumer products used in daily life.

The government might also revise the spending radius for digital money usage. Originally, the government set guidelines that the handouts could only be used within a 4-kilometre radius of the registered address to encourage spending in the area and facilitate economic circulation. This could be adjusted to cover a wider perimeter.

Other options for the 10,000 baht digital cash giveaway to be proposed to the main committee include going beyond a straight giveaway to Thais aged 16 and above, totalling 56 million people, with a budget of 560 billion baht. After receiving feedback from various organisations at the committee meeting, it was observed that the direct distribution method might need adjustments, such as targeting specific groups or excluding wealthy individuals or high-income earners to reduce the project's budget.

The proposed alternative options by the committee include:

1. Targeting only registered low-income individuals, approximately 15-16 million people, requiring a budget of 150-160 billion baht.
2. Including individuals with a monthly income not exceeding 25,000 baht and a bank deposit of more than 100,000 baht, totalling 43 million people, requiring a budget of 430 billion baht.
3. Including individuals with a monthly income not exceeding 50,000 baht and a bank deposit in excess of 500,000 baht, totalling 49 million people, requiring a budget of 490 billion baht.

In the latest interview yesterday about the progress of the scheme, Srettha stressed that the government has no intention of backtracking and aims to execute the policy accurately and in accordance with the law. He added that he wants the public to understand that this system is not a corruption scheme and promised that, everything related to the 10,000 baht digital cash policy, including the procedures, timeline, and clear rules, would be made known by November 10.

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• Two more Thais die, another abducted since Hamas attack on Israel

Two more Thai nationals are confirmed to have been killed in Israel, raising the Thai death toll to 34. An additional Thai is also reported to have been abducted, bringing the number of Thai hostages to 24. The number of injured remains at 19, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry.

No details are currently available about the two more who died or the additional hostage.

The ministry said that the latest number of Thais repatriated on specially arranged transport stands at 7,470, while the actual number of repatriated evacuees exceeds 8,000, with a number of them arranging their own flights.

The evacuation centre, at the David InterContinental Hotel in Tel Aviv, which was rented by the Thai embassy to accommodate Thai evacuees, has now been closed as the Thai Foreign Ministry has suspended chartered repatriation flights.

• Minimum wage rise before year-end ‘but not to 400 baht’

A new round of minimum wage increases for workers will be announced next month “as a New Year’s gift”, Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn said on Sunday.

However, the rise to 400 baht “by November or December” previously announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will not happen.

Instead, the maximum increase will be 10 baht per day, Pipat said.

The wage rise will vary in each province according to inflation, economic growth, and feedback from employers and employees.

Despite not reaching 400 baht per day, the rise would be a morale booster for the workforce, he added. It would also avoid adding too much burden to employers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A wage increase to 400 baht per day may have forced employers to lay off workers, the minister said.

The next round of adjustments in late 2024 might see the minimum wage hit 400 baht, but this would be applicable only in certain provinces, he added.

Currently, the highest minimum wage of 354 baht per day covers three provinces: Rayong, Chonburi, and Phuket.

Six other provinces – Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, and Samut Sakhon – have a minimum wage of 353 baht per day.

Each province will finalise its minimum wage rates by November 17, and the results will be submitted to the Wage Committee for consideration in early December. After approval, the new wage rates will be presented to the Cabinet for approval and be implemented by the end of the year.

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• Labour Ministry takes action over illegal workers in S Korea

The Labour Ministry is collaborating with several agencies to deal with the problem of illegal workers after Thai tourists turned against South Korea over their stringent immigration regulations.

Two hashtags — #แบนเที่ยวเกาหลี (ban travel to Korea) and #ตมเกาหลี (Korean immigration office) topped X trends in Thailand on October 27, appearing in over 32,000 and 17,000 posts, respectively.

Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Sunday that the ministry had submitted a letter to the Thai Travel Agents Association for collaboration to ensure that tour operators do not allow Thai tourists to work illegally in South Korea.

By his estimates, Thai illegal workers in South Korea, dubbed "Phi Noi" (little ghosts), number more than 100,000 people, higher than the 93,118 workers who work legally under the employment permit system, he said.

Phiphat pointed out that illegal workers had failed to comply with the memorandum of understanding between the Thai and South Korean governments.

Many Thais work illegally in South Korea by entering the country as tourists, escaping tour operators, he said. They work without a contract or learning the Korean language, he said, adding, the ministry had set up special teams at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports to prevent Thais from working illegally in South Korea.

He added that the ministry was collaborating with Korea Immigration Service on exchanging information related to the issue for mutual benefit.

The ministry has also implemented measures to deal with agencies who facilitate Thais working illegally in South Korea by launching advertisements via Facebook and Line, he added.

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• Anti-land bridge banners emerge in Phato district of Chumphon province

Banners opposing the government’s land bridge mega project have surfaced in Phato district of Chumphon province and conservation groups will hold a forum for discussion of the project at the Phato Tambon Administrative Organisation’s office on November 15th.

Sak-anan Plathong, a lecturer at the Department of Biology in Faculty of Science of Prince of Songkhla University, said that the proposed land bridge project would be located in the Andaman Sea Nature Reserves, which were nominated by Thailand for inclusion in the UNESCO world heritage site list two years ago.

He said that at issue is not that the project will delay the listing of the reserves, but that it could have extensive impacts on marine resources, mangrove and coastal forests, which are known to be the breeding grounds of sea turtles and other marine creatures.

One of the most worrisome aspects of the project, he pointed out, is the reclamation of about 1,120 hectares of land from the Andaman Sea, which is equivalent to the size of Payam Island in Ranong province. This would have an impact on sea currents and the movement of marine species in the area, claimed Sak-anan.

He suggested that the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources as well as the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning conduct an in-depth study on marine species in the area and potential impacts of the project.

He also expressed concern that the land reclamation would cause problems from heavy metal, which is normally settled on the sea bed, being scattered in the sea water and posing a threat to health.

He said that oil spills from the tankers, which will dock at the deep-sea ports on the eastern and western coasts of the southern region, in Chumphon and Ranong provinces, are another cause of serious concern, citing the numerous oil spills in Laem Chabang, Map Ta Phut and Si Racha.

The government has given top priority to the land bridge project, regarding it as a major potential driver of the Thai economy. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin plans to sell the project to foreign investors at the APEC CEO summit in the United States this month and at ASEAN-Japan commemorative summit in Japan in December.

• All 23 Thai hostages ‘safe and will be released soon’

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin affirmed on Monday that 23 Thais captured by Hamas militants are safe after Thai negotiators said the hostages would be freed soon.

Srettha said he talked to Gen Songwit Noonpakdee, chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, on Sunday night and was informed that all 23 Thai hostages were still safe.

Srettha said Songwit had seen photos of the hostages. The defence forces chief was still negotiating with Hamas via Malaysia for the release of the Thai captives, he added.

The prime minister said the negotiators were waiting for a ceasefire of one or two days to provide a window for hostages to be escorted from the Gaza Strip.

All 23 Thai hostages ‘safe and will be released soon’Thailand was depending on Malaysia as its intermediary for efforts to seek the hostages’ release, the PM said.

Parliament president’s deputy Muk Sulaiman told reporters on Sunday that the 23 Thai hostages were being taken good care of and were still safe.

Muk, a lead negotiator, said Iranian authorities have confirmed the identities of Thai captives and Tehran had informed him that Hamas was now ready to free them.

Muk said Hamas was simply waiting for the right time and a safe route to escort the hostages out of the Gaza Strip. Once a window of opportunity is open, Hamas would inform him via Iran so that Parliament President Wan Muhammad Noor Matha could travel to Iran and receive the hostages as they are released, Muk added.

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• Government urged to provide full support to Thai movie industry

The director of the Thai box-office hit “Sap Pa Rer” (The Undertaker) has urged Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his government to support the Thai movie industry and not just watch the movie and take a group photo with his cabinet ministers.

Speaking to Thai PBS yesterday, the film’s director, Thiti Srinuan, admitted that he did not understand the meaning of “soft power” when he made the movie and, had he known about it, the movie, which has grossed more than 600 million baht at the box office, would have been shown in other countries.

He said that he hopes the government will support his next movie and Thai movies by other directors and producers, to turn Thai movies into a form of soft power to promote Thai culture among foreigners.

The prime minister’s deputy secretary-general, Chanin Rungthanakiart, said in his X post that the government is determined to support the Thai movie industry and other creative businesses as part of Thailand’s soft power to drive the economy.

He dismissed criticism that the government is taking advantage of “Sap Pa Rer” for publicity purposes, adding that the government will not just secure funding for the movie industry or promote the Thai movies, but will encourage the private sector to increase their capacity to promote soft power as a means to drive the Thai economy.

A critic said on his Facebook page “Tood’s review”, however, that he doubts that the government fully grasps the meaning of “soft power” and how to promote it.

Thai people praising and enjoying the movie will not add economic value to it in the global market or have any impact on the global movie industry, said the critic, adding that Thailand has, so far, barely done anything concrete to promote soft power. The previous administration did the same as Srettha, just showing up for a photo op with the producer and director of a movie.

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• PM Srettha seeking to raise salaries of civil servants

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is seeking to raise the salaries of civil servants, as promised during his government’s policy statement to Parliament.

The prime minister has instructed Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara to collaborate with the Finance Ministry, the National Economic and Development Council (NESDC), and the Budget Bureau to discuss salary adjustments for government officials.

The Secretariat of the Cabinet has sent a letter to government agencies acknowledging the prime minister’s directive, issued during the Cabinet meeting on October 31.

At the meeting, Srettha said the government’s policy statement aims to create income and provide salaries that are fair and adequate for government workers in line with the current economic situation.

The Labour Ministry was tasked with expediting a feasibility study of the daily minimum wage and pay for civil servants and reporting the results to the Cabinet promptly.

Foreign Minister Parnpree, in his capacity as the Civil Service Committee chairman, will coordinate with the Office of the Civil Service Commission, the Finance Ministry, Budget Bureau, NESDC and relevant agencies to study the feasibility, guidelines, timeframe, and impacts of adjusting salaries for civil servants and government officials. The report is due to be submitted to the Cabinet by the end of the month.

• Activist Ruangkrai accuses 2 ministers of holding more shares than allowed by law

Political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana called on the Election Commission (EC) on Monday to look into the shareholdings of two Cabinet ministers.

He claims that Deputy Agriculture Minister Chaiya Promma and Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang have a greater stake in their companies than allowed by law.

The activist, who is often referred to as the “master complainer”, pointed to a conflict of interest as the ministers had allegedly failed to reduce their and their spouses’ stake in their companies to 5%. He said they should have off-loaded the shares to a trust fund.

Ruangkrai, who is also a member of the Palang Pracharath Party, said the assets declaration submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) upon taking office on September 1 showed that the two ministers and their spouses still held more than 5% of shares in their companies.

In Chaiya’s case, the company in question is Sri Boon Ruang Watana Ltd, and in Sutin’s case, it is Klungsan Isaan Ltd.

Ruangkrai claimed he had checked the assets declarations against the two companies' financial reports submitted to the Business Development Department and noticed the so-called discrepancies.

He has called on the EC to conduct an investigation and ask the court to suspend the two ministers. He also wants the authorities to consider removing them from office.

The activist added that he is also checking the assets statements of several other ministers that appear to have discrepancies as well.

• Thai govt. to help rice farmers get higher prices this year

The Thai cabinet approved rice price intervention measures today, aimed at discouraging farmers from rushing to sell their crops to rice traders or millers, but to store their harvests in barns of their cooperatives and to sell it when the price is right.

The cabinet has decided to set aside 55 billion baht, about 44 billion through the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), to be extended as credit or loans to farmers’ associations, cooperatives and farmers who have their own barns, to buy paddy and to hold the unmilled grain for 4-5 months, then selling it to millers when it is more profitable.

Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said, through these measures, it is estimated that about four million, out of a total of 10 million tonnes of the 2023-24 rice crop, are to be stored by farmers’ cooperatives and farmers.

The cabinet has set the amount of credit to be extended to farmers’ cooperatives and farmers who have their own rice barns, in accordance with the rice variety:

• 12,000 baht for a tonne of Hom Mali paddy
• 10,000 baht per tonne of Pathum Thani Hom Mali
• 9,000 baht per tonne of normal paddy
• 10,000 baht per tonne of sticky rice paddy

Additionally, the cabinet also agreed to a 1,000 baht fee for each tonne of paddy stored by cooperatives and 500 baht/tonne for paddy stored by individual farmers with their own barns.

The BAAC will charge cooperatives 4.85% interest on credit extended to them, but the government will shoulder 3.85% interest on their behalf.

Chai said that cooperatives will buy directly from farmers of Hom Mali paddy with 25% humidity at 12,200 baht per tonne. When the paddy is sold to millers later at a profit, the farmers will be paid an extra of 500 baht/tonne by the cooperatives.

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• Sports-mad PM toasts Thailand’s Asian Games heroes at party

Sports-crazy PM Srettha Thavisin held a party to thank Thai athletes for their heroic efforts at the 19th Asian Games and the 4th Asian Para Games on Tuesday.

Also hailing the heroes of Hangzhou at the Government House bash were Foreign Minister Panpree Phahitthanukorn, Sports Authority of Thailand governor Kongsak Yodmanee and National Sports Development Fund manager Supranee Guptasa.

Srettha handed out cash prizes and souvenirs to the athletes, coaches and sports association officials who won medals in the competition.

He also gifted honours to Olympic Committee of Thailand chief Wit Devahastin na Ayudhya and Paralympic Committee president Naiyanobh Bhirombhakdi.

Sports-mad PM toasts Thailand’s Asian Games heroes at party

The PM congratulated Thai athletes for flying the Thai flag high in China, saying he chose to preside over the event because he loves sport.

He also vowed to aid Thai sports development with funding, more coaches, and higher financial rewards as well as employment and tax benefits for athletes.

"I ask athletes to keep up their efforts to boost Thailand's reputation," he said.

Sports-mad PM toasts Thailand’s Asian Games heroes at party

Thai athletes and officials were rewarded with 353.92 million baht in cash bonuses for their performances at the Asian and Asian Para Games.

Asian Games participants received 244.2 million baht while Asian Para Games participants got 109.72 million baht.

Sports-mad PM toasts Thailand’s Asian Games heroes at party

Thailand came eighth in the medal table of the Asian Games, held from September 23-October 8, with 12 golds, 14 silvers and 32 bronzes for a total of 58 medals.

Sports-mad PM toasts Thailand’s Asian Games heroes at party

Thai Para athletes did one better, coming seventh in the October 22-28 games with 27 golds, 26 silvers and 55 bronzes for a total of 108 medals.

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• Thai deal to buy Chinese frigate expected by year-end: Minister

The Thai military’s deal to purchase a frigate instead of a submarine should be finalised by the end of this year, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang said on Tuesday.

He spoke while overseeing the second day of the biannual Defence & Security 2023 exhibition, which is being held at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi until Thursday.

Asked about today’s talks between the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co, Sutin said the Chinese side was unable to green-light the swap as the new deal needed Beijing’s approval.

He said the negotiations should prove successful but would last a bit longer as there were many issues to be resolved.

Thai deal to buy Chinese frigate expected by year-end: Minister

The Thai Navy has offered the Chinese builder two alternatives after the submarine deal collapsed, either a frigate or an offshore patrol vessel. However, Sutin added that a third option may also be on the table.

He said he expects the Thai and Chinese governments to finalise the deal by the end of this year.

"I confirm that Thailand wants a frigate. However, we don’t know how the negotiations will end,” he said. He also revealed that Thailand may go ahead with procuring the Chinese sub if the swap deal fails.

Thai deal to buy Chinese frigate expected by year-end: Minister

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin wants to finalise the procurement issue in line with the law and national interest, the defence minister said.

Sutin said he was moderately satisfied with Thailand’s progress in procuring defence equipment, calling this a necessary step to ensure national security.

"Even I don’t like weapons but they are necessary," he said, adding that the arms fair had made him aware the Thai defence industry should be developed to produce homegrown military supplies.

Thai deal to buy Chinese frigate expected by year-end: Minister

The sub deal fell through when China was unable to supply an S26T Yuan-class submarine fitted with a German-made engine as per the 2017 contract.

EU sanctions prevent Germany from supplying equipment that could be used in Chinese military hardware.

As such, Beijing proposed a Chinese-made engine for the submarine, an offer later rejected by the RTN.

Instead, the Navy has opted to buy a frigate from China. However, the frigate is priced at 17 billion baht – 1 billion baht more than the submarine’s price tag.

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• Government banks on ‘soft power’ to boost Thai economy

The government has announced a plan to use so-called soft power to help generate annual revenue of about 4 trillion baht over the next 4 years through the establishment of a Thailand Creative Content Agency.

The government aims to train 20 million people, develop 11 creative industries, and promote soft power globally in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University's Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration and the Ministry of Culture.

The policy is divided into 3 phases, with the first running 100 days and focusing on the setting up of registration venues, the amendment of related ministry regulations, and the organisation of the Winter Festival.

In the second phase running through April, the “One Family One Soft Power” (OFOS) initiative will be initiated, along with the proposal for the establishment of the Thailand Creative Content Agency (THACCA). This phase will also include the Water Festival and the Soft Power Forum.

The third and final phase, scheduled to last until October 3, 2024, aims to train 1 million people. The establishment of THACCA will also be proposed to the parliament during this period, which will also feature film and music festival events, and support soft power participation in global events.

The work plan will also be divided into 3 parts as follows.

Headwaters: This involves training 20 million people from 20 million families under the government's “One Family One Soft Power” project.

Midstream: The development of 11 creative industries, such as food, sports, festivals, tourism, music, books, movies, games, arts, design, and fashion.

Downstream: Promoting Thailand's soft power globally in areas that align with studied and analysed opportunities for the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be responsible for overall implementation through the efforts of Thai diplomats and commercial attaches stationed in various countries around the world.

Additionally, efforts will be made to enhance soft power in 10 creative industries, namely films, fashion design, food and beverage, sports, music and concerts, cultural tourism, literature, contemporary arts, health and wellness, and software and games. The Ministry of Culture will work to create economic value in these areas, aiming to earn 300 to 400 million baht in revenue from each 3-day event.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University's Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration, will establish cultural statistics indicators to measure the impact of cultural activities on the Thai economy.

This comprehensive approach aims to enhance Thailand's soft power and boost the country's economic and cultural significance on the global stage.

• Remains of seven more Thais killed in Israel due back on Thursday

Seven more sets of remains of Thais killed in Israel are scheduled to arrive at Suvarnabhumi international airport on Thursday afternoon, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry.

A total of 34 Thai nationals died during or since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th and 24 are being held captive by militant groups in Gaza. Four others are in hospital.

Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said yesterday that the 24 hostages are being held by 2 or 3 militant groups, including Hamas, in various locations.

If the Thai hostages are released, he said that they must be set free through a safe corridor at the Egyptian border. The Thai government has already informed the Egyptian government and Thai officials should be allowed to accompany the hostages from Gaza.

From his talks with his counterparts in Qatar, Iran and Egypt last week, Parnpree said it is very possible that Thai hostages will be the first group to be released.

He also said that there are other groups of Thai people who have been trying to secure the release of the Thai hostages, using their own connections.

One of these groups is associated with House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, a Thai Muslim. They approached Iran, which is believed to have influence over Hamas.

• Srettha targeting US investment in Thailand at APEC CEO Summit

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will seek investment from US business leaders at the seven-day APEC CEO Summit, starting on Saturday in San Francisco.

Several big deals with US corporations are already in progress, building on previous talks during Srettha’s visit to the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York in September.

Tesla, Google, Microsoft, Citibank, JP Morgan, and Estée Lauder have reportedly responded positively to the PM’s invitations to invest in Thailand.

Srettha is planning to hold talks with more than 10 major corporations at the APEC CEO Summit. The talks will cover possible investments in various sectors, including electric vehicles (EV), electronics, and digital industries.

The prime minister will also promote the Land Bridge project for a new trade route from the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea. Srettha is seeking foreign investments for the 1-trillion-baht project to link the Pacific and Indian Oceans and open a new East-West trade corridor.

The PM will also join the Indo-Pacific Economic Forum (IPEF) and one-on-one meetings with American private sector representatives.

Thailand’s focus for economic collaboration includes trade, investments, elevating free trade agreements (FTAs), enhancing connectivity through infrastructure development, the Land Bridge project, and tourism.

• Srettha invites coalition leaders to informal dinner and chat

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will host a get-together dinner with leaders of 10 coalition partners tonight, one day before the announcement of the government’s performance for the first two months in office.

Srettha denies that his planned dinner with the 10 leaders has anything to do with the announcement of the government’s performance scheduled for Thursday night.

The Srettha government is made up of 11 political parties, including the coalition-leader Pheu Thai Party.

Srettha has sent invitations to all coalition leaders to join an informal dinner at the Spider Collection NW303 at the Kronos Sathorn Tower on North Sathorn Road from 7pm to 8pm.

When asked whether reporters would be allowed to cover the event, Srettha replied, “I’d better recount it for you tomorrow”.

He later explained to reporters that the dinner would be held to allow an exchange of views between the leaders.

He said the previous government had no such opportunities for coalition leaders to meet and talk unofficially, so he is planning to hold such a get-together every month or two.

“It will be a dinner in an easy atmosphere for exchanging views,” Srettha said.

“Some leaders of the partners may have some suggestions for me.”

Coalition partners may share feedback, positive and negative, they have received from their constituents, he said.

The leaders of all 10 partners have accepted the dinner invitation, he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he believed the dinner had nothing to do with the upcoming performance announcement.

“It will be just a get-together for easy talks and dinner. It’s not for any special discussion,” Anutin said.

He said he would wait and see the atmosphere at the gathering before raising any topic or suggestion with the prime minister.

• Fake news! Foreign Ministry confirms no Thai workers hired as mercenaries in Israel

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday dismissing social media reports that Thai workers are being hired as mercenaries in Israel.

In the statement, the ministry clarified that it has received a report from the Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv, which said that individuals with dual Thai-Israeli nationalities have been called in to serve as reserve soldiers for the Israeli army. These people are not Thai workers in any capacity, the embassy said.

In addition to workers in Israel’s farming sector, there are some 500 Thai women who are married to Israeli citizens and have children with dual nationality.

Israeli law requires that all citizens, regardless of gender, serve in the military once they reach the age of 18. Men are required to serve for 32 months, while women serve for 24 months.

Once they have completed their mandatory service, they become part of the reserve army that can be called at any time to perform military duties.

The ministry said that since the Hamas attack on October 7, the Israeli army has called up more than 350,000 reservists or some 4% of the population. This is one of the largest mobilisations of military reserves in Israel’s history.

Hence, the statement said, it is understandable that some Israeli citizens of Thai descent may also have to fulfil their military duties.

However, it said, these individuals are not Thai workers covertly serving as mercenaries for Israel as has been erroneously claimed.

The ministry has also urged the public to stop spreading false information or news that may lead to misunderstandings among Thai and foreign communities.

_________

• PM pushes for resumption of potash mining project

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has issued a directive to the Ministry of Industry to expedite the mineral mining project in the Northeast, Prime Minister's Office spokesman Chai Watcharong announced today.

The prime minister reminded yesterday’s cabinet meeting has Thailand has an abundance of potash minerals in the northeastern region, covering provinces from Udon Thani to Nakhon Ratchasima. Potash is one of the three essential minerals used in fertiliser production. Canada is currently the top producer of fertiliser from potash globally.

Three entities have already been granted mining licenses but have not been able to commence mining operations. One of the license holders has held the rights for 8 years, but has yet to start mining. The other two companies are having problems raising funds to support their operations.

The Prime Minister thus instructed the ministry to study whether there are potential new players ready to develop potash resources in the northeastern region if the previous license holders cannot utilise the valuable mineral resources that Thailand and the world need.

According to the ministry, Thailand has the fourth-largest potash reserves in the world, totalling 400 billion tons, following Canada, Belarus, and Germany. The country's significant potash sources can be found in two main areas: the Sakon Nakhon Basin, including Sakon Nakhon, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, and Nakhon Phanom provinces, and the Khorat Plateau, including Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Ubon Ratchathani, and Chaiyaphum provinces.

The underground mining licence approval process under the Mineral Act of 1967 consists of three stages: license application, ministry approval, and mining permission.

Two companies, ASEAN Potash Mining and Thai Kali are prepared to start mining operations. They have announced their intent and have submitted environmental impact assessments (EIA), gaining approval from the Department of Mineral Resources. ASEAN Potash Mining, located in Chaiyaphum province, covers an area of 1,553 hectares and has a production capacity of 1.1 million tonnes per year.

Another company, China Mingda Potash Corporation (Thailand) has applied for an extension to the already awarded a special prospecting licence for potash exploration covering 18,700 hectares.

However, these companies have been unable to raise funds for their projects. Private sector representatives suggest that the government needs to instill confidence in investors, express support for these projects, and facilitate rapid investment. In another area, groundwater sources have not been found, making further exploration unfeasible. The surveyed area is considered to have low-quality potash, with a ratio of 1 part potash to 6 parts salt.

Asia Pacific Potash Corporation, meanwhile, is currently in the first stage of exploration, finding a ratio of 1 part potash to 2 parts salt. This project is considered to have the highest production potential among all the applications. There have been continuous complaints from local communities regarding the application process, mainly concerning land subsidence due to mining, soil salinity, dust, and salt piles on the ground.

Due to the prevailing drought conditions and occasional flooding in some areas this year, coupled with a sluggish economy, the use of chemical fertilisers has decreased slightly compared to the previous year, with just 4 million tons of fertilisers imported. Earlier in the year, fertiliser prices decreased but now appeared to have stabilised.

• Srettha hosts ‘hungry’ coalition partners at Bangkok dinner meeting

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin hosted his first informal meeting of government coalition partners on Wednesday night.

Srettha and fellow Pheu Thai bigwigs met with leaders of parties who control Cabinet seats over dinner at the Spider Collection NW303 restaurant in downtown Bangkok’s Kronos Sathorn Tower at 7.30pm.

Senior Pheu Thai members at the dinner included party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, and PM’s Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej.

Among other party leaders at the get-together were Bhumjaithai chief and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Chart Thai Pattana leader and Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, United Thai Nation Party leader and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, and Prachachat Party leader and Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong.

Srettha hosts ‘hungry’ coalition partners at Bangkok dinner meetingA notable absence was Palang Pracharat Party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwan. He sent party adviser and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwon, and Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow, party secretary-general, to represent him at the dinner.

Micro coalition partners with no Cabinet seats were not invited to the meeting.

At 8.39pm, Srettha posted selfies taken with the coalition leaders at the dining table and in front of the restaurant.

“I’m here to dine with leaders of coalition partners after working together for two months. This is the first time we are meeting and talking outside the Cabinet meeting room,” Srettha posted on X, formerly Twitter.

• Health and wellness crucial to improve people's quality of life, says Cholnan

Health and wellness should be developed together to improve people’s quality of life, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said on Thursday at “Health & Wealth Expo 2023”.

The exhibition of health and wealth products and services is being held in Bangkok until Sunday by Nation Group.

Cholnan said people are at risk of getting sick due to various factors, such as political tensions, social issues and the environment. He added that many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals were related to health and wellness.

He said Thailand has the potential to develop wellness tourism, thanks to many famous tourist attractions, high quality medical services at a reasonable price and sufficient medical facilities.

“Thailand also has outstanding potential in alternative medicine,” he said, adding, the country needs more family physicians to ensure that all people can access medical treatment, as well as collaboration to maintain the country’s advantage in medical services.

Cholnan said the Public Health Ministry was working on its policy to take care of the people’s health along with stimulating the economy.

He said the ministry’s policies cover three aspects: tackling issues, setting up medical service standards, and stimulating the economy.

To tackle existing issues, secondary care hospitals are necessary to ensure all people can access treatment when there is a pandemic, he said, adding that secondary care is now available at the Royal Thai Airforce Hospital in Bangkok and Chiang Mai Neurological Hospital.

Regarding the setting up of service standards, he said the ministry is working to ensure that all people under the 30-baht healthcare scheme can access treatment anywhere using only their ID card.

Health and wellness crucial to improve people's quality of life, says Cholnan

Cholnan said Thailand would take part in “Expo 2025 Osaka” in Japan, under the concept “Smile” to showcase the country’s potential in healthcare.

"Smile" is an acronym for Siam, medical hub world destination, inspiration towards wellness community, living lab, and enchanting Thailand, he explained.

“Thailand has readiness in healthcare to boost the country’s prosperity, but it needs cooperation among parties to achieve that goal,” he added.

• Gasohol shortage: Govt threatens fuel hoarders with jail

Service station operators who refuse to sell available fuel to customers face fines, jail time or both, the Energy Ministry warned on Wednesday.

The threat came a day after numerous stations across the country claimed to have run out of gasohol 91 and 95 after the government imposed three-month price cuts for both fuels on Tuesday.

“Following public complaints, the ministry is investigating these stations to ensure there are no attempts to hoard fuel,” said ministry spokesman Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen.

Service stations reduced the price of gasohol 91 by 2.5 baht per litre and gasohol 95 by 1 baht on Tuesday in line with the government’s three-month price cap to reduce people’s financial burden.

The Energy Ministry insisted the price caps should not affect fuel retailers’ profits as they are being funded by fuel-tax cuts and subsidy.

Gasohol shortage: Govt threatens fuel hoarders with jail

Several fuel retailers told Thansettakij news on Wednesday that they had stopped replenishing their stocks on November 1 and sold all their remaining fuel at the old prices to avoid losses when the price cap came into effect on November 7.

“We had to do this because the government is not subsiding sellers for the difference in benzene and gasohol prices,” a station operator said.

After running dry on November 6, most stations started ordering fuel under the new prices on the morning of November 7, said another operator. This could have resulted in interruptions to supplies at the pumps, he added.

“Since many stations are ordering at the same time, deliveries are currently backed up,” he said. “It could take until Friday [November 10] before some stations have fuel to sell.”

Fuel retailers caught hoarding stocks face a fine of up to 140,000 baht and/or seven years in jail, the Energy Ministry warned.

• PM's summarises govt's 60 days achievements

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin hosted a special TV programme yesterday (November 9) to announce the government’s initiatives over the past 60 days.

During the “Chance of Possibility: From Policy to Action within 60 Days” programme, the PM highlighted urgent measures implemented during this period, such as reducing expenses, especially electricity rates, first from 4.45 baht to 4.10 baht and then to 3.99 baht. This reduction aimed to alleviate the financial burden on the public.

Additionally, steps have been taken to address household debt issues with a focus on non-systemic debt, which has long been a social problem in Thailand. There were also discussions about interest rate charges, which have been excessively high, leading to situations where people paid interest without reducing the principal of the debt. Clear solutions have been sought to rectify this issue, he explained, and further details should be announced within the next few weeks, possibly by mid-December.

Regarding increasing income, the Prime Minister emphasised various measures including the digital wallet scheme, saying that he would personally announce the details on November 10. These will encompass such principles as the flow of funds, recipients, products eligible for usage, distances in kilometres, and even specific districts or sub-districts.

Expanding income opportunities and providing knowledge to farmers are considered crucial. The government recognises the importance of agricultural knowledge dissemination and stressed the need for efficient use of market mechanisms, and opening new markets in regions such as Africa and the Middle East, both of which have significant demands for food products.

The government believes that by expanding markets, income opportunities will increase, and crop prices will likely rise.

In terms of tourism, Srettha noted that the government was still aiming to boost national income through such measures as introducing visa exemption for visitors from China, Taiwan, and India which, he said, was attracting a significant number of tourists from these countries, especially to the southern provinces, notably Phang Nga. The government not only focused on policies and regulations but also emphasised the entire travel experience, ensuring convenience, speed, security, and cooperation with the Thai police. Furthermore, the Airports of Thailand (AOT) had been tasked with facilitating convenience in baggage handling. The government was closely monitoring these aspects to enhance the overall tourist experience.

Regarding visa-free entry for Kazakhstan nationals, it was noted that Kazakhstan was close to Russia and had a relatively high-income population. Previous statistics indicated a considerable number of tourists from Kazakhstan visiting provinces like Phang Nga. Hence, discussions were underway to assess the feasibility of extending the duration of stay beyond 30 days.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the government's efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure, not only in Bangkok but also in other tourist provinces. These included improvements in airport facilities. The government aimed to provide tourists with a better experience and considered the duration of stay crucial. Supporting secondary cities was important, he said, and the focus extended beyond Bangkok to places like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Hua Hin.

“But we also want to go to places like Nan, Kalasin, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, which would extend the stay of tourists. In terms of development, we need to consider the readiness of airports. Suvarnabhumi Airport recently added a new satellite passenger terminal (SAT-1) and there are plans to develop many secondary airports. In the future, Nan province might need to be upgraded to Nan International Airport. These small investments can elevate certain airports, making secondary cities more desirable for everyone. We want to make these cities convenient,” the Prime Minister said.

Transportation, he noted, was crucial because it connects the entire country. “During my trip to China, discussions about logistic connections were prominent covering, among other projects, the high-speed train system being constructed from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Ratchasima to Khon Kaen, Khon Kaen to Nong Khai, crossing into Laos, and further linking to China. This network would facilitate the export of agricultural products to other countries. However, the railway project requires proper planning and key strategies including, for instance, the building of a bridge from Nong Khai to Laos on which agreement was reached during my visit to Laos.

In terms of exports, Srettha made mention of the passion for durian among Thailand’s Chinese neighbours, noting that the average consumption of durian in China is 7 kilograms per person, while in Thailand, it’s 5 kilograms, and in Malaysia, it’s 11 kilograms. “Currently, we export over two million tons. Rapid transportation is thus vital and we are working to simplify the documentation process to make these exports more efficient.”

Srettha also talked about his overseas trips, such as the UN General Assembly meeting in New York, which gave him the opportunity to meet many of the world’s leaders. “The issue of geopolitics is intense, particularly between China and the United States and Russia and Ukraine. The United Nations itself is aware of the challenges faced this year. The major theme is clean energy, or sustainable development goals (SDG), and everyone agrees it needs to be managed well. We spoke on several platforms, including the issuance of green bonds, demonstrating to the world that Thailand is concerned about these matters. We have clear goals to achieve Net Zero Carbon,” he told viewers.

“I also had the opportunity to meet with significant companies interested in investing heavily in Thailand. Next week, when I travel to San Francisco to attend the APEC meeting, negotiations will continue, including the signing of memoranda of understanding.

“In reality, these trips are about trade. We are salesmen; we have to tell them that Thailand is open and there is no better time than now to invest in Thailand. We are ready. Whether it's the tax support measures by the BOI or our advantage in clean energy, we have them all. When it comes to the cost of living, we are competitive, and our quality of life is excellent,” Srettha said.

Srettha also spoke about his visits to Cambodia, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. During these visits, he met with leaders and discussed business opportunities while addressing concerns about crime, such as organised crime syndicates.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the challenges posed by drug addiction in the country and highlighted the government's efforts to combat drug-related crimes, including seizing assets of drug traffickers.

Social issues, including constitutional amendments and same-sex marriage laws, were also discussed. The Prime Minister expressed his commitment to resolving these matters, indicating that a committee had been formed to work on constitutional amendments, and same-sex marriage legislation should be submitted to Parliament in December.

Regarding the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), the Prime Minister clarified that he never stated the intention to dissolve it. Instead, various organisations including the Board of Investment and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), are undergoing development and changes.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the time constraints faced by his government, emphasising the need for efficiency and productivity. He urged all government agencies and civil servants to work diligently and be open to feedback and highlighted the importance of stimulating the economy, given the challenges faced by the country's economy in recent years.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister assured the public that the government is working tirelessly to address the nation’s concerns and encouraged cooperation and understanding from all sectors to achieve progress and improve the country's overall situation

• PM to announce full details of "digital wallet" scheme today

PM Srettha Thavisin will hold a press conference this afternoon to reveal what he called the “full package” of information on the digital wallet scheme, which his party promised to roll out as part of their election manifesto. This morning, Srettha chaired a meeting about the scheme at Government House.

He also explained why he did not include the details in yesterday’s televised announcement of his government’s achievements over the past two months, saying “I want everybody only to focus on the digital wallet scheme.”

During the “Chance of Possibility: From Policy to Action within 60 Days” broadcast, Srettha highlighted expense reduction measures, especially the price of electricity, which was first reduced from Bt4.45 to Bt4.10 and then to Bt3.99 baht.

He said the decreases are aimed at reducing the financial burden on the public.

Srettha also highlighted the boosting of national income through tourism, using visa exemptions for visitors from China, Taiwan and India.

• Full details of "Digital Wallet" scheme announced

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced today that the digital wallet scheme will be launched next May, under which every Thai citizen who is 16 or older, who has a monthly income not exceeding 70,000 baht or has no more than 500,000 baht in bank accounts, will be eligible for the one-time 10,000 baht cash benefit, to be spent within six months.

About 50 million Thais will be eligible, which will cost the taxpayer about 500 billion baht, instead of 54.4 million people, at a cost of 560 billion baht, under the original, non-means tested plan.

He said that the source of the funding will be loans to be secured by the government and repayable within 10 years, adding that a loan bill will be drafted, vetted by the Council of State, approved by the cabinet and sent to parliament for endorsement.

The 10,000 baht will be distributed through the “pao tang” application, which will be updated and backed up by a blockchain platform to ensure transparency, said the prime minister.

He stressed that the money, in the form of baht currency, can only be used to buy necessities, excluding liquor, tobacco in any form and cannabis, and cannot be used to make online purchases.

• BOI unveils news measures to support auto industry

The Board of Investment (BOI) has introduced new measures to support automobile manufacturers utilising automotive production technology.

These measures provide additional benefits and will be showcased in Japan with the Prime Minister in December this year, aiming to attract more investors.

Today (November 9), at the Government House, the Board of Investment (BOI) Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi, held a meeting with the Board of Investment (BOI) Committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Panpree Bahiddha-Nukara. They approved investment promotion measures to enhance the automotive industry by supporting manufacturers in adopting automation and robotics systems to improve efficiency in both internal combustion engine and plug-in hybrid vehicle production. These measures cover existing and new investments to enhance production efficiency and support the transition to a modern technology-driven automotive industry.

Under these measures, companies investing in automation and robotics systems will be exempted from corporate income tax for 3 years, up to 50% of the investment amount. Additionally, projects using automated machinery systems domestically, with a minimum of 30% local content, will receive a 100% corporate income tax exemption for the investment in these systems. Applications for these incentives must be submitted within 2024.

Narit stated that these new measures, along with the benefits for automobile manufacturers, will be used by the BOI to attract investors, especially during the Prime Minister's visit to Japan in December 2022.

"There are several measures for showcasing, such as the EV 3.5 promotion measure, which aims to enhance the automotive industry. The new measures introduced this time will further boost the entire automotive industry by upgrading and integrating new technologies," Narit said.

The automotive industry is a significant sector crucial to driving the country's economy, contributing to exports, employment, and a large number of manufacturers in the automotive supply chain, with over 2,300 entities. In 2022, Thailand produced approximately 1.9 million vehicles, making it the largest automotive production base in ASEAN and ranked 10th globally.

Currently, the Thai automotive industry is entering a crucial period of transformation, requiring significant adjustments by manufacturers to embrace new technologies. These upgraded measures will enhance the potential of entrepreneurs to compete and navigate through the technological changes with stability.

The automotive and parts industry is a vital sector supporting Thailand's economic growth, ranking as the top export product. In the first 9 months of this year (January - September), the total export value amounted to 1.02 trillion baht, expanding by 8.2% compared to the same period last year, constituting 14% of the total export value.

This industry provides employment for approximately 900,000 people, with more than 2,300 manufacturers involved in the supply chain. There are over 20 automobile manufacturers, 530 Tier 1 parts manufacturers, and numerous Tier 2 and Tier 3 parts manufacturers, mainly SMEs, totaling approximately 1,750 entities.

• PM launches first of 3,000 festival activities to celebrate next two months

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Friday launched the opening ceremony for the first among some 3,000 activities to be delivered by two winter festivals before December’s end. The Thailand Winter Festival and the Colourful Bangkok Winter Festival 2023 will oversee the activities.

The festival roll-out is part of the new government’s effort to showcase Thailand’s potential to become a hub of world-class festivals, the world’s “Festival Country”. This is a major project of the National Soft Power Strategic Committee, which the Prime Minister himself chairs. The winter festivals are just one of 11 target areas of focus for the soft-power strategy.

Said the Prime Minister at the Government House event, “The National Soft Power Strategic Committee has initiated efforts to address legal obstacles, establish foundations for industrial growth, and create a knowledge-sharing network to prepare Thailand for the future as Festival Country.”

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Deputy Chairman of the National Soft Power Strategic Committee, added that the 3,000-plus festivals during this event are divided into two significant periods.

First is the Loy Krathong festival in November, followed by Christmas and New Year. Additionally, numerous multidimensional activities cover customs, arts, food, entertainment, music, and sports, creating a festive atmosphere with distinctive characteristics. The aim is to imprint Thailand as a new year-end destination on the global map.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has thus proposed five key activities, said Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol, Minister of Tourism and Sports. These begin with the vibrant “River of Colours” activity, featuring the Loy Krathong Festival 2023.

Next is the “Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2023”, highlighting the readiness of Bangkok as Thailand strides towards becoming a world-class sports tourism destination.

• Thai ambassadors and consuls to help boost trade and investment

The Foreign Ministry has called for a meeting of ambassadors and consuls-general worldwide from November 20 to 24 to discuss the economic diplomacy policy.

They will brainstorm on strategies to drive foreign policies, particularly focusing on the government's key strategies, including opening new markets and attracting investments.

The meeting will involve ambassadors, consuls, and commercial attachés from the Ministry of Commerce and the Board of Investment (BOI) working together comprehensively. The discussions will also involve provincial governors where the focus will be on promoting relationships and cooperation with neighbouring countries across various dimensions.

Additionally, the meeting will involve hearing input and opinions from various sectors, such as academia and private organisations, on topics including megatrends, politics/statecraft, economics, superpower competition, climate change, and digital economy. This collaboration aims to benefit foreign policies by leveraging international relationships effectively.

Currently, Thailand has 97 diplomatic offices worldwide, including 65 embassies, 28 consulates, permanent representatives of Thailand to the UN and ASEAN, and the Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs. These offices will participate in certain programmes.

Back in October, Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, stated in the seminar “Thailand Economic Outlook 2024 Change the Future Today” that the government would use economic diplomacy as a key tool to attract foreign investors. This approach will focus on significant aspects related to enhancing negotiation power and adding value to Thailand’s relationships with other countries.

The aim is to diversify economic risks, promote green economy, alternative energy, digitalisation, and sustainable agriculture to create new jobs and reduce reliance on the traditional economy by building relations with politically influential countries and regional economies.

Key targeted countries include China, the US, Japan and India. Thailand will also enhance relationships and cooperate with other economically significant countries such as South Korea, Australia, the European Union, ASEAN member countries, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Additionally, Thailand will focus on creating a conducive environment with its partner countries in terms of manufacturing, services, research, and development.

Thailand will utilise economic diplomacy to align with global changes, adhere to international norms, democracy, fundamental human rights, and demonstrate readiness to contribute to solving global challenges, such as climate change. Simultaneously, Thailand will use economic diplomacy as the forefront of the new era of diplomacy, exploring new opportunities in digital economy, innovation, entrepreneur development, and grooming new generations.

Thailand will also encourage Thai investments abroad and offer benefits to investors in the future industries. The BOI will facilitate long-term visas and prioritise issues related to the blue economy and regional cooperation through platforms like the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), as well as the New Emerging Economies (BRICS) group.

Well that all sounds super.



This lot seem pretty good at spending money so far

• Coalition member warns PM of bad omen from residing at Government House

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s plan to live full time at Government House, also known as “Ban Norasingh”, instead of at the official prime minister’s residence, is a break with tradition and could bring bad luck to the country, a ruling coalition politician has warned.

Speaking on Facebook Live on Friday, Samart Jenchaijitwanich, a spokesman of the Palang Pracharath Party and a former aide to the justice minister, said that none of the past prime ministers had ever stayed full time at Ban Norasingh in Bangkok’s Dusit district.

They either lived in their own house or at Phitsanulok Mansion, also known as Thailand’s White House, the official residence of the prime minister, also located in Dusit district, he said.

Srettha, the country’s 30th PM, plans to convert Phakdibodin Building in the Government House compound into a private room where he can spend the night. The move aims to eliminate the need for him to commute from his house to work every day, to prevent adding to the city’s traffic woes, Srettha has said.

Samart pointed out that Ban Norasingh used to be a residence of Chao Phraya Ram Rakop (former name Feu Pheungboon), a court official during the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), who bestowed him with the land and also a draft plan to build the primary building.

After the Siamese revolution in 1932, Chao Phraya Ram Rakop sold the compound to the government of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram for 1 million baht, and it has served as Thailand’s Government House until present.

“I have heard many strange stories around Ban Norasingh,” said Samart. “One story said Field Marshal Plaek worked late here one night and fell asleep. He later woke up and saw what appeared to be a ghost in Thai costume.”

Samart went on to say that since the PM’s plan to live full time at Ban Norasingh was announced, several “strange phenomenons” have happened in Thailand.

Among them are torrential rains in several parts of Thailand despite the arrival of the cold season, the collapse of a lane in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Road, and a classroom collapse at a school in Chonburi province, he said.

“Worse things could happen once Mr Srettha starts living at Government House full time,” Samart warned. “I’m speculating that it might even cut short his term as the premier.”

• PM offers e-refund sop to Thais not eligible for digital handout

Thai citizens who are not eligible for the government’s digital wallet scheme can avail of “e-refund”, a tax refund programme that offers tax rebate of up to 50,000 baht, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Friday.

Srettha announced while amending the eligibility requirements for the 10,000 baht digital wallet scheme.

Those who earn above 70,000 baht a month, or have a bank balance over 500,000 baht, are no longer eligible for the digital wallet handout, but can get a maximum 50,000 baht tax deduction for spending on goods and services, the PM revealed.

The revision in eligibility for the digital wallet handout has led to the exclusion of 3.5 million people.

Sretha, who is also the Finance Minister, said that the e-refund programme would allow Thai citizens to claim tax deductions.

Participants will need to submit their tax returns with corresponding receipts, and the government will reimburse the taxed amount.

To be eligible for the e-refund, citizens will have to purchase goods and services from businesses that are part of the tax system, especially businesses that issue electronic invoices.

The twin initiatives aim to stimulate the economy while encouraging businesses to integrate more into the digital tax system, moving towards future e-government, Srettha said.

The e-refund scheme is set to commence in January 2024.

• DES minister promotes blockchain education for Thailand’s economic leadership

Encouraging Thais to embrace blockchain technology, Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong highlighted the pivotal role it plays in the country’s digital economy.

Speaking on Saturday at Blockchain Genesis: Thailand Blockchain Week 2023, he stressed the importance of understanding and leveraging this technology for economic growth.

The two-day event, under the theme “Build in Bear, Rise in Bull”, kicked off on Saturday at Samyan Mitrtown Hall.

The event serves to showcase blockchain technology’s potential, transforming from a mere enabler to a robust business model and industry.

“Technology plays an important role in driving society and the economy, and one of the most promising technologies is blockchain. If Thailand uses blockchain technology to its fullest potential, it can bring many benefits, including increased efficiency, as well as reduced steps and expenses in various transactions,” he said.

He also pointed out that blockchain technology allows for traceability, which will help reduce the risk of corruption, while also increasing transparency and accountability.

DES minister promotes blockchain education for Thailand’s economic leadership

Blockchain technology also creates new trade opportunities, expands markets internationally and creates jobs and businesses.

“In the near future, I believe this technology [blockchain] will be beneficial to both the public and private sectors in several aspects, such as making the transfer of critical patients between hospitals easy, promoting soft power, or protecting pieces of art from being imitated,” he said.

Urging everybody to stay up to date with blockchain and other innovative technologies, he said, the ministry was actively collaborating with businesses to fortify Thailand’s digital infrastructure through legal amendments and support.

Thailand as a digital hub

“Thailand is one of the top countries for high adoption. We have also expanded rapidly in the trade of digital assets, while major players such as banks have invested in the cryptocurrency market,” said Sanjay Popli, Cryptomind Group’s CEO.

However, he said, to become a digital hub in Southeast Asia, Thailand must address a few challenges first, like regulations, visa policies and talent development.

As for the “Build in Bear, Rise in Bull” theme, he explained that in a bear market, investors pull back or delay their investments in risky assets like digital ones.

However, he said, this dull period is also great for people to sharpen their knowledge and skills, as well as accumulate potential growth assets before the bull market emerges.

“Currently, the bear market for digital assets has already ended, which means this market is rising amid several factors of support, such as the growth of Bitcoin, the upcoming Bitcoin Halving in 2024 and the approval of the Bitcoin SPOT ETF,” he said.

He said this event’s goal is to serve as a national platform for tech nerds, experts and other interested parties to share their knowledge and experience to improve the overall ecosystem.

DES minister promotes blockchain education for Thailand’s economic leadership

The expo, which is showcasing technology from nearly 50 businesses as well as a line-up of expert speakers, is expected to attract more than 5,000 attendees.

“What surprises me is that nearly 500 foreigners have registered to attend this year. The majority of them are from Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China," he said, adding that this expo will eventually become an event in the region that nobody wants to miss.

• Bank of Thailand chief challenges PM on source of funds for digital wallet scheme

The Digital Currency Project Policy Committee meeting presided over by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, wrapped up on Friday with an outline of specifics and prerequisites of the digital wallet scheme.

Bank of Thailand chief challenges PM on source of funds for digital wallet scheme

In his comprehensive 30-minute address after the meeting, Srettha provided the project’s policy details, such as reasons, necessity, criteria, conditions and the key issue of the “funding source”. The plan is to drive the project with a loan of up to 500 billion baht, potentially through a royal decree or a loan authorisation law.

However, before the scheduled media briefing at 2 pm, an intense debate ensued during the committee meeting that commenced at 11.15 am. Central to the discussion was the legislation for borrowing, seen as a last-resort measure for securing the project’s funds.

Bank of Thailand (BOT) governor, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, was the first to voice dissent, raising concerns about the borrowing legislation. He said clarity was required on potential contradictions with the 1958 Currency Act, such as providing a clear source of funds and corresponding assets to support them.

The BOT also cautioned that an enactment of a loan authorisation law for up to 500 billion baht may heighten inflation risks in the upcoming year, and advocated caution and continuous vigilance.

Simultaneously, the secretary-general of the Office of the Council of State highlighted the significance of thorough consultation and consensus before a loan authorisation law is drafted. The official also pushed for extensive deliberations and study of diverse opinions to prevent potential problems in the future.

A source present at the meeting said there were many disagreements over various conditions, especially related to the committee’s expedited decision-making process. The swift consideration and decision of several agenda items also raised worries about the potential lack of comprehensive reasoning, leading to disagreements within the committee.

Meanwhile, the BoT governor said there was insufficient reasoning behind the information presented, leading to the BoT abstaining from participating in the decision-making process.

Eventually, Srettha took a final decision on new conditions being applied to the 10,000-baht digital wallet. He said financial support to Thai citizens aged 16 and above will only be extended to those earning less than 70,000 baht per month and having less than 500,000 baht in their bank accounts. This will potentially benefit some 50 million individuals.