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  1. #576
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    Thailand Revamps PHEV Taxes, Prioritising Electric Range and Scrapping Fuel Tank Limits






    New Excise Duty Structure Aims to Boost Electric Vehicle Adoption from 2026

    The Thai Cabinet, on Tuesday, has approved a significant overhaul of the excise duty system for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), shifting the focus to electric driving range as the primary determinant for taxation.

    Effective from 1st January 2026, PHEVs capable of travelling at least 80 kilometres on a single electric charge will benefit from a lower 5% excise duty rate.

    In a parallel move, the previous regulation imposing a 45-litre limit on fuel tank capacity has been abolished.

    Deputy Finance Minister Dr Paopoom Rojanasakul announced the changes today, following the Cabinet's approval of the Excise Department's proposed Ministerial Regulation.


    The key objective is to create a clearer distinction in tax treatment between PHEVs and standard hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), with the electric driving range becoming the sole criterion for calculating excise duty.

    The removal of the fuel tank restriction is seen as a crucial step in positioning Thailand as a more attractive manufacturing base for PHEVs that meet global standards.

    Officials had noted that the previous rule necessitated the production of non-standard fuel tanks, creating unnecessary complications and hindering the appeal of PHEVs to consumers.

    Thailand Revamps PHEV Taxes, Prioritising Electric Range and Scrapping Fuel Tank Limits
    Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

  2. #577
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    Value of Thailand’s cross-border trade rises 7.8% during current government’s tenure

    Thailand's cross-border trade rose 7.8% in the first six months of the current government, with a surplus of over 109 billion baht, says Commerce Minister.

    Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said on Wednesday that the value of cross-border trade, including trade conducted along the borders, rose by 7.8 per cent during the first six months of the current government’s tenure.

    Pichai made the statement while accompanying Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to a meeting on the cross-border trade situation at the Nakhon Phanom Customs Office.

    During the meeting, the Prime Minister and Commerce Minister were briefed on progress related to the border trade development centre, the advancement of special economic zones, and the development of trade routes linking Thailand with neighbouring countries.

    Following the meeting, Pichai told reporters that the value of cross-border and border trade from October 2024 to March 2025 totalled 908.347 billion baht, representing a 7.8 per cent increase compared to the same period the previous year.

    This figure included exports worth 509.08 billion baht (a 10.8 per cent increase) and imports worth 399.269 billion baht (a 4.2 per cent increase), resulting in a trade surplus of 109.809 billion baht for Thailand.

    Value of Thailand’s cross-border trade rises 7.8% during current government’s tenure

  3. #578
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    PM outlines economic plans after Moody’s cuts Thailand outlook

    PM Paetongtarn vows to boost investor confidence and drive steady economic growth, addressing Moody’s downgrade and global trade challenges.

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered on Wednesday (April 30) a keynote address titled “Mission Thailand: Reviving the Economy.”

    During her speech, she commented on Moody’s Investors Service’s recent decision to revise Thailand’s credit outlook from “Stable” to “Negative,” clarifying that this move does not constitute a downgrade in rating but rather reflects the agency’s assessment of reduced economic growth potential.

    “This is not a rating or scoring downgrade,” the Prime Minister said. “It is Moody’s perspective that Thailand’s growth potential has weakened. A ‘Negative’ outlook does not mean the country has lost credibility. One key factor in Moody’s assessment is the global trend of rising tariffs, particularly those imposed by the United States, which have impacted many countries and caused similar outlook downgrades. The Ministry of Finance is closely monitoring the situation.”

    She posed several key questions to emphasise the broader economic context: “Does Moody’s consider Thailand’s economy weak? How much growth potential do we have? How significantly are US tariffs disrupting our policies? And to what extent are political conflicts becoming obstacles to policy implementation and economic progress?”

    Despite these concerns, she acknowledged the importance of reassuring international observers. “The first thing Thailand must do is avoid causing further concern. We must prepare our economy to weather the storm and minimise the impact of trade barriers,” she said.

    At the same time, she emphasised the need to focus on long-term solutions, including generating real revenue through investment in future industries, particularly data centres and semiconductors. “These investments are critical to driving and sustaining economic growth.”

    PM outlines economic plans after Moody’s cuts Thailand outlook

  4. #579
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    Thailand tightens regulations on student visa with 5 new measures

    The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and Immigration Bureau announce stricter regulations on education visa programs with 5 measures to prevent student visa abuse.

    On Wednesday (April 30), Pol Lt Gen Panumas Boonyaluck, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, together with bureau executives, held a joint meeting with Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and related officials.

    The meeting focused on visa approvals for non-degree international students to prevent student visa abuse, and resulted in the following five key measures:

    1. Program Disclosure Requirement

    MHESI will issue a ministerial announcement requiring each educational institution to provide detailed information about their programs. This includes the program name, responsible institution, curriculum content, instructional format (proportion of online vs. onsite classes), program duration (class schedules, number of days and hours per day), and appropriate student capacity per program.

    2. Monitoring and Compliance Measures

    Institutions must ensure student attendance and participation in line with curriculum standards. There will be guidelines for supervision and verification of compliance.

    3. Monthly Status Reporting

    Institutions are required to report the status of student enrollment or termination from programs on a monthly basis through an electronic system. This will support timely decisions regarding visa revocation if a student's activity does not comply with program standards.

    4. Consequences for Non-Compliance

    Institutions that fail to comply with the ministerial announcement will have their proposed programs revoked. Non-compliance may also impact the approval of future programs.

    5. Data Sharing and Investigation Cooperation

    MHESI requests that, if the Immigration Bureau identifies suspicious or irregular data from educational institutions, such information should be shared with MHESI for further investigation.

    Thailand tightens regulations on student visa with 5 new measures

  5. #580
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    Thailand to seek tariffs similar to trade competitors, Finance minister says

    Thailand's economy is expected to encounter temporary "air pockets" due to the impact of tariffs, the finance minister said on Thursday, and the country plans to negotiate to align its tariffs more closely with those of its trade competitors.

    "No matter how much the tariff will end up, if it is at an equal level and equal to our competitors, it will not affect us," Pichai Chunhavajira said at a ministry event.

    "With our proposal, we should be at a point where we would get what we want," he added.

    Thailand is among Southeast Asian nations hardest hit by U.S. President Donald Trump's measures, facing a 36% tariff if a reduction can't be negotiated before a U.S. moratorium expires in July.

    Thailand to seek tariffs similar to trade competitors, Finan

  6. #581
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    Parks dept launches E-Ticket to curb fee fraud October 15

    The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is set to fully implement the E-Ticket system in marine national parks starting October 15. The system will also be expanded to cover major terrestrial parks to reduce revenue leakage and enhance transparency in fee collection.

    Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), clarified on Monday (April 28, 2025) regarding the management of national park revenue to enhance public understanding of the revenue collection and management system.

    This follows the policy of Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, who has instructed the agency to expedite the full implementation of the E-Ticket system in time for the upcoming tourist season, starting October 15, 2025, to improve transparency in revenue collection.

    Atthapol stated that the DNP places great importance on transparent revenue collection and ensuring that the funds are utilised to maximise the conservation and development of national park areas. In particular, the department has recently designed and developed a digital revenue management system called "e-National Park" to upgrade the transparency and auditability of revenue collection while minimising direct cash handling by staff.

    Although the DNP has already been using the E-Ticket system, there are still limitations, especially in covering all types of activities and areas. Therefore, the system is being further enhanced.

    Currently, cooperation is being sought from tourism operators, particularly those in marine national parks, to use the E-Ticket system for ticket sales, thereby eliminating direct cash transactions with officials.

    "However, risks remain in certain areas, such as inaccurate data entry, discrepancies between the reported and actual number of visitors, and errors in recording visitor nationalities. To address these issues, we have established a central inspection committee chaired by the Deputy Director-General in charge of national parks, with external experts invited to participate in the auditing process to ensure credibility at the local level. In addition, regional offices responsible for conservation areas have formed dedicated teams to conduct periodic field inspections. I have instructed them to increase the frequency and rigour of these inspections to prevent any revenue leakage," Atthapol emphasised.

    Parks dept launches E-Ticket to curb fee fraud October 15

  7. #582
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    Thailand outlines ambitious AI strategy to become regional hub






    The National AI Committee has outlined its strategic direction to position Thailand as a regional hub for AI development and to drive national economic growth.

    Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, who also serves as deputy chairman of the committee, said on Thursday that the committee has developed a comprehensive plan to prepare Thailand across various dimensions—particularly focusing on the development of a skilled AI workforce.

    The government aims to train no fewer than 10 million individuals as AI users, 90,000 as AI professionals, and 50,000 as AI developers within the next two years.

    In addition, the committee will promote investment in digital infrastructure, including cloud systems, data centres, GPU-based computing systems, and the development of an open-source AI platform.

    These efforts aim to support the widespread adoption of AI technologies at affordable costs. A national data bank will also be established to consolidate valuable datasets for AI development across various sectors, he said.

    As for government data, all public agencies are expected to transition fully to digital systems by 2026.

    “The investment in these infrastructures is expected to be no less than 500 billion baht, comprising contributions from both the public and private sectors, domestically and internationally,” Prasert stated.

    Thailand outlines ambitious AI strategy to become regional hub

  8. #583
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    Paetongtarn to address nation on May 4 on collapsed building, U.S. tariff strategy, and entertainment complexes






    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will return to host her monthly TV program “Thai Opportunities with PM Paetongtarn” on Sunday (May 4), after a one-month hiatus due to the recent earthquake crisis.

    Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap announced on Saturday that the prime minister will provide updates on key issues she has been overseeing over the past two months. These include the investigation into the collapse of the State Auditor Office (SAO) building, the rollout and testing of the cell broadcast emergency alert system, and the government’s strategy to mitigate impacts from rising U.S. import tariffs, which could affect the Thai economy.

    She will also discuss the revival of the SML community development program through the Village Fund budget, and announce the launch of over 900 “ODOS Summer Camp” scholarships for youth nationwide, added Jirayu.

    Another key topic will be the government’s entertainment complex policy, which is not funded by the state budget but aims to boost tourism income and create jobs. The policy is designed to attract international investment and support the hospitality sector.

    The program will air on May 4 from 08:00–08:30 a.m. on NBT 2HD and TV5 channels, and from 09:30–10:00 a.m. on Channel 9 MCOT HD, with simultaneous radio broadcast via the Public Relations Department’s national network.

  9. #584
    Guest Member S Landreth's Avatar
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    PM discusses tourism stimulus measures with Tourism Ministry and TAT






    From January 1 to April 20, Thailand saw 11.2 million foreign visitors, generating about 540 billion baht in revenue — a 0.52% increase year-on-year.

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Saturday called a meeting with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to discuss measures to stimulate tourism, especially during the upcoming low season, as current tourism numbers have not met expectations due to several factors.

    Paetongtarn stated that the recent tourism figures have fallen short of targets, due to external factors such as the global economy, and internal issues such as recent earthquakes and domestic rumors affecting Chinese tourist confidence. These are key challenges the government must address with appropriate response measures.

    “One major point of concern is that the current quarter marks the beginning of the low season. In the long term, the government is pursuing the creation of man-made destinations, but in the short term, other urgent measures are needed,” she said.

    These measures may include tourism campaigns, collaborative promotions with online platforms, and partnerships across various sectors, she added.

    Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, proposed the “Let’s Go Halves” scheme for tourism, where the government would cover 50% of domestic travel expenses, and the public would pay the other 50%. A preliminary framework has been presented to and approved by the Prime Minister.

    Sorawong added that the ministry is currently reviewing details on how people will register and redeem benefits, and what channels should be used. The “TukTuk” app has entered discussions as a potential platform, though an open-access system is also being considered.

    “The goal is to finalize all operational details before submitting the proposal to the Cabinet for approval by mid-May 2025,” he said. “The budget, previously discussed with the Ministry of Finance, is set at 3.5 billion baht. The project’s launch has been pushed from May to June 2025 to better align with the start of the low season.”

    From January 1 to April 20, Thailand saw 11.2 million foreign visitors, generating about 540 billion baht in revenue — a 0.52% increase year-on-year. Although Chinese tourist numbers declined after Songkran, mainly due to current travel conditions in and out of China, long-haul markets such as the UK and India have shown strong and consistent growth.

    The minister emphasized that China remains a key market, and he has instructed the ministry’s permanent secretary to hold meetings with industry stakeholders to devise strategies for reviving Chinese tourism.

    PM discusses tourism stimulus measures with Tourism Ministry and TAT

  10. #585
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    Thailand welcomes 12.09 million foreign tourists in first 4 months of 2025

    Total revenue from tourism goes up despite a slight dip in arrivals

    The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has released statistics showing that 12.09 million foreign tourists visited Thailand during the first four months of 2025, a slight decline of 0.26% compared to the same period last year. However, tourism revenue rose by 5.24% year on year, reaching 576.85 billion baht.

    In April alone, which included the Songkran Festival, 2.54 million international visitors arrived to the kingdom — a 7.6% drop from April 2024. Malaysia overtook China as the top source of tourists during that month.

    Top 10 countries by tourist arrivals (Jan–Apr 2025):


    • China – 1,648,647
    • Malaysia – 1,516,132
    • Russia – 877,516
    • India – 750,056
    • South Korea – 582,385
    • United Kingdom – 445,347
    • Germany – 424,101
    • United States – 401,137
    • France – 382,257
    • Japan – 374,896


    Top 10 countries by tourist arrivals (April 2025):


    • Malaysia – 362,636
    • China – 317,213
    • India – 206,286
    • Russia – 155,314
    • United Kingdom – 110,231
    • South Korea – 84,455
    • Germany – 82,859
    • United States – 80,506
    • Laos – 80,468
    • Australia – 75,067


    Thailand welcomes 12.09 million foreign tourists in first 4 months of 2025

  11. #586
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    Paetongtarn admits secret deals in ongoing US trade talks






    PM Paetongtarn admits secret elements in US trade talks and calls for ASEAN unity to boost bargaining power amid speculation over delays.

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has acknowledged the existence of confidential elements in ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, led by President Donald Trump.

    Secret Trade Elements Confirmed in Weekly Address

    In her pre-recorded weekly television programme aired on Sunday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn admitted that certain aspects of the current trade talks with the US government could not be disclosed to the public.

    “There were issues in the talks that could not be made public,” she said. “If such details are revealed, comparisons would be made and turmoil could follow. Every country has its own ‘secret deals’ in bilateral negotiations, but that doesn’t make them harmful. Some matters simply cannot be disclosed.”

    US Postpones Formal Trade Talks with Thailand

    The United States had previously scheduled trade negotiations with Thailand for 23 April, focusing on import tariffs. However, these talks were postponed indefinitely by Washington.

    Paetongtarn stated earlier that the postponement stemmed from dissatisfaction on the US side regarding certain Thai proposals, although she declined to provide specifics.

    Speculation Over Lèse Majesté Case and F-16 Deal

    The indefinite delay has fuelled speculation. Some believe the US was expressing concern over the lèse majesté charge against American academic Paul Chambers. However, on 1 May, Thai public prosecutors announced they would not proceed with charges against him.

    Another theory links the delay to Thailand's Defence Ministry rejecting a US proposal for the Royal Thai Air Force to purchase a fleet of F-16 fighter jets, reportedly suggested as a way to reduce ThailandÂ’s trade surplus with the US.

    Informal Talks Still Underway Despite Delay

    Despite the indefinite postponement of formal negotiations, Paetongtarn affirmed that informal discussions with Washington were ongoing and unaffected.

    She said the Thai government — particularly Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira — remained ready to participate in formal talks whenever they resumed.

    Preparation Began in Late 2024

    According to Paetongtarn, a team of advisers based at Ban Phitsanulok began preparing for trade talks in late 2024. A formal negotiation team led by Pichai was subsequently established in January 2025.

    ASEAN Unity Proposed for Greater Bargaining Power

    Paetongtarn also revealed that she had spoken with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet about the possibility of ASEAN nations forming a united front in negotiations with the US.

    “With over 600 million people across ASEAN, we should have the bargaining power to strike better trade deals with the United States,” she said.

    Paetongtarn admits secret deals in ongoing US trade talks

  12. #587
    Guest Member S Landreth's Avatar
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    In case you missed it.

    https://cdni-hw.ch7.com/dm/sz-md/i/i...7.25327306.jpg

    นายกฯ อิ๊งค์ ลั่นกลางรายการ กรณีตึก สตง.ถล่ม "ออกแบบผิดก็คือผิด" ย้ำรัฐเตรียมพร้อมหมดแล้วหากเกิดเหตุอีก

    ข่าวนายกฯ อิ๊งค์ ลั่นกลางรายการ กรณีตึก สตง.ถล่ม "ออกแบบผิดก็คือผิด" ย้ำรัฐเตรียมพร้อมหมดแล้วหากเกิดเหตุอีก


  13. #588
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    Thailand Grapples with Looming Social Security Fund Crisis

    Proposals to raise retirement age and contributions surface as fund projected to run dry within three decades

    Thai authorities are considering a series of significant reforms to the Social Security Fund (SSO) amid projections that it could become insolvent within the next 30 years.

    A study conducted in 2020 by the SSF and the International Labour Organization (ILO) has highlighted an impending imbalance between income and expenditure due to an ageing population and consistently expanding benefits.

    Without intervention, the fund's reserves are forecast to be depleted by 2054.

    Labour Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn has outlined four potential strategies to avert this crisis: extending the retirement age, gradually increasing contribution rates, expanding the wage ceiling for contributions, and fostering closer collaboration between the SSF and key stakeholders in policy formulation.

    Currently, the standard retirement age in Thailand is 55, which is notably low compared to other nations in the region. Proposals suggest raising this to 65, a concept discussed at the SSO Sustainable 2024 conference.

    Many countries, such as Sweden (67), have already implemented higher retirement ages. Any increase in Thailand, however, would be phased in gradually over the long term.

    Actuarial assessments indicate that contribution rates may need to rise to as high as 20.2% to ensure the fund's sustainability for the next 75 years.

    Recognising the economic impact of an immediate, sharp increase, the government is considering a series of smaller, phased increases over several years.

    Expanding the current cap on wages subject to contributions is another measure under consideration.

    Phipat also addressed ongoing efforts to reform the SSF's governance structure, aiming to remove it from the direct control of the civil service.

    The goal is to establish an independent body managed by professionals, allowing for greater operational flexibility and service efficiency.

    Thailand Grapples with Looming Social Security Fund Crisis

  14. #589
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    Thailand Seeks to Mitigate Trump Tariff Impact, Touts Tech Hub Credentials to Seagate

    Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan engages with global IT giant, highlighting Thailand's strategic importance in the tech supply chain

    Thailand's Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has held high-level talks with executives from Seagate, a leading global digital storage company, to discuss potential impacts from any future reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States.

    The meeting, which took place on April 30th, saw Pichai and Seagate's Vice President of Government Affairs, Cash McCracken, exchange views on the global economic landscape and explore strategies for navigating potential trade barriers.

    Pichai expressed concerns regarding the potential for US tariffs to disrupt Thai exports and increase operational costs for multinational corporations operating within the country.

    He urged Seagate to relay these concerns to relevant US authorities, emphasising the importance of maintaining a favourable trade and investment environment.

    Thailand Seeks to Mitigate Trump Tariff Impact, Touts Tech Hub Credentials to Seagate

    In return, Seagate executives provided valuable insights into negotiating with US agencies such as the USTR, the Department of Commerce, and the Treasury Department, offering practical guidance for Thailand’s negotiating team.

    The Minister also used the meeting to underscore Thailand's strategic importance as a hub for advanced technology manufacturing, particularly in the production of hard disk drives (HDDs), a critical component for the global cloud and AI industries.

    Seagate, which has significant production facilities in Nakhon Ratchasima and Samut Prakan provinces, employs tens of thousands of Thai workers.

    Thailand Seeks to Mitigate Trump Tariff Impact, Touts Tech Hub Credentials to Seagate

  15. #590
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    Third phase of digital handouts scheme postponed – PM






    The government has decided to postpone the disbursement to 2.7 million baht to Thais, aged from 16 to 20, of the 10,000 baht per person benefit under the third phase of the digital handouts scheme, which was due to take place this month.

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra told the media that the matter was not discussed by the Cabinet today, because the government is waiting for more feedback on the scheme from relevant agencies, coupled with the abrupt change in the global economic situation, including the reciprocal tariffs to be imposed on Thai exports to the US market.

    She said that, even though the government is intent on implementing the scheme, to boost the economy, it also has to listen to opinions from agencies like Bank of Thailand and the National Economic and Social Development Council.

    She said that the government has no plan to scrap the scheme, but it is assessing whether the funds meant for the scheme could be better spent, adding that the government will try to explain the necessity for the postponement to the potential recipients.

    Regarding the prime minister’s earlier claim, that the Thai tariff negotiating team has unofficial and secret deals with their US counterparts, she said some parts of the deal cannot be disclosed until the time is right.

    She did say, though, that tariff talks will be held within the 90-day time frame.

    Third phase of digital handouts scheme postponed - PM

  16. #591
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    Cabinet approves increase in Social Security Fund compensation for laid-off workers

    Cabinet approves raising laid-off workers’ compensation from 50% to 60% of daily wages to provide better support during unemployment.

    The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a draft directive from the Labour Ministry to increase compensation for laid-off workers under the Social Security Fund from 50% to 60% of their average daily wage, according to a government spokesperson.

    Compensation Rate Raised to 60%

    Deputy government spokesman Karom Polpornklang said the Cabinet approved the Labour Ministry’s proposal at the weekly Cabinet meeting. The new compensation rate will take effect once the directive is published in the Royal Gazette.

    Applies to Social Security Fund Members Under Article 33

    Currently, employees covered by Article 33 of the Social Security Act are entitled to receive unemployment compensation at 50% of their average daily pay for up to 180 days. The change will raise this rate to 60%, offering greater financial support during periods of unemployment.

    Labour Ministry Cites Economic Pressures

    The Labour Ministry proposed the increase, arguing that the existing 50% rate is insufficient to support laid-off workers amid ongoing economic difficulties. The proposal was reviewed and cleared by the Office of the Council of State.

    Increase Allowed Under Financial Discipline Law

    Karom noted that the increase is in accordance with Article 27 of the Financial Discipline Act B.E. 2561, which allows adjustments under certain conditions.

    Cabinet approves increase in Social Security Fund compensation for laid-off workers

  17. #592
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    Thai Tourism Chiefs Push for THB 3.5 Billion Boost Amidst Chinese Visitor Concerns

    Officials propose significant budget injection to revive international arrivals, particularly from China, following a dip in early 2025

    Thai tourism authorities are urging the government to approve a 3.5 billion baht injection of funds to aggressively stimulate both domestic and international tourism.

    The move comes after a slight dip in international arrivals in the first four months of 2025 and growing concerns about the crucial Chinese market.

    The Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) are preparing to submit a proposal to the Cabinet for the significant financial boost, which will be channelled through three key initiatives.

    A primary focus will be on revitalising the number of visitors from China, aiming to reach 6.7 million for the year, matching the 2024 figures.

    Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong explained that the revised strategy followed discussions with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

    Recent figures showed a marginal 0.2% decrease in international tourist arrivals between January and April 2025 compared to the same period last year, prompting a rethink on how to maximise the impact of the tourism budget.

    "We were initially planning to request 3.5 billion baht from the central emergency reserve fund for a further phase of the 'Visit Thailand Together' scheme for Thai nationals, targeting one million users," Sorawong stated. "We are now proposing to reallocate some of these funds to projects specifically designed to boost inbound tourism."

    Thai Tourism Chiefs Push for THB 3.5 Billion Boost Amidst Chinese Visitor Concerns

    TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool added that the revised plan would be presented to the Prime Minister this week before being submitteTAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool d to the Cabinet.

    She described the requested budget as a "booster shot" to effectively invigorate both the domestic and international markets through three targeted campaigns.

    "Given the current slowdown in international arrivals, we believe it's crucial to allocate resources not only to the domestic market but also to maintain the momentum of our international tourism efforts," Thapanee emphasised.

    Three-Pronged Approach to Revive Tourism

    The three proposed projects include:


    • A revised "Visit Thailand Together" scheme aimed at encouraging domestic travel during the low season. Recent discussions suggest a reduction in the number of eligible participants to under one million, with individual usage capped at fewer than ten times. The allocation of usage in major and secondary cities is initially proposed at a 50:50 split, but final details are still under discussion.
    • A "Joint Promotion" initiative with online travel agencies (OTAs) targeting independent travellers (FITs) through collaborations with major global platforms.
    • A "Joint Promotion" scheme with airlines specifically focused on the Chinese market. TAT will support both scheduled and charter flights, with a particular emphasis on ensuring strong passenger numbers (at least 85% load factor) for charter flights, as scheduled flights are expected to benefit from the OTA partnership.


    Thapanee highlighted the challenges in the Chinese market, attributing them to concerns about safety and negative online narratives.

    "The current situation with Chinese tourists has been impacted by several factors, particularly concerns about Thailand's safety image, making them hesitant to travel. This has affected the charter flight market for tour operators, and we are concerned about potential knock-on effects for scheduled flights. Therefore, supporting charter flights from China is vital," she said.

    Thai Tourism Chiefs Push for THB 3.5 Billion Boost Amidst Chinese Visitor Concerns

  18. #593
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    Energy Ministry eyes importing 3–5 million tonnes of LNG from Alaska

    Thailand eyes importing 3–5m tonnes of LNG yearly from Alaska under joint project talks with US to boost energy security and become Asia’s LNG hub.

    The Ministry of Energy has tasked PTT Plc and Electricity Generating Plc (EGCO) with initiating discussions with the United States regarding a natural gas development project that could see Thailand importing up to 5 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Alaska annually. The move is intended, in part, to help balance the trade surplus.

    High-Level Talks on Joint Development

    Prasert Sinsukprasert, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Energy, stated that PTT and EGCO had been instructed to engage in further discussions with the State of Alaska and relevant companies involved in the Alaska LNG Project, focusing on both potential joint development and LNG import opportunities.

    Prasert recently held meetings in Alaska with key figures, including:


    • The Governor of Alaska
    • The Alaska Committee on Revenue
    • The Alaska Committee on Natural Resources
    • The President of Alaska Gasline Development Corporation
    • Representatives from Glenfarne Energy Transition LLC


    Energy Ministry eyes importing 3–5 million tonnes of LNG from Alaska

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