Thread: Thailand and the new coalition government

• Patcharawat heads to Dubai, expecting breakthroughs at COP28

Thailand will reaffirm its commitment to work with the international community in tackling climate change issues at the international conference being held in the United Arab Emirates, Deputy Prime Minister Patcharawat Wongsuwan said.

He said that at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP28, the Thai delegation would report about the country’s work in cooperating with the world community in tackling climate change problems. He expected increased opportunities for Thailand to get financial, technological, and technical aid in dealing with the issue.

Patcharawat, who is also Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister, is leading the Thai delegation at the COP28 being held in Dubai from November 30 until December 12.

COP stands for Conference of the Parties, referring to the countries that signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which came into force in 1994.

Patcharawat said he expected the conference would agree on a plan to mobilise US$100 billion (3.5 trillion baht) per year until 2025 to help developing countries deal with the effects of climate change. He was hopeful that countries that had made commitments to contribute would help ensure the goal would be met. The minister added that the fund was necessary to help poorer countries prone to the effects of climate change to better deal with the problem.

“I believe that the COP28 will see breakthroughs and achieve the success expected by the world community. We [Thailand] fully support the efforts as a member of the world community. We would speed up the work being carried out in the country to address climate change,” Patcharawat said.

• PM calls for collaboration in crackdown on illegal lending

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told senior government officials on Friday to strictly enforce the law against illegal lending, which he said had led to “modern-day slavery”.

Srettha, who doubles as the finance minister, chaired a meeting of senior officials from the Interior Ministry and other relevant agencies at the Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi province. He outlined the government’s policy and measures to deal with the problem.

The prime minister told the participating state officials that he had not called the meeting to consolidate his power but that he needed their help to get rid of what he called “modern-day slavery” from Thai society.

He pointed to threats and physical assaults faced by many debtors from illegal lenders who charge hefty interest rates.

“Those people are deprived of their freedom and are chained to their debts. I believe that the administrative authorities and the police will be able to free them," Srettha said.

He said he had instructed the Interior Ministry and the Royal Thai Police to work with relevant state agencies to tackle the problem, adding that dealing with illegal lending is on the “national agenda” of his government.

Srettha urged debtors of illegal lenders to register with the government through five available channels to obtain help. He said that authorities would mediate for a compromise between the debtors and their creditors.

More than 70,000 people have registered online and in person with about 4 billion baht in combined debt.

At the meeting, the PM told relevant authorities to strictly enforce the law in case the loan sharks fail to follow the resolution agreed to by both sides or continue to threaten their debtors.

“Illegal lending is a complex problem. No single state agency can completely solve the problem alone with its existing authority. Today, I ask all the agencies to work together – be it the police, the administrative authorities, or the Finance Ministry. Please exercise your power properly to improve the people’s quality of life,” the prime minister said.

He also said that not only creditors but also debtors who break the law would equally face legal action.

“My main targets are creditors and debtors who break the law and cause trouble. You must deal with this problem and not let it go,” the PM told the participating officials.

Originally Posted by S Landreth

“Those people are deprived of their freedom and are chained to their debts.

yes they are

Originally Posted by S Landreth

I believe that the administrative authorities and the police will be able to free them," Srettha said.

• Minimum wage to be hiked by around 2.4% from January 1

Thailand’s daily minimum wage is set to increase nationwide from January 1, 2024, in the range of 330 to 370 baht per day according to the province, the Labour Ministry said.

The tripartite committee on minimum wage, comprising representatives of employers, employees and the government sector, met on Friday to finalise the details of minimum wage adjustment across all 77 provinces.

The new rates will be submitted to the Cabinet when it meets next Tuesday (December 12), and will take effect from January 1, Labour Ministry permanent secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien, who chaired the meeting on Friday, said.

The new daily minimum wage by province, from highest to lowest, are as follows:

370 baht: Phuket

363 baht: Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon

361 baht: Chonburi and Rayong

352 baht: Nakhon Ratchasima

351 baht: Samut Songkhram

350 baht: Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Chachoengsao, Prachinburi, Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai

349 baht: Lopburi

348 baht: Suphanburi, Nakhon Nayok and Nong Khai

347 baht: Krabi and Trat

345 baht: Kanchanaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Phang Nga, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon, Buri Ram, Ubon Ratchathani, Chiang Rai, Tak and Phitsanulok

344 baht: Phetchaburi, Chumphon and Surin

343 baht: Yasothon, Lamphun and Nakhon Sawan


342 baht: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Bueang Kan, Kalasin, Roi Et and Phetchabun

341 baht: Chai Nat, Singburi, Phatthalung, Chaiyaphum and Ang Thong

340 baht: Ranong, Satun, Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Maha Sarakham, Si Sa Ket, Amnat Charoen, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Uthai Thani and Ratchaburi

338 baht: Trang, Nan, Phayao and Phrae

330 baht: Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala

Currently, the lowest minimum wage in Thailand is 328 baht and the highest is 354 baht, varying from province to province. The increase in the daily minimum wage will range from 2 to 16 baht, or an average of 2.4%.

The Pheu Thai-led government had previously promised to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht per day by January 1 as a New Year's gift for workers nationwide. However, in October, the Labour Ministry said this was unlikely to happen after considering several factors, including the inflation rate.

• Srettha slams proposed daily wage hike, urges businesses to pay more

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his dissatisfaction with “too small increases” in the minimum daily wages as suggested by a tripartite committee.

Srettha said on Saturday that he would vote against these proposed rates when the Labour Ministry brings the matter to the Cabinet for endorsement.

While uncertain whether the proposal would reach the Cabinet at its next meeting on Tuesday, the premier called for a review of the suggested new rates, emphasising the need for further discussions with the panel to determine an “appropriate” minimum wage rate.

The tripartite committee on minimum daily wage resolved on Friday to set the new rates from January 1 at between 330 and 370 baht based on the province of employment. This is slightly higher than the current 328-354 baht rate.

The committee is comprised of representatives from the business, labour and government sectors.

Srettha, who also doubles as finance minister, said the proposed raises of 2-16 baht were “very small” compared to the rising cost of living. He said this was a matter of “big concern” for him as his government was taking various measures to help people cut their expenditures.

“Millions of people still rely on their daily wages, and the rise of just 2-7 baht in some provinces is too little,” he said.

The prime minister called on businesses to consider paying workers more than the proposed rates, pointing out that businesses also benefited from government measures such as reduced electricity prices.

“It’s time to reflect on improving workers’ quality of life. Don’t let Thai labourers be second or third-class citizens of the world,” Srettha said.

The prime minister also voiced displeasure at the proposed 2-baht increase for workers in the southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat. The rate in these provinces has been increased from 328 baht to 330 baht.

“I don’t know why the increase is just 2 baht, it’s not even enough to buy an egg. I’m very unhappy with this,” he said.

“We will talk with the tripartite committee again after the holidays. One of this government’s key policies involves raising minimum daily wages,” he said.

The premier added that the minimum daily wage should ideally rise to 400 baht in major provinces, dismissing concerns that higher wages would deter large manufacturers from investing in the country.

“Not at all. That’s only rhetoric. Nobody will shift [their factories] because daily wages have been raised from 300 to 400. This is because the government offers good tax incentives and the country has top healthcare and educational systems, as well as well-developed infrastructure,” he said.

• Ministry seeks satellite development, space exploration with US, China

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society plans to seek approvals from the Cabinet next week for the development of national satellites and sign memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the US and China on space exploration.

Permanent secretary Wisit Wisitsora-at said on Friday that the ministry would ask the Cabinet to assign the National Telecom Plc (NT) to be the main agency responsible for managing satellite channels for public and government services.

The ministry would also propose coordination between the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), NT and relevant government agencies on allocating and managing the use of satellite communication channels for public and government services to state agencies that make a request.

In addition, the ministry would like the Cabinet to consider exempting taxes on satellite images, products, and other services from the Theos 2 (Thailand Earth Observation System-2) exploration satellite project to support security missions and government agency missions, Wisit said.

The ministry wants the Cabinet to consider signing MoUs with the United States and China on space exploration cooperation. These agreements would promote cooperation in space technology, space research, and space education.

These proposals are significant steps forward for Thailand's space programme, Wisit said. Making NT the main responsible agency for managing satellite channels for public and government services would help ensure that Thailand has a reliable and efficient satellite communications system, he added. The proposed MoUs with the US and China will help promote cooperation in the field of space exploration.

Exemption of taxes on satellite images, products, and other services from the Theos 2 exploration satellite project would help reduce the cost of the project and make it more affordable for the government, he said.

The Cabinet is expected to consider these proposals at its meeting on December 13.

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• Thailand and Vietnam are ready for CSP

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said yesterday that Thailand is ready to upgrade ties with Vietnam as a comprehensive strategic partnership when he visits Hanoi early next year.

He told Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman, Vuong Dinh Hue, during their bilateral talks that their relations are progressing very rapidly and effectively in all areas.

Thailand and Vietnam are planning to host their fourth joint cabinet meeting next year when both countries will declare their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Hue is on a four-day to Thailand as a guest of the Thai National Assembly. Early, he signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the two legislative bodies.

He is scheduled to visit Udon Thaini over the weekend to open the world’s first Vietnam Town and lay a foundation stone for the education and tourism center, which will feature the life and legacy of former Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh.

Both Srettha and Hue reaffirmed their commitment to increase the volume of bilateral trade to US$ 25 billion in 2025.

Thailand is currently the biggest trading partner of Vietnam in Asean, which amounted to US$ 22 billion last year. Furthermore, it is also the second-largest investor in Vietnam valued $14 billion.

Earlier, Hue delivered a speech at Chulalongkorn University, hailing the steady growth of Thailand-Vietnam relations and their roles in promoting peace and stability.

He said that for peace to last and be sustainable, both countries and Asean members have a responsibility to contribute to promoting dialogue and cooperation, respecting the United Nations Charter and international law, including the peaceful settlement of disputes and refraining from the use or threat to use force.

“This is a vital issue nowadays and is our responsibility to future generations,” he reiterated.

Praising Thailand’s role and contributions to Asean’s formation and development, Hue said that in the new context, building a strong, united, and resilient Asean with a central role in the regional structure and good relations with external partners is a priority direction for the Vietnam-Thailand strategic partnership,” he added.

To further deepen the contents of the bilateral strategic partnership, he suggested strengthening political trust and national defense-security cooperation, fostering greater solidarity and innovation under the guiding principles of “reliability, responsibility, sincerity, cooperation for mutual benefit and shared progress.”

• Over 84,000 debtors register for government assistance

More than 84,000 individuals have enrolled for government debt relief over the last 10 days, according to Suttipong Juljarern, Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry.

This initiative is a crucial step in the government's campaign against illegal lending practices, particularly those involving exorbitant interest rates, which have often resulted in threats and assaults on debtors by loan sharks.

As of 3.30 pm on Sunday, a total of 84,507 debtors had sought assistance from the ministry, involving 54,952 creditors and totalling 4.463863 billion baht, according to data from the Office of the Inspector General and Legal Affairs, Department of Provincial Administration.

Of these registrations, 76,911 were completed online through the Department of Provincial Administration's website (https://debt.dopa .go .th), while the remaining 7,596 were in-person registrations at district offices.

Bangkok witnessed the highest number of registrations, with 5,440 debtors, 4,250 creditors, and a total debt of 369.263 million baht. Other provinces with significant registrations include Nakhon Si Thammarat (3,548 debtors, 2,629 creditors, and 186.258 million baht), Songkhla (3,440/2,262/200.216 million baht), Nakhon Ratchasima (3,440/1,934/220.160 million baht), and Khon Kaen (2,124/1467/130.933 million baht).

The top 5 provinces with the least registrations are Mae Hong Son (112/72/4.517 million baht), Ranong (171/117/12.730 billion baht), Samut Songkhram (240/163/7.201 million baht), Trat (259/126/6.995 million baht), and Sing Buri (307/186/11.802 billion baht).

Suttipong again called for all civil servants at the ministry to collaborate with the police force in aiding the public and promoting citizens’ freedom from off-system debts. The registration period is open until March 31. Negotiations for debt resolution are set for Friday (December 15).

This comprehensive approach includes inviting off-system creditors to engage in discussions to verify the truth and initiate debt resolution steps. Some districts have already started these procedures, with outcomes leading to a suspension of excessively high-interest rates beyond legal stipulations.

• Thai PM pledges support for a "People's Constitution"

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Sunday that a “People’s Constitution” is the ultimate goal of the government and all of Thai society.

Writing in his Constitution Day X post, the prime minister said that writing a Constitution is a major task which must involve all stakeholders, who must push for a “People’s Constitution”.

As a government under the Constitution, he said the administration is duty-bound to make it possible for such a supreme law to be written and promulgated.

Meanwhile Nikorn Chamnong, chief of a sub-committee gathering opinions from every corner of the country about a referendum on amending the current charter, said that theirtask has now been completed.

He said that the feedback from the people is very encouraging, as most want a new charter to be written by a constitution drafting council, while accepting that their will be many challenges.

Nikorn also said that his panel recently asked House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha to seek opinions from MPs and senators as to whether a referendum is needed before the drafting of a new charter commences.

The committee set up to consider such a referendum, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, will meet on December 25th (Christmas Day) to finalise the issue.

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• Thai inflation rate hits 33-month low in November

Thailand’s headline inflation rate in November contracted for the second consecutive month to a 33-month low, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office said on Thursday.

The inflation index in November was 107.45, down 0.25 % compared with the previous month and 0.44% compared with the same month last year.

Inflation is now at its lowest since February 2021.

Headline inflation has risen just 1.41% this year (January to November).

TPSO director-general Poonpong Naiyanapakorn attributed the contraction to the government’s measure to cap prices of Gasohol 91 and diesel.

The drop was also driven by lower prices for basic foods including fresh pork and chicken and vegetable oil in November, he added.

However, Poonpong downplayed worries about deflation.

“The drop in inflation for two consecutive months sends no significant signal,” he said.

He predicted another fall in inflation this month thanks to government measures to reduce living costs that would bring lower prices for meat, electricity and fuel.

He said lower production costs would also help reduce the price of consumer goods, contributing to a lower inflation rate.

The Commerce Ministry forecasts headline inflation of 1 to 1.7% with a median rate of 1.35% in 2023.

It forecasts inflation of -0.3% to 1.7% next year.

Keep going putting the country further in debt PT. Bound to weaken the baht. PT needs a name change. PF, Puea Farang.

• Minimum wage, debt and power bills on cabinet meeting agenda

The proposed new minimum wage, a debt moratorium for SMEs, and capping power bills for people in vulnerable groups are among the agenda items for today’s (December 12) cabinet meeting, a news source said.

Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin will head the meeting at Government House on Tuesday, with the primary agenda to consider the new rates of minimum wage as proposed by a tripartite committee.

The committee, comprising representatives of employers, employees and the government sector, agreed on Friday to increase the daily minimum wage nationwide in the range of 330 to 370 baht per day according to the province from January 1, 2024.

In real terms, the increase will range from 2 to 16 baht, or an average of 2.4%.

Srettha on Saturday expressed his dissatisfaction with “too small increases” in the minimum daily wages suggested by the committee, adding that he would vote against these proposed rates when the Labour Ministry brings the matter to the Cabinet for endorsement.

The premier called on businesses to consider paying workers more than the proposed rates, pointing out they too benefited from government measures such as reduced electricity prices.

The source said another key agenda on the table for Tuesday’s meeting was the consideration of a measure to offer a debt moratorium to small and medium enterprises that are classified as code 21 debtors (more than 90-day late payment).

The measure, proposed by the Finance Ministry, aims to offer one-year moratorium period to those who owe less than 10 million baht, while the government will also subsidise 1% of their interest owed to commercial banks.

The measure is expected to help SME operators, who comprise 99.5% of total code 21 debtors, pay back some 60 billion baht in debts.

The Energy Ministry will also propose to the cabinet a measure to help people in vulnerable groups regarding their electric bills, which are set to rise to 4.68 baht per unit in January, according to the Energy Regulatory Commission’s recommendation.

The measure will cap power bills for certain households at the current rate of 3.99 baht per unit, as long as they use less than 300 units per month. The measure is expected to cost 2 billion baht in subsidies.
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• Thailand tells COP28 drafting of Climate Change Act is underway

Speaking at the COP28 climate talks in Dubai on Sunday, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwan reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065 and called for increased international action to achieve the US$100 billion climate finance goal by 2025, claiming that the funding is crucial for aiding developing countries in reaching their climate goals.

He also underscored Thailand’s updated National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which addresses climate change impacts in critical areas, such as water management, agriculture, and public health.

Thailand aims to peak its emissions by 2025 and increase renewable energy use in electricity to 68% by 2040 and 74% by 2050. A climate-smart rice farming project, funded by the Green Climate Fund, is now underway to promote low-emission farming.

“The Thai government is pushing for changes in the agricultural sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening the food stability,” he said.

Phatcharavat told the meeting that Thailand is also drafting its first Climate Change Act to regulate emissions and enhance climate resilience.

He also expressed optimism that the Dubai talks would create a solid path towards achieving the 1.5 degrees Celsius target outlined in the Paris Agreement.

The Loss and Damage Fund, established to support vulnerable countries affected by climate change, has received financial commitments from several countries at COP28.

Reuters reported on Monday that the talks in Dubai have highlighted deep international divisions over the future role of oil, gas and coal that are complicating efforts by nearly 200 countries to hash out an agreement before the summit's scheduled end today (December 12).

• PM Srettha vows to eradicate 16tn baht NPLs within his tenure

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has pledged to address the issue of 16 trillion baht in non-performing loans (NPLs) during his government’s tenure.

In a press conference at Government House on Tuesday, Srettha said that NPLs constituted 90% of the GDP, requiring urgent and comprehensive measures. However, he appeared upbeat this his government would effectively be able to wipe out the NPLs within its four-year tenure.

Present at the conference were Deputy Finance Ministers Julapun Amornvivat and Krisada Chinavicharana, as well as senior officials from other relevant government agencies.

Also attending were key figures from the Finance, Education and Agriculture ministries, the central bank governor and heads of the Government Savings Bank and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives.

Kittiratt Na-Ranong, an advisor to the prime minister, told the press that the government has compiled data on NPLs in financial institutions, revealing a staggering 16 trillion baht or 90% of GDP in bad debt.

Approximately 5 million debtors had defaulted on 12 million loan accounts with banks, finance

finance firms, cooperatives and the Student Loan Fund.

Kittiratt added that around one million out of 23 million credit card holders in Thailand had defaulted on their debt.

Srettha, meanwhile, highlighted his government’s commitment to tackling both debts with loan sharks and NPLs with financial institutions as a national agenda.

He said many borrowers had defaulted on their debt for too long and were deprived of an opportunity to carry out their business, and make a living due to growing debt.

As a result, Srettha said, he has instructed relevant agencies to collaborate across sectors to resolve all NPLs within the government’s four-year term. He added that this would help fix the country’s economic mechanism and promote growth.

He added that his government would not let people with NPLs suffer alone, but would help them, so they can become an economic driving force again.

Srettha categorised NPL debtors into four groups, namely:

• Those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic
• Those with regular income but a debt that is beyond their capacity to repay
• Those without regular income and unable to make regular payments
• Those who have defaulted for far too long, and accumulated a huge burden

“All these groups share one similarity. They are unable to service their debt and have defaulted. Defaulting has resulted in them being slapped with penalties, adding to their bad debt. So, they end up being blacklisted by the Credit Bureau and become unable to obtain more loans,” Srettha said.

Pornchai Theeravet, director general of the Fiscal Policy Office, told the press that the Finance Ministry will expedite the preparation of packages to aid debtors in the four groups. He said the packages will be sent for Cabinet approval soon.

• PM2.5 action plan: Thai PM confident in govt initiatives to combat air pollution

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed confidence that Thailand’s scourge of air pollution will improve once relevant parties implement government policies aimed at tackling PM2.5 fine dust.

PM2.5 is fine particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or less in diameter and can be inhaled, boosting the risk of health problems like heart disease and asthma.

After attending an event at the InterContinental Hotel in Bangkok’s Pathum Wan district on Wednesday, Srettha strolled down to one of the capital’s busiest traffic areas, the nearby Ratchaprasong intersection, to check the dust situation.

Accompanying him were Industry Minister Pimpatra Wichaikul and Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chaiya Promma.

Srettha told the press that he has tasked relevant officials to ensure measures are taken at construction sites and factories to reduce dust and other pollutants.

He added that the Industry Ministry has also been tasked with monitoring the burning of agricultural waste at sugarcane plantations, while urging farmers to use more environmentally friendly measures to get rid of harvest leftovers.

When asked about measures to mitigate the worsening PM2.5 situation in Bangkok, Srettha said everybody should cooperate, including motorists getting their cars regularly checked to reduce black smoke emission. The premier added that the long-term solution to traffic emissions will be to transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles.

Srettha also said that the current PM2.5 problem is not a seasonal occurrence, referring to speculation that fine dust has been rising due to stagnant air.

“Saying that PM2.5 is seasonal means that we admit it is a [recurring] problem,” he said. “This is the time for us to work together. The government will do everything in its power to ensure people’s health and safety, while relevant authorities will keep working to minimise the sources of air pollution.”


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• Thai Foreign Minister opens Thailand Mega Fair 2023 in Riyadh

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara is on an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, today and tomorrow (December 12-13) where he will preside over the opening ceremony of “Thailand Mega Fair 2023” trade fair at Arena Riyadh.

The fair is a collaboration between the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trade and Index Creative Village and is being sponsored by the Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh and the Saudi Arabian Foreign Trade Office.

This event showcases high-quality Thai products and services, with more than 120 Thai entrepreneurs in various fields offering food and beverages, public health and health care services, travel, construction and decoration, agriculture, perfumery and lifestyle goods.

During the visit, Parnpree is scheduled to meet with Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Minister of Commerce of Saudi Arabia and Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Minister of Investment to exchange opinions on ways to promote bilateral relations, especially in the areas of trade and investment, as well as regional and international issues of common interest.

• Srettha pushes for tourism in 2nd-tier provinces, longer stays, more spending

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin outlined a shift in his tourism policy to promote second-tier provinces and boost spending by foreign tourists in a meeting at Government House on Wednesday.

The premier told Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) chief Thapanee Kiatphaibool and ministry executives that the goal is to sustain a year-round high tourism season and boost per head, per trip spending by foreign visitors.

He said tourism promotions should also shift from traditional destinations like Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and Hua Hin.

“Instead, we must stimulate spending in second-tier provinces by promoting their strong points of attraction and create new landmarks,” Srettha said.

“Please join hands to find the points of attraction that can be turned into soft power and promoted in the right direction.”

He also told the meeting that he has instructed the TAT governor to attend international tourism events to lure more foreign tourists to Thailand. The premier also instructed the governor to have senior TAT officials visit secondary provinces frequently to find cultural and tourism sites.

“I understand they will be tough to find, but I think there are plenty of them out there. It simply needs cooperation between TAT and local administrations to find sight-seeing sites,” Srettha said.

The premier told the meeting that Thailand should be a high-season destination all year round, instead of just during winter months.

“I ask all of you to do your homework and formulate strategies on drawing foreign tourists throughout the year,” Srettha said.

He added that TAT should be able to provide information to foreigners in all languages, adding that the focus should not just be on the number of arrivals but also on spending per head.

“I want foreign tourists to stay longer and spend more,” he said.

While apologising to the TAT governor for scolding her publicly for failing to meet the target of foreign tourists, he assured her support and urged direct communication.

“Please forgive me if I was too straightforward. I didn’t intend to hurt you and know the issues you and the country are facing,” Srettha said to Thapanee at the meeting.

After issuing the policies at the meeting, the premier also had a private chat with the minister and the TAT governor.

Later, Sudawan told reporters that her ministry will ask the Cabinet for a 600-million-baht fund to boost foreign arrivals during the high season.

The ministry will submit promotion details for Cabinet consideration, in line with the prime minister’s policy to promote tourism in second-tier provinces, such as Nong Bua Lamphu and Kanchanaburi, she said.

The ministry will also consider holding activities to promote stays in second-tier provinces, such as those along the border.

In addition, it aims to find ways for tourists to spend more than the current rate of 43,000 baht per held per trip, Sudawan added.

While acknowledging that the number of Chinese arrivals did not meet expectations, she expressed optimism about high arrivals from other countries. She also said that she will seek government approval for tourists to be allowed to stay for longer than 30 days per trip.

In a bid to boost the tourism industry, the government approved a temporary exemption for a 30-day stay for Chinese, Indian and Kazakhstan nationals in September. The scheme, which was scheduled to end in February next year, has been extended to May 2024 and now includes Taiwan and Russia nationals.

• Thailand Mega Fair opens green door to Saudi, Middle East markets

Billed as the largest exhibition for Thai premium products and services in Saudi Arabia, the four-day Thailand Mega Fair 2023 is up and running at the Arena Riyadh until Saturday.

Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said the event was proof of the commitment to partnership between the two countries, as he presided over the fair’s opening on Wednesday.

Parnpree, who also serves as deputy prime minister, said Thai economic diplomacy is now focusing on a sustainable "New Growth Path" with three key dimensions: green growth, innovation-driven growth, and community-based growth.

Thailand would collaborate with various Saudi sectors to exchange knowledge and drive technological advancement and innovation, he said. The Middle East country was a key partner in building Thai eco-friendly practices, promoting renewable energy sources, and fostering a circular economy, he added.

Over 120 Thai corporations and SMEs are showcasing their products and services at Thailand Mega Fair 2023. They come from various sectors, including food and beverage, health and wellness, tourism, agriculture, fragrances, jewellery, and clean energy.

Saudi and other Middle Eastern firms are also participating in the event.

The fair gives the Thai private sector opportunities to access Saudi and Middle Eastern consumer markets. Participating Thai companies will also be looking to build business-matching networks in the region, as well as expanding trade, investment, and tourism, the Foreign Ministry said.

The event is being hosted by the Board of Trade of Thailand and Index Creative Village Plc in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment and General Authority for Foreign Trade.

• The Prime Minister to attend the ASEAN - Japan Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN

The Prime Minister to attend the ASEAN - Japan Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN - Japan Friendship and Cooperation on 14 - 18 December 2023, in Tokyo.

H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, accompanied by H.E. Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to visit Tokyo, Japan, on 14 - 18 December 2023, to attend the ASEAN - Japan Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan. The Summit will discuss ways forward in advancing the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and chart the future direction of ASEAN-Japan cooperation.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will also have a number of additional important engagements, including a royal audience with the Emperor and Empress of Japan, a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan, as well as discussions with high-level officials from Japanese government agencies and one-on-one meetings with executives of Japanese companies in the automotive industry and other target industries.

Moreover, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs will deliver keynote speeches at the Thailand – Japan Investment Forum, organised by the Board of Investment of Thailand, to further promote investment between the two countries.

This Commemmorative Summit is being held during Thailand’s tenure and discharge of her role as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations (2021 - 2024). Thailand has played a key role in coordinating and promoting new areas of cooperation amidst a number of common challenges, as well as encouraging Japan’s enhanced engagement in the sustainable economic development of Thailand and the region.


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• Debt to grow as govt sets 5-year financial plan

The government has approved a mid-term financial plan for fiscal 2024-2029 with estimated average gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 5.3% annually, said a news source familiar with the matter on Thursday.

The plan was approved at a meeting on Thursday at the Ministry of Finance in Bangkok, in a session chaired by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thaksin.

According to the source, the approved plan aims to run a deficit expenditure budget continually until 2029 in a bid to boost the country’s economic expansion. Under the plan, the GDP growth is estimated at an average rate of 5.3% per year, or from 19 trillion baht in 2024 to 24.6 trillion baht in 2029.

The government will also aim to reduce the level of deficit by 0.2% per year by reducing government expenditures by approximately 10 billion baht annually.

The plan also predicts that the ratio of public debt per GDP will peak in fiscal 2026 at 64.23%, and then gradually drop to 63.61% in 2028 and 62.98% in 2029.


Financial Breakdown from 2024-2029

2024: Revenues 2.78 trillion baht, expenses 3.48 trillion baht (a 693-billion-baht deficit or 3.64% of GDP), loan maximum 790.58 billion baht
2025: Revenues 2.88 trillion baht, expenses 3.6 trillion baht (a 713-billion-baht deficit or 3.56% of GDP), loan maximum 820.8 billion baht
2026: Revenues 3.04 trillion baht, expenses 3.74 trillion baht (a 703-billion-baht deficit or 3.33% of GDP), loan maximum 853.4 billion baht
2027: Revenues 3.2 trillion baht, expenses 3.89 trillion baht (a 693-billion-baht deficit or 3.11% of GDP), loan maximum 888.51 billion baht
2028: Revenues 3.39 trillion baht, expenses 4.07 trillion baht (a 683-billion-baht deficit or 2.92% of GDP), loan maximum 929.55 billion baht
2029: Revenues 3.57 trillion baht, expenses 4.24 trillion baht (a 673-billion-baht deficit or 2.73% of GDP), loan maximum 967.63 billion baht

Estimated GDP expansion under the plan:

2024: 5.4% growth to 19.02 trillion baht
2025: 5.4% growth to 20.04 trillion baht
2026: 5.3% growth to 21.11 trillion baht
2027: 5.4% growth to 22.25 trillion baht
2028: 5.2% growth to 23.4 trillion baht
2029: 5.2% growth to 24.62 trillion baht

Estimated public debt under the plan:

2024: 11.83 trillion baht (62.71% of GDP)
2025: 12.66 trillion baht (63.73%)
2026: 13.44 trillion baht (64.23%)
2027: 14.12 trillion baht (64.07%)
2028: 14.75 trillion baht (63.61%)
2029: 15.37 trillion baht (62.98%)

• Thai PM invites Japan’s business leaders to invest in $28bn Land Bridge

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin invited over 500 Japanese business leaders to invest in Thailand’s 1-trillion-baht (US$ 28.6 billion) Land Bridge on Friday.

The Thai premier was speaking at the “Thailand-Japan Investment Forum” organised by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) in Tokyo.

The forum’s key draw is the Land Bridge mega project, which aims to construct deep-sea ports in Chumphon and Ranong to link the Pacific and Indian Oceans, opening an alternative route for global trade to bypass the congested Malacca Straits.

Srettha highlighted Japan’s 136-year relationship with Thailand, applauding over 6,000 Japanese companies for investing in the kingdom and boosting its economic expansion, as well as some 80,000 expat Japanese members of Thai society.

He also showcased Thailand's commitment to sustainable growth through the BCG (Bio, Circular, Green) economy alongside digital advancements, AI, and research initiatives.

Japan’s new minister of economy, trade and industry, Ken Saito, underscored Thailand’s crucial role in building industrial supply chains, particularly for Japan’s automotive backbone.

Looking ahead to the 50th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN relations, Saito highlighted three areas of cooperation with the bloc:

– Future industries: Saito envisions Thailand, the “Detroit of ASEAN”, as a key manufacturing hub for electric, hydrogen, and ethanol vehicles, positioning the region for the global shift towards alternative fuels and countering competition from China and the US.
– Energy stability and carbon reduction: Sustainable development remains a core priority for both nations.
– Joint human resource development: Investing in skilled talent will fuel future economic growth.

Friday’s event marked the first major economic forum between Thailand and Japan since the COVID-19 pandemic, the BOI said.

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• Srettha satisfied with his meetings in Japan, pushes for investments

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said he was very satisfied with his meetings with several Japanese businessmen on Friday.

The Thai PM is currently in Tokyo to attract investment from Japanese investors, including for Thailand’s proposed 1-trillion-baht (US$28.6 billion) Land Bridge.

Srettha met Japan’s new Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ken Saito, and attended the “Thailand-Japan Investment Forum” organised by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).

After that, he met seven Japanese automakers — including Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Isuzu, Mazda and Toyota — in a bid to attract investment in electric vehicles (EVs).

The discussions also covered clean energy, which will be the main topic during the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit to mark the 50th anniversary of their relationship on Sunday.

During the meeting, Honda and Isuzu told Srettha that they planned to invest a total of 82 billion baht in the next five years in Thailand.

"The discussion with Japanese automakers aimed to accelerate investments in EVs as these automakers have operated in Thailand for 50-60 years," the PM told the press during an interview at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo.

Srettha said he was very satisfied with the meetings throughout the day, confirming that Japan remained an important partner for Thailand.

"There is nothing to worry about [the meeting with Japanese businessmen], but we tried to encourage them to accelerate investment because the world has changed a lot," he said.

The PM also expressed confidence that all projects under his government would achieve success within its four-year term. However, he was uncertain how long it could take for adaptation of hydrogen vehicles.

Srettha also told the press that he had requested a holiday break from December 19 to 22 to take a trip with his 96-year-old mother and two children who will return to Thailand soon.

However, he confirmed that he was available all the time even when he was on holiday. "In this era, you can work around the clock if you have a smartphone," the PM said, adding that it was the duty of the country’s leader.

The Thai PM left the hotel at 5pm (Japan time) to take a walk with his team in Ginza district.

Srettha told the press that walking in Japan is comfortable thanks to the around 10 degrees Celsius temperature. He added that he usually went to supermarkets while travelling overseas to purchase vegetables and fruits.

• Srettha holds talks with JETRO chief, Kubota execs in Tokyo

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Saturday met with executives of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and machinery giant Kubota Corporation to discuss future cooperation in trading, investment, agriculture, and personnel development.

Srettha, who is also the finance minister, is in Japan this week to attend the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit to mark the 50th anniversary of their relationship on Sunday.

On Saturday morning, the Thai PM travelled to Okura Tokyo Hotel in Tokyo to meet with Norihiko Ishiguro, president of JETRO, an organisation that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world.

Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke said that Srettha applauded JETRO for its vital role in publicising information about investment opportunities in Thailand to Japanese corporations, as well as ensuring that they receive investment privileges offered under the Thai government’s policy.

JETRO’s efforts have resulted in several Japanese companies establishing and expanding their regional branches in Thailand over the past years, he added.

The JETRO president said the agency is committed to promoting more trade and investment between the two countries, with focus on the open development of innovations in key industries, collaborating with Thai authorities in addressing social issues, as well as promoting the development of Thai and Japanese personnel in both countries.

Chai said the two parties also discussed the possibility of setting up JETRO’s regional headquarters in Thailand to further promote economic cooperation in the region.

He added that Srettha met with executives of Kubota Corporation, Japan’s No. 1 and the world’s third biggest manufacturer of agricultural machinery, shortly after meeting the JETRO president in Tokyo.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Srettha said that the talks with Kubota executives covered cooperative efforts to use the company’s technology and know-how to increase agricultural output in Thailand, which will eventually improve the farmers’ revenue and quality of life.

“We were discussing a pilot project for soybean cultivation, using innovation that requires no burning of the field from start to finish,” said Srettha. “We will evaluate the result against the traditional method next year in terms of output and income, as well as the emission of PM2.5.”

PM2.5 is fine particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or less in diameter and can be inhaled, boosting the risk of health problems like heart disease, asthma and low birth rate. The main sources of PM2.5 pollution are vehicle emissions, construction sites and open burning of agricultural waste.

• Srettha wraps up day of courting investors in Japan with gala dinner ahead of summit

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin attended a dinner party hosted by Japanese Premier Kishida Fumio and his wife Yuka in Tokyo’s Akasaka Palace on Saturday evening.

Also present were ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn along with leaders and foreign ministers from other ASEAN member states.

The dinner at the state guesthouse (geihinkan) brought the leaders together before the Commemorative Summit on the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship kicks off on Sunday.

During his weekend visit to Japan, Srettha also met up with members of the private sector, in a bid to attract investors for mega projects like the 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge initiative.

The premier’s meetings on Saturday morning included discussions with Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ken Saito, as well as leaders of automakers and Norihiko Ishiguro, president of JETRO – a body promoting trade and investment.

Declaring that Japan remains a crucial partner for Thailand, Srettha said he was satisfied with all the meetings.

• Srettha confident of future cooperation with Apple, cities CEO’s positive outlook

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said he is optimistic about future cooperation between Thailand and the global tech giant Apple Inc.

Srettha said on Saturday that he had received a letter from Apple CEO Tim Cook, in which the latter emphasised Thailand’s potential and preparedness for tech industrial development.

In a post on X (Twitter), Srettha said: “I have good news today. I received a letter from Apple's CEO Tim Cook, mentioning our meeting during my visit to San Francisco last month.

“In his letter, [Cook] said Thailand has the potential and preparedness, coupled with government support in related areas, such as education, industry, and labour. This brings me confidence that cooperation with Apple will come true,” Srettha wrote.

He also said that he saw the Apple CEO’s letter as a result of his efforts to encourage global corporations to invest in Thailand during his visits overseas.

“I am confident that in addition to Apple, there will be other instances of similarly concrete cooperation [with other corporations],” said the PM, who has branded himself as the country’s “chief salesman”.

Cook became the chief executive officer of Apple Inc in August 2011 following the death of its co-founder Steve Jobs. He had previously served as the company's chief operating officer.

Meanwhile, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said Thailand has a strong community of over 30,000 registered Apple iOS app developers.

“Apple is determined to work with the Thai government to bring the skills of Thai app developers to a global level,” he said.

The spokesman also said that Srettha never wastes an opportunity to attract foreign investments to Thailand.

“The prime minister has the vision and strategy to boost international cooperation on trade and investment for the benefit of the Thais. He is good at selling Thailand’s plus points. I can confirm that there are many good opportunities this government is ready to bring to the Thais,” Chai said.

• Cabinet to consider liquor cost cuts, reduce airport duty-free shops

The Finance Ministry will on Tuesday propose to Cabinet new measures to suspend duty-free shops in the Arrivals section of all airports, as well as to reduce taxes on alcoholic beverages.

These measures are aimed at stimulating tourism and domestic spending, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Lavaron Sangsnit said on Monday.

“When we suspend arrivals duty-free shops, it will enable Thai and foreign tourists to spend domestically instead of spending at duty-free shops,” he said, adding that domestic shops will benefit from this measure.

He added that duty-free shop operator King Power is ready to accept the measure in a bid to stimulate tourism and economy.

Lavaron said a tax reduction on alcoholic beverages, including wine and community liquor, aims to ensure that tourists can access those beverages at a reasonable price.

“We must make tourists feel that coming to Thailand is like coming to a paradise, which covers eating, residing, travelling and playing,” he said.

Lavaron added that community-based tourism promotion is necessary to enable tourists to access domestic liquor.

A source from the Finance Ministry said these measures will be proposed for the Cabinet’s consideration on Tuesday to meet the influx of tourists during the New Year festival.

The changes are expected to come into effect on January 1 of the coming year, the source said, adding that they will be permanent measures.

Meanwhile, the Excise Department’s director-general, Ekniti Nitithanprapas said guidelines to reduce tax on wines and local liquor will help promote Thailand as the centre of shopping and tourism.

“Even though those measures could affect the department’s revenue, we believe that spending will be increased,” he said, adding that apart from excise tax reduction, the import tariff on wines would be reduced. That measure is currently being studied by the Fiscal Policy Office.

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• Srettha launches Land Bridge roadshow in Tokyo to woo Japanese investors

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit launched a roadshow in Tokyo to woo investors for the ambitious southern land bridge project.

The “Thailand Land Bridge Roadshow” was held at the Imperial Tokyo Hotel at 9am on Monday.

In his speech, Srettha highlighted the project’s profitability, emphasising that it would allow cargo ships to significantly reduce travel time compared to current routes through the Strait of Malacca.

He added that the Land Bridge was necessary, given the ever-growing congestion at the Strait of Malacca.

Srettha pointed out that Asia accounts for approximately 40% of global cargo, with containers passing through the Strait of Malacca constituting 25% of global shipments and oil transport representing 60% of global oil shipments.

He added that some 90,000 ships accounting for 70.4 million containers passed through the strait each year.

Acknowledging that congestion will surpass the strait’s capacity by 2030, Srettha underscored the Land Bridge’s significance.

The project will link a deep seaport in Ranong on the Andaman Sea to a deep seaport in Chumphon on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. This would provide an alternative marine route for cargo ships between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

The Land Bridge, which will feature a double-track railway and motorway, will benefit feeder ships, reducing cost and transit times.

Currently, goods shipped from Japan, China and South Korea to Southeast and Central Asia as well as the Middle East are transported via mainline ships before the containers are transferred to feeder boats at the Strait of Malacca.

Once the Land Bridge is operational, three days can be saved in shipping time and 4% in costs, he said. This would particularly benefit exporters in the South China Sea, eastern China, Taiwan Vietnam and the Philippines, he added.

Similarly, exporters in Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and southern China can utilise the land bridge to transport their goods to the Philippines, Indonesia, Central Asia and the Middle East. This will help reduce transportation costs by 35% and shipping time by 14 days, the premier said.

The shipping of oil via the land bridge would also reduce the cost by 6%, he said.

Srettha believes that with the land connection, the western port will see approximately 19.4 million containers and the eastern port 13.8 million containers per year.

He said this was the lowest estimate and based on the feeder-to-feeder link, without taking into account the use of mainline ships in the future.

Expressing confidence in the project’s impact on Thailand’s new S-curve industries, Srettha invited Japanese investors to seize this opportunity. He believes this project would create 280,000 jobs and a 5.5% annual GDP growth.

“I have full confidence in this project and would invite Japanese investors to make the most of this unprecedented investment opportunity in a regional mega project linking the Pacific and Indian oceans for joint economic growth,” the premier said.

Suriya, meanwhile, told the roadshow that Thailand had the advantage of being located in the centre of Southeast Asia and could serve as a hub linking other nations in the region. He said the construction of the Land Bridge is expected to commence in 2025 and be completed by 2040.

The bidding process for the project will be held internationally, and the winner will be granted a 50-year concession covering shipping lines,

logistics, port management, property development and managing industrial investments.

Suriya said the Thai government will enact supportive laws, with investors to start making returns within 24 years.

• Cabinet caps diesel, electricity prices to ease burden on households

The Cabinet has resolved to cap the price of diesel and electricity for households in a bid to ease people’s financial burden, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Tuesday.

Srettha, who also doubles as finance minister, said under the measure proposed by the Energy Ministry, diesel will be retailed at no more than 30 baht per litre for three months, while the price of electricity for households using less than 300 units per month will be capped at no more than 4.2 baht per unit.

Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga said the cap on electricity bills was not final yet as the ministry has to study several other factors, including the yearend global price of LPG, which is used to produce electricity.

He added that the ministry expects to announce the new price by January 1 and hopes consumers will not have to pay too much more than the current rate of 3.99 baht per unit.

The cap on diesel will be subsidised by the Oil Fuel Fund, while the cap on electricity will be financed by the national budget, Pirapan said.

Separately, Srettha told the press on Tuesday that the Cabinet has also approved the submission of the Marriage Equality Bill to Parliament for consideration when it meets on Thursday.

The premier said he was confident the bill, which has passed the public hearing process, will allow people of the same sex to marry and get the same rights as couples of the opposite sex.

“I believe this bill will help strengthen sexual diversity in Thailand and I want to congratulate all related parties for making it possible,” he said.

Srettha also said that he has tasked the Tourism and Sports Ministry with focusing on creating joint tourism packages to attract visitors from neighbouring countries. The ministry is scheduled to host a meeting with tourism authorities from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam soon.

The premier also highlighted the necessity of providing comprehensive insurance packages for foreign tourists that cover medical treatment while they are in Thailand, as well as compensation in case of accident or force majeure. He reckons this will strengthen travellers’ confidence in Thailand.

• Campaign launched to reduce PM2.5 from car exhaust in Bangkok

The Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, car and oil companies have joined hands to reduce PM2.5 dust emissions from vehicle exhausts, which account for 72% of PM2.5 in the atmosphere in the capital.

Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga said on Monday that the ministry has adopted measures to reduce PM2.5, which include improving the quality of car fuel to Euro-5 grade, persuading car owners to get their vehicles serviced regularly and supporting the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs).

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said city officials have conducted tests on infrequently and frequently serviced diesel engines, replacing fuel filters, using Euro-3 fuel. The tests show that replacing fuel, air and oil filters can reduce PM2.5 emissions by about 25%.

Natural Resources and Environment Permanent Secretary Jatuporn Buruspat said that El Niño is likely to worsen the PM2.5 situation next year, especially in cities where traffic is congested.

He said the ministry has coordinated with nine car companies to offer free car engine checks, discounts on car maintenance and engine oil changes until next April.

• Sufficient water for industries in EEC, farms and households – Somsak

Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin has offered an assurance that there is sufficient water to meet the demands of industries in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and of the farming sector and households, despite less rainfall at the water retention area for Bang Phra reservoir in Chon Buri.

He said today that the Office of National Water Resources and related agencies have managed to retain sufficient water to meet the demands of the EEC for up to two years, by channelling water from the Chao Phraya and Pasak river basins through the Phra Ong Chao Chaiyanuchit canal into Bang Phra reservoir.

Dr. Surasee Kidtimonton, director-general of the Office of National Water Resources, meanwhile, said that more water has been channelled into Bang Phra reservoir from the two river basins, with the operations starting on July 8 and ending on December 15.

She said 64.69 million cubic metres were pumped from the Phra Ong Chao Chaiyanuchit canal into the reservoir from October 8 to November 30 and from December 1 to 15.

Dr. Surasee said that the drawing of water from the two river basins into Bang Phra reservoir this year is the largest, adding that the process does not affect the original water sources.

In addition to 11 other reservoirs in Chon Buri and Rayong provinces, he said that there are altogether 632.54 million cubic metres of water for industries in the EEC and for other users in Rayong and Chon Buri for this and next year.

• Travel insurance to be arranged for all tourist arrivals over holiday season : Srettha

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to arrange travel insurance to cover accidents and death for all foreign tourists arriving in Thailand during the New Year holiday period.

The prime minister’s order, issued at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, follows two incidents involving foreign tourists who died recently in Thailand. One incident concerned a Taiwanese tourist who was denied emergency treatment at a private hospital in the Pattanakarn area and died on his way to a second hospital about 10km away. The second case involved an Irish tourist who had been treated in the intensive care unit of a private hospital for dengue fever, but the hospital bill reached about 100,000 baht a day, forcing the patient’s family in Ireland to raise funds to get him back home for treatment.

It is reported that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports will seek about 50 million baht from the Central Fund to buy insurance coverage for tourists visiting Thailand over the New Year period.

The prime minister also instructed Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol to coordinate with Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to promote regional tourism.

One of the regional tourism routes, which was proposed by Vietnam, is the world heritage route encompassing Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, Luang Prabang in Laos and Thailand’s Udon Thani province.