Thread: Thailand and the new coalition government

• Thailand launches initiative to set up 1,500 digital classrooms nationwide

Thailand has embarked on an ambitious goal of setting up 1,500 digital classrooms for schools of all sizes across the nation to nurture at least 100,000 talents annually.

The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry said on Monday that these classrooms will be equipped with essential tools, such as computers and software designed to teach coding skills to students.

During the announcement, DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong highlighted the project’s significance, titled “Coding for Better Life: Building the Foundation for Thailand’s Future”.

He said the initiative’s role in cultivating the country’s digital talent will serve as a crucial factor for Thailand’s dominance in the digital economy era.

Citing a recent study, the minister noted that Thailand currently demands an annual average of 100,000 digital talents, while the education sector only produces around 25,000 such individuals each year.

“If we do nothing to address this gap, our country will be in crisis,” he said, adding that his ministry has developed both short- and long-term strategies to deal with this problem.

The short-term plan, he said, involves proposing the implementation of the Global Digital Talent Visa and introducing a unique category for short-term residents with exceptional digital abilities. The Cabinet is currently reviewing this proposal.

For the long-term strategy, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) is actively promoting digital knowledge and skills development for all segments of the Thai population, with coding classrooms playing a crucial role.

Nuttapon Nimmanpatcharin, president/CEO of depa, said under the “Coding for Better Life” programme, specialised courses on programming languages will be taught to students.

“We [depa] will supply specialised courses from a network of partners as well as learning and teaching equipment used in the curriculum, such as computers, laptops, tablets, as well as tools for coding and robotics," he said.

While the scheme will help in the development of coding infrastructure and related digital ecosystems to improve learning readiness, Nuttapon noted that at least 3,000 teachers will also be coached on 20 teaching skills courses involving the development of coding at three levels – basic, intermediate and advanced.

Approximately 700 schools have already applied to the programme, with depa expecting to achieve its target of 1,500 schools in the first quarter of next year.

To sustainably foster coding skills among Thai youth, the agency will organise an international coding competition with a prize pool of more than 1 million baht.

Nuttapon believes this comprehensive coding programme will raise awareness and practical application among parents and the general public.

“We aim to extend the knowledge and coding skills for practical use across diverse domains, including agriculture and business operations, as well as provide opportunities for individuals in rural areas to gain access to coding education,” he said.

The collaboration between the DES Ministry and partners aims to produce a digitally skilled workforce capable of meeting industry demands and creating economic opportunities for Thailand, he added.

• Parliament debates marriage equality bills

Four marriage equality bills, separately proposed by the government, the opposition and a people’s network, were debated in the House of Representatives today, as supporters of the right to same-sex marriage appealed to legislators to pass the first readings of the bills as a “New Year’s gift”.

Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin told parliament that the government-sponsored bill aims to amend Section 68 of the Civil and Commercial Code, regarding the definition of marriage, to cover all genders, instead of just between a man and a woman.

He explained that the government’s bill is not meant to write a new law on marriage and, hence, it does not go against Sharia law, which is enforced in the southernmost provinces.

He also claimed that the government’s bill has received overwhelming support from the people and leaders of all religious faiths.

Somsak said it is intended to emphasise the government’s intent to respect and promote human rights and to guarantee equal rights for all people to build a family, without sexual discrimination.

The three other bills include one initiated by the Move Forward party, another proposed by a Democrat MP and a third by a people’s network.

A transgender activist, Nachalae Bunyaphisomparn, said that the bill proposed by the Rainbow network is intended to ensure that same-sex married couples have the same rights as those accorded to heterosexual couples, including the right to adopt a child and the rights of parents.

Most of the MPs who joined the debate today voiced their support for all the bills.

• Don’t politicise Thaksin’s ailing health, insists Phumtham

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Thursday insisted that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is eligible to receive medical treatment outside the prison due to his ailing heath, and called on his opponents not to politicise it.

Phumtham added that recently announced regulations and criteria for detaining inmates at their homes were not created specifically for Thaksin, but rather the policy was years old.

Phumtham, who is also the commerce minister, was responding to criticism that the Pheu Thai-led government had helped Thaksin, the Pheu Thai patriarch, avoid being jailed for even a single day. The critics allege that newly announced Corrections Department regulations were aimed at allowing Thaksin to complete his jail term at home if he was soon discharged from the Police Hospital.

Thaksin returned to Thailand on August 22 after 15 years in exile, to serve jail terms related to corruption and abuse of authority while he was the prime minister leading up to the 2006 coup.

On the evening of the very first day that the 74-year-old landed in Thailand and was sent to jail to serve his eight-year imprisonment, he was sent from Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police General Hospital. The prison chief claimed his health had deteriorated to a worrying condition.

Thaksin pleaded for a royal clemency from his hospital bed and His Majesty commuted his jail term to one year on grounds that the former prime minister had done a lot of good deeds for the nation. With one year of imprisonment remaining, Thaksin is eligible to seek approval to be detained at home for the rest of the term.

Phumtham was formerly a close aide to Thaksin in the Thai Rak Thai Party and at Shincorp Group. He said that now that Thaksin has remained in hospital for over 120 days, his doctors must inform the Corrections Department as to whether he continues to need treatment there or alternatively could be sent back to prison. If Thaksin requires further treatment, the justice minister is required to issue an order to allow it.

“I don’t know details of the treatment, but I affirm here that everything is being done under the current regulations,” Phumtham said.

He said the policy to reduce overcrowding in the prison system was initiated prior to the tenure of the Prayut Chan-o-cha government, and the Prayut administration had made preparations leading to the regulations being announced during the tenure of the current government.

“The policy was initiated in 2017 with a goal to make prisons less crammed,” Phumtham said. “I don’t want this to become politicised.”

He said it would depend solely on the opinions of doctors as to whether Thaksin should remain under treatment at the Police Hospital.

“Please leave this out of politics. If we involve everything in politics, our country can’t move on,” Phumtham said.

He said there was no double standard in Thaksin receiving such treatment because he had returned to serve his jail term, but his poor health and old age had prompted doctors to decide to treat him outside the prison.

On December 14, the House committee on police affairs chair, Democrat MP Chaichana Dejdecho, said it would in January visit Police General Hospital to see proof that Thaksin is really there.

On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin confirmed that Thaksin will be eligible to be detained outside prison under a new regulation that allows for the detention of qualified inmates at other locations.

Under the regulation, prisoners allowed to be detained outside prison must meet certain criteria set by the Corrections Department and to be categorised by a screening panel set up by the department.

On Thursday, Democrat Party spokesman Rames Ratanachaweng said Somsak’s statement was not unexpected as the opposition viewed the new regulation as being enacted to help Thaksin.

Meanwhile, the House committee on police affairs invited Somsak and other relevant officials to testify over Thaksin’s treatment at the police hospital.

Speaking to reporters before the hearing, Chaichana Dechdecho, the Democrat MP who chairs the panel, said the Justice Minister has assigned a deputy director-general of the Corrections Department to testify on behalf of Somsak, the department chief and the Police Hospital chief.

The Bangkok Remand Prison chief would also testify later on Thursday, he added.

On December 14, the House committee on police affairs, which is chaired by Dejdecho, said it would in January visit Police General Hospital to seek proof that Thaksin is really there.

Thaksin is sick and not granted special privileges : Justice minister

• Cut in excise tax for eco-car production extended until 2025

The cabinet this week has approved a move to extend the cut in excise tax for eco-car manufacturers from 17% to 14% for another two years, or until the end of 2025, a news source said on Thursday.

The measure, which was originally slated to end on December 31, had been proposed by the Industry Ministry in a bid to allow eco-car manufacturers time to shift towards electric vehicles (EV) production.

The source said the National Electric Vehicle Policy Board (EV Board) submitted its study on the automotive market to the cabinet, suggesting that the tax cut on eco-cars should be extended.

The study found that manufacturers have suffered from the impact of the pandemic and the semiconductor shortage, causing their transition toward EV manufacturing to slow.

The EV Board also underscored that the move would maintain Thailand’s status as an eco-car production champion, not least because the vehicles have outstanding features in terms of economy, safety, and low emissions, which are in line with the global standard of automotive industry.

The cabinet also tasked the Finance and Industry ministries to develop measures to support a smooth transition toward EV manufacturing, as well as the long-term development of EV industries under the policies of the EV Board.

• Srettha dubs ONE Lumpinee 46 Muay Thai event ‘world-class’

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said the “ONE Lumpinee 46” Muay Thai competition he watched on Friday was a “world-class” event held in a world-class venue.

He also commended the organisers for producing an evening “full of fun and excitement with a good atmosphere”.

The event was organised by ONE Championship at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium on Bangkok’s Raminthra Road.

It is rare for a Thai premier to attend a Muay Thai event, however, this sport has been made one of Thailand’s key soft powers being promoted by Srettha’s three-month-old government.

Halfway through the event on Friday night, the prime minister entered the ring to address the crowd at the sold-out event.

He thanked the organisers and its chief executive, Chatri Sityodtong for presenting Muay Thai to the world and helping preserve Thailand’s “most treasured combat sport”.

“As a Thai, I am very proud that Muay Thai is one of the most-watched premier sports in the world. It has become probably the biggest and best-known [Thai] soft power exports to the world,” he said.

“It is my wish to see Thai boxers and trainers go around the world teaching, fighting, training and extending this cultural heritage to the world.”

Behind Srettha in the ring were the event’s organisers and Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Paetongtarn serves as deputy chair of the government’s national committee on soft power strategies, which is led by the premier himself.

Srettha was also presented with a souvenir – a statuette of a Muay Thai boxer in a back-kick position – by the Army commander-in-chief General Charoenchai Hintao.

The boxing stadium is overseen by the Army as it is located within the Royal Thai Army Sports Centre.

Before heading to the northern province of Nan on Saturday morning, Srettha said the Muay Thai matches on Friday night were “exciting”, though he missed the final match as he had a morning flight to take.

The premier said the last live Muay Thai match he had watched was about 20 years ago at the original Lumpinee Boxing Stadium on Rama IV Road. The new stadium, however, looked a lot different, he said.

“I was amazed by the venue. The Army, which owns the venue, has done a world-class job. The place can be used for concerts too, even though it can only hold 3,000 people, which is a bit too small [for concerts],” Srettha told reporters at Don Mueang Military Airport before boarding his flight.

The final bout on Friday night saw Tawanchai PK Saenchai defeat former kickboxing world champion Superbon Singha Mawynn and retain his ONE featherweight Muay Thai world championship title.

• Gov’t spreads wide range of gifts that touch many lives

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his Pheu Thai-led government are spreading New Year’s gifts throughout the land.

Ministries and agencies have announced a slew of measures in recent days on behalf of the government, with initiatives ranging from providing free services, to various ways to stimulate the Thai economy such as a maximum tax deduction of 50,000 baht, reductions in living expenses, and lowering electricity and fuel prices

These government measures range widely across aspects of people’s lives, from finance and transportation to energy, tourism, education and culture.

The New Year’s gifts – so far – are:

Ministry of Finance

-Tax deductions pf up to 50,000 baht for individuals, including easy E-receipt measures, expenses for purchasing goods, or services via electronic tax invoices, effective from January 1 to February 15, 2024.
Ministry of Transport
-Exemption from toll fees on special highways No. 7 and No. 9 from midnight of December 28 of this year until midnight on January 3, 2024.

Ministry of Energy

-Fixing the electricity price at 3.99 baht/unit from January to April 2024 to reduce expenses for the public in households using less than 300 units per month; in the group using over 300 units per month, the previous rate of 4.68 baht/unit is set to be reduced to no more than 4.20 baht/unit.
-Fixing diesel prices at no more than 30 baht/litre and fixing LPG prices at 423 baht/15-kilogram cylinder for three months from January to March 2024.
-PTT (Petroleum Authority of Thailand) will not increase the retail prices of all types of oil for 10 days from December 24, 2023, to January 3, 2024. If global market prices decrease, adjustments will be made accordingly.
-Free car inspections and tire inflation at FIT Auto service stations for 35 vehicles before New Year’s trips.
-Offering discounts on products that aid in preventing and reducing PM2.5 smog until January 31, 2024.
-Additionally, a campaign has been launched for the new lottery number 5, offering discounts on electrical appliances ranging from 200 to 1,000 baht. There are 15,000 chances to win, available from January 1 to 31, 2024, with every receipt eligible for prizes totalling over 1.5 million baht.

The Prime Minister’s Office

-Distributing coupons instead of cash, crediting cashback in online shopping apps and various company applications, including providing discount codes for different airlines when booked from late December 2023.
-The ‘Tharng Rart’ (access to state agencies) application enhances online access to state agency services for the public, including land tax information, online educational qualification comparison requests, military registration history, and more.

Ministry of Commerce

-Adding 30 franchise business opportunities, offering up to a 30% maximum discount on packages.
-Providing free 3-month courses to enhance skills for SMEs.
-Extending opportunities for SMEs such as restaurants, cafes, spas, hotels, and resorts to access more than 10 million songs for free for 3 months, along with a 50-55% discount for 1 year upon subscription renewal.
-Organising the New Year Megasale 2024 nationwide, featuring over 40,000 products and more than 1,180 services with discounts of up to 82% for a month starting from December 15 of this year to January 15, 2024.
-Reducing registration fees for limited companies and partnerships in the economic development zones, specifically from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026 in provinces including Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Songkhla, and Satun.
-Conducting sales promotion activities in collaboration with leading e-commerce platforms and food delivery platforms with 386 participating entities, offering a maximum 80% discount code for over 13 million online purchases.

Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation

-Those applying to register for university admission will be allowed to select their top 10 faculties without incurring costs, thereby reducing their expenses by a maximum of 900 baht per person.

Ministry of Culture

-Promotional events at 10 major Buddhist temples and national museums from December 24, 2023 to January 2, 2024.
-Chanting and prayers from December 31, 2023 to January 1, 2024 nationwide.
-Free access to historical parks and national museums from December 20 of this year to January 5, 2024.
-Opening theatre facilities for continuous movie screenings throughout this month.

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• Coalition very stable, does not need Democrat Party, says Srettha

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin believes the current political situation is quite stable and does not warrant the inclusion of the opposition Democrat Party in his coalition government.

In a telephone interview with Nation TV on Sunday morning, the PM said his coalition with its 314 MPs is stable and the partners have had no issues or conflicts with coalition leader, Pheu Thai.

Srettha said the option of bringing the Democrat Party in as a new partner was quite sensitive, as all coalition partners were working hard for the benefit of the people.

“I believe everybody is making an all-out effort now,” Srettha said. “It depends on whether the situation warrants a Cabinet reshuffle, though for now, all Cabinet members should have peace of mind as everything is going well. We can talk to one another.”

The Democrat Party’s new leader is Chalermchai Sri-on, who reportedly wanted to join the coalition and is believed to have encouraged other Democrats to vote for Srettha as premier.

Srettha said he knew that the Democrat Party had voted him in as premier, adding “we can talk about it but it will be a matter of the future, as we now have 314 MPs, which gives us stability”.

The prime minister added that he and his Cabinet were not worried about the opposition reportedly planning to hold a censure debate against his government next year.

“It’s the opposition’s duty to check our work. If the opposition holds a no-confidence debate, it will be our responsibility to answer questions. We’re not worried because we work by giving priority to the people. I and all the ministers will be ready to answer questions,” the prime minister said.

• Public to decide scope of charter drafting: Phumtham

The upcoming public hearing on the drafting of the new constitution under the Pheu Thai-led government will consist of only one question: Do you agree that Chapters 1 and 2 (of the current 2017 charter) should not be touched? Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on Monday.

Phumtham, who heads the committee supervising the drafting of the constitution, was addressing public concerns, particularly among conservatives, that the first two chapters about the kingdom’s sovereignty and the monarchy may be rewritten to allow changes in the country’s status from an indivisible kingdom and a constitutional monarchy.

He added that the question for the public hearing would be submitted to the cabinet for approval within the first quarter of 2024, probably in January.

“The government is working as fast as it can to finish drafting the new constitution in four years, as well as to issue laws that accommodate the election process ‘in the new context’,” he said.

The government earlier promised that the new constitution would be more democratic, while providing more protection to people’s rights and liberties, as well as making it easier for the administration to run the country.

Phumtham, who doubles as the commerce minister, added that the committee also agreed that three public hearings should be carried out, with a focus on having the motion passed the first time. He said the cabinet may consider amending the law regarding public hearings to allow the motion to pass more easily.

After the cabinet approves the question, the Election Commission will start the public hearing process in a minimum of 90 days but not exceeding 120 days, Phumtham added.

• Cabinet approves 3.48tn budget bill for fiscal 2024

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the fiscal 2024 expenditure budget bill with planned government spending of 3.48 trillion baht, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced.

Speaking to reporters after the weekly Cabinet meeting, Srettha said the budget bill and attached documents had been scrutinised by the Office of Council of State before being sent back to the Cabinet for approval.

Srettha said the bill would next be tabled to the House of Representatives for their first reading, which is scheduled on January 3 and 4.

Normally, a budget bill is enacted before the start of the fiscal year in October. But this year, it was delayed by several months to first form a coalition government following the May 14 general election.

As it stands now, the planned expenditure for fiscal 2024 would be 9.3% higher than that of fiscal 2024, which set the government spending at 3.185 trillion baht.

The 2024 budget bill would seek 2.535 trillion baht for fixed expenditures or 72.85% of the total planned spending. The bill sought an allocation of 118.361 billion baht to compensate the treasury reserves, 715.381 billion baht for investments and 118.32 billion to repay loans.

The government also seeks to borrow 693 billion baht to compensate the budget deficit.

The bill states that the government expects a revenue of 2.787 trillion baht with a projected GDP of 19.02 trillion.

After the first reading and vetting by a special House committee, the bill is scheduled to be sent back to the House for the second and third readings on April 3 and 4.

The bill will be sent to the Senate for their deliberation on April 9 and 10, and it is expected to be sent for a royal command within April 17 if all goes to plan.

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• Thailand’s exports surge 4.9% in Nov, projected to cross pre-Covid levels in 2024

Thailand’s exports rose by 4.9% in November compared to the same period last year, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth, the Commerce Ministry said recently.

Data shared by the ministry suggests a positive trend towards a return to pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated growth of 1.99% projected for 2024.

In November, Thai exports reached US$23.48 billion (847.49 billion baht), reflecting a 4.9% growth over the same period in the previous year, excluding oil, gold and weapons.

Concurrently, imports in November stood at $25.88 billion, indicating a 10.1% growth and resulting in a trade deficit of $2.4 billion.

Keerati Ratchano, the Commerce Ministry’s permanent secretary, said the sustained expansion of Thai exports signifies recovery amid slowing inflation rate, hinting at a potential return to pre-pandemic levels in the coming year.

The positive trend is further fuelled by several countries signalling a halt to interest rate hikes, subsequently boosting consumer confidence.

Notably, all export categories, particularly agricultural products, have demonstrated growth, outpacing other sectors.

Industrial goods, in tandem with the recovery cycle of electronic products, have shown continuous growth, augmented by early spending ahead of yearend festivities.

This has prompted entrepreneurs globally to expedite imports to meet the heightened demand.

Meanwhile, the overall performance for the first 11 months witnessed exports valued at $261.77 billion, marking a 1.5% contraction, and imports at $267.93 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $6.16 billion.

The Commerce Ministry believes Thai exports will surpass pre-pandemic levels amid a global economic slowdown this year. Looking ahead to 2024, the ministry foresees a rebound in exports aligned with the global economic recovery, projecting a growth rate of 1.99%, equivalent to about 10 trillion baht in export value, Keerati said.

• Spending 10.5 billion baht to write new charter not worth it, says senator

Senator Somchai Sawangkarn has aired opposition to the proposition of writing a new charter, saying it will not be worth spending 10.5 billion baht on conducting related public referendums.

Speaking at a Senate meeting on Tuesday, Somchai argued against the need for a new charter, saying that the current Constitution had already garnered 16 million votes in a previous public referendum.

According to Somchai, the process of drafting and enacting a new constitution would necessitate three separate public referendums, each incurring a cost of approximately 3.5 billion baht, which will add up to 10.5 billion baht.

These estimated costs do not include the salaries of some 475,000 officials, compensation for members of the new Constitution Drafting Assembly and payments for their support staff.

Factoring in these expenses, Somchai said another 15.7 million baht or more would be needed.

While campaigning for votes, Pheu Thai had promised to enact a fully democratic people’s charter. It also promised to keep the first two chapters on the type of government and monarchy untouched.

However, Somchai contends that 27 other articles in other chapters refer to the power of the King, so it would be impossible to draft a new charter without touching on royal powers.

• Srettha hands Justice Ministry to coalition partner to deflect focus on Thaksin

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin reassigned the oversight of the Justice Ministry to Deputy PM Pirapan Salirathavibhaga in an order dated December 25.

Pirapan, leader of the United Thai Nation Party, will be taking over from Deputy PM Somsak Thepsutin.

As per the order released on Wednesday, Pirapan will supervise the Justice Ministry on behalf of the premier, though Srettha will oversee the Department of Special Investigation on his own.

Somsak, meanwhile, has been tasked with overseeing the Public Health Ministry on behalf of the premier, while Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai is tasked with acting on behalf of Srettha when he is absent.

Somsak, a core Pheu Thai member who previously held the Justice portfolio, had earlier slammed the Corrections Department for failing to clear public doubts about former PM Thaksin Shinawatra being put up in a luxury suite in the Police General Hospital instead of spending time behind bars.

Political observers believe the Justice Ministry may have been handed to a coalition partner to prevent public criticism that Pheu Thai was abusing its power to help its patriarch, Thaksin.

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• Defence minister encourages military conscription

Defence minister Sutin Klungsang on Tuesday invited eligible candidates to enlist for conscription year 2024 before applications, which are currently being offered online, are full.

Speaking at the “New Year, New Soldiers, New Opportunities” event in Bangkok, Sutin said the number of voluntary conscriptions has been rising in the past few years, signalling that more people are interested in joining the military.

The event was hosted by the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence at its headquarters in Phra Nakhon district, in a bid to publicise the military’s policies and achievements, as well as strengthen its relationship with the public.

Sutin, who took office three months ago, said he aims to eradicate negative images of military conscription, notably the physical torture and hazing of new recruits, and right the false belief that recruits could lose educational or career opportunities while completing their 2-year conscription term.

“We will change the public view of military conscription, make them see that it is actually two years of new opportunities,” he said. “Meanwhile, the military must improve its training of new recruits, focusing on skills development across all aspects, and eliminating any form of abuse, either physical or financial.”

He said he would reiterate this policy at training centres nationwide before the new recruits enter the camps in April next year.

The minister also joined chiefs of the armed forces in the open kitchen to make Phad Kaphrao and omelettes, which are given for free to visitors of the event.

The event also featured stage performances by well-known enlisted soldiers, including Lieutenant Sombat Banchamek, also known as Buakaw Banchamek, a Muay Thai legend, and Private Pittaya Sae-chow, a member of LAZ1 boy band.

• PM says government not bound by 20-year national strategy

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin indicated today that his government will not be bound by the 20-year national strategy initiated by the Prayut administration, claiming that it is difficult for a nation to predict accurately what will happen in the next few years, not to mention the next 20, because the world is changing constantly and rapidly.

Chairing a meeting of the National Strategy Committee, the prime minister instructed the committee to set a framework for the national strategy, which is flexible and relevant to global changes, so that people will know in which direction Thailand is heading and all stakeholders are headed in that direction.

He said that the strategy must not be an obstacle to decision making on future development or the future of the country.

While having a long-term national strategy is a good idea, the prime minister said that he does not believe in a strategy which looks too far into the future, because the world is changing rapidly to keep pace with new technology.

He said that, about three years ago, clean energy was not an issue at international conferences. Today though, the issue is a must in international negotiations and most governments are now trying to attract talented people to work in their countries, he added.

On the rivalry between the world’s two super powers, the United States and China, the prime minister said that, as recently as four years ago, the two nations did not compete against each other as fiercely as they do today.

• Srettha wishes Thais a happy New Year, promises better economy next year

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his Cabinet wished Thais a happy New Year on Thursday while vowing a “better economy” next year, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said.

Srettha wished the millions travelling over the New Year holidays safe journeys and urged them to drive carefully and avoid drunk driving.

“The prime minister wished Thais a festive season of smiles and happiness, spent with their families. He wished them all safe travels so they return re-energised for the year ahead, while hoping they achieved success in everything they do,” the spokesman said.

The government is focused on stabilising the economy through stimulus measures, investment promotion, and improving the country’s potential, he added.

“We are confident that in 2024, the country’s economic figures will be better. And we believe the improvement will bring better lives for Thais,” the spokesman said.

The four-day New Year holiday starts on Friday and ends on Monday (January 1).

PM Srettha also thanked public officials who are serving the public, particularly those travelling to their hometowns, over the long holiday period. He said authorities are taking measures to prevent road accidents. Travel and partying over the New Year break bring the so-called “seven dangerous days” on roads, when traffic fatalities rise.

The government and state agencies have also announced some 255 so-called “New Year gifts” in the form of public projects.

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• PM and his wife are worth Bt1.02 billion – NACC

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his spouse, Dr Pakpilai, have assets worth Bt1.02 billion, according to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

The prime minister’s own assets are worth 659,391,610 baht. These include one million baht in cash, 68,986,558 baht deposited in 47 bank accounts, 1,301,668 baht in investments, a land plot in the Khlong Toey area of Bangkok worth 158,400,000 baht, a condo in Hua Hin worth 156,423,120 baht, a three-story house in Khlong Toei worth 18 million baht, an Aston Martin Model DB5 sports car worth 50-million baht worth, a concession worth 87,539,563 baht, 38 wrist watches worth 121.9 million baht, including a Patek Philippe 5470P-001 worth 30 million baht, 6 Buddha amulets worth 1.6 million baht, a 165,000 baht gold chain, a Louis Vuitton suitcase worth 6 million baht and 9,732,579 baht in bank overdrafts.

In addition, the prime minister has an annual income of about 253 million baht. This includes 20 million baht given to him by his three children, 153,570,16 baht in salaries and bonuses, a 45,694 baht pension, about 65 million baht in a provident fund, 825,402 baht in returns from digital assets and 13 million baht in retirement compensation.

His annual personal expenditures are 36.5 million baht, 1.9 million baht in household expenditures, 4.7 million baht financial support for his mother, 8 million baht in travel expenses and 465,000 baht in donations.

His wife, Pakpilai, has assets worth 361,077,116 baht. These include 1.8 million baht in cash, 47,023,391 baht deposited in 38 bank accounts, 52,352,913 baht in investments, three cars worth 2.8 million baht, 31 wrist watches worth 84 million baht, 48 luxury bags worth 37 million baht, including a Hermes Birkin worth two million baht and jewellery, clothing and Buddha amulets worth 131 million baht. She also has 449,970 baht in bank overdrafts.

The assets of the other ministers as disclosed by the NACC are:

Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovations Supamas Isarabhakdi and her spouse have assets worth about 1.531 billion baht. Her own assets are worth 152 million baht. These include 4.8 million baht in bank deposits, land worth 18.5 million baht, 10 million baht in a house and other assets worth about 119 million baht, including 10 wrist watches worth about 22 million baht and 13 brand name bags worth 3.6 million baht.

• Anutin calls for 'severely punishing' civil servants for drunk driving

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered all provinces nationwide to strictly monitor that ministry’s civil servants and officials for drunk driving. If found to be drinking and driving, they must be severely punished, he announced.

The clamp-down aims to prevent accidents and reduce risks to the public. Anutin said that the problem of drunk driving is a major problem that affects the safety of the nation’s lives and propert. A related Interior Ministry policy applies to all provinces, requiring strict inspection of its staff and officials.

Anutin emphasised the importance of civil servants and officials serving as good role models for the public through abiding by traffic regulations along with avoiding driving while intoxicated.

In addition, the Interior Ministry has partnered with the Department of Land Transport to issue strict legal enforcement measures related to drunk driving. All police stations nationwide will prosecute offenders strictly, without exception, whether they are civil servants or members of the general public. Police officers throughout the kingdom will conduct the inspections.

Civil servants and officials who are found to be drinking and driving will be subject to a range of penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and dismissal from their jobs.

The Interior Ministry is also working to raise awareness of the dangers of drunk driving and to encourage people to drink responsibly.

• PM Srettha winds down in Hua Hin with Anutin and family

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was pictured walking on the beach in Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, where he is spending his New Year break.

The premier was seen enjoying the breeze on Saturday afternoon on the beach with his daughter, Chananda. He was wearing a black T-shirt and shorts.

Also joining him was Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his wife, Wathananon, who also appeared in casual clothes. Some Pheu Thai Party executives were also spotted accompanying the premier.

PM Srettha winds down in Hua Hin with Anutin and family

The four-day New Year holidays started on Friday and end on Monday (January 1).

Before leaving the office for the long break on Thursday, Srettha wished the millions travelling over the New Year holidays safe journeys and urged them to drive carefully and avoid drunk driving.

He also wished Thais a festive season of smiles and happiness, spent with their families, and that they return re-energised for the year ahead.

• Srettha and Cabinet bid Their Majesties happy new year at Palace

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his wife, Pakpilai Thavisin, led Cabinet members and their spouses in offering New Year good wishes to Their Majesties at the Royal Palace on Monday.

The PM and government delegation signed a book of well-wishes for the 12 months ahead at the Palace to mark New Year’s Day.

Srettha and his wife then travelled on to Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan to pay their respects and make offerings to the Supreme Patriarch.

The prime minister also had a brief conversation with the spiritual head of Thai Buddhism.

Srettha also greeted Thais who were visiting the temple to give alms and make merit on the first day of the year.

The prime minister and his wife will preside over a new year alms-giving ceremony at Government House’s Santi Maitree building on Tuesday. Srettha will offer alms to 67 monks before paying respect at the Brahma shrine, ahead of the first Cabinet meeting of the year on Tuesday. He and Pakpilai will then return to the PM’s residence, Phitsanulok Mansion, and hold rites at the shrines of two deities – Thao Hiran Phanasoon and Brahma.

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• Government is building better future for Thai children – PM

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said that his government has implemented medium and long-term policies to build the foundations of a better future for Thai children after nine years of what he described as lost opportunities.

In his New Year’s speech, the prime minister said that Thailand is currently recovering, both economically and socially, and he is addressing the hardships of the Thai people by rolling out numerous urgent measures to reduce the cost of living, increase incomes, expand opportunities and stimulate the economy.

He said that his government’s efforts will not, however, be successful without the cooperation of all parties concerned in both the private and public sectors.

The prime minister thanked civil servants, the police, military personnel and all volunteers for their efforts to relieve hardships resulting from numerous disasters in the past year.

Then he wished all Thai people a Happy New Year and urged them to express their good wishes to members of the Royal Family.

• No need for "bodyguards" during budget bill debate – PM

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said today that he does not need “bodyguards”, a term used to describe MPs who speak to defend a minister, during the 3-day debate on the 2024 fiscal budget bill starting on Wednesday.

He said that every minister, including himself, has the duty to explain to parliament any issues raised by opposition MPs regarding the budget for their ministry.

The prime minister will spend about half an hour providing an overview of the budget and the reasoning behind allocations.

The 2024 budget bill was supposed to come into effect last October 1st, but it has been delayed, partly because the government only took office in August last year.

Regarding the 500 billion baht loan bill, needed to fund the “digital wallet” scheme, the prime minister said that it is waiting for the Council of State to determine its constitutionality.

Sirikanya Tansakul, deputy leader of the opposition Move Forward party, said earlier that the 2024 budget is disappointing, because it is no different to that of the previous government and does not address economic and constitutional crises and political conflicts.

Citing the economic crisis, she claims that the government has no clear plan to address the problem, other than the digital wallet scheme which, unfortunately, is not included in the budget bill.

She also cited the defence budget, which the Pheu Thai party had promised to cut by 10% during the general election campaign, but which has actually increased by about 2%.

The seven opposition parties have been allocated 20 hours to speak during the debate, according to opposition chief whip Pakornwut Udompipatsakul.

The main opposition Move Forward party has 13 hours and 50 minutes, the Democrats, 3 hours and 20 minutes, Thai Sang Thai, 60 minutes and the Fair party, 20 minutes. The New Democracy, Thai Teachers for the People and Mai parties have each been given ten minutes.

Sirikanya also explained that the debate on the budget bill is not a no-confidence debate, with which an opposition attempts to unseat the government.

• Packed agenda for first cabinet meeting of 2024

The first Cabinet meeting of 2024 started earlier than usual on Tuesday (January 2), with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin opening the session at 8.30am, according to a source.

The session got underway after the Cabinet completed a merit-making ceremony at Santimaitri Building in the Government House compound to mark the New Year.

The source said topics on the table include preparations for the consideration of the budget bill for fiscal 2024 at its first reading. The Parliament will deliberate the proposed budget of 3.48 trillion baht from Wednesday until Friday (January 3-5).

During the deliberations, each minister is required to explain his/her responsibilities and how the budget will be used, as well as answer any questions posed by members of the House of Representatives.

Other topics to be discussed by the cabinet on Tuesday include the amendment of the protocol to establish the Asean-Australia-New Zealand free trade zone, proposed by the Commerce Ministry.

The Energy Ministry, meanwhile, will present the Office of Oil Fuel Fund’s measures to subside the move to cap the retail price of diesel fuel at 30 baht per litre until March.

For its part, the Public Health Ministry will report progress on upgrading the Universal Healthcare Scheme under the government’s 30 Baht Plus scheme. The new scheme aims to increase treatment coverage to cover more diseases at a greater number of medical facilities, as well as allow patients to exercise their right using only their ID card.

The Secretariat of the Senate will present a study on a healthcare system for the ageing society undertaken by the Senate’s ad hoc community on public health.

Lastly, the National Human Rights Commission will propose new regulations for marriage of underage persons and procedures that comply with international human rights practices for migrants in the Kingdom who are unable to return to their home countries.

• Thais and Chinese to travel visa-free, starting March 1

Starting from March 1, Thais and Chinese traveling to each country will no longer need a visa, as part of the latest agreement between both governments, said Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin today.

“The new privilege marks an upgrading to the mutual relationship,” Srettha said. Authorities concerned will be informed to prepare for the new regulations to facilitate travel, he said.

Previously, Thailand waived the tourist visa requirement for Chinese tourists as part of efforts to boost tourism to Thailand among Chinese visitors. However, this privilege is set to end after February.

Srettha told reporters that the waiver will replace the near-end rules for Chinese people. “This reflects the importance of the Thai passport on the international stage,” he said.

He referred to earlier reports that China has granted temporary visas to five countries, excluding Thailand.

“We had been criticised for not being important to China. However, during that time, we had discussions with China to waive visas for Thai passport holders. Today, we have good news about the permanent visa waiver, not just temporarily.’

• No Cabinet reshuffle ahead to add Paetongtarn to Cabinet, says deputy PM

Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai rejected rumours of a potential Cabinet reshuffle, saying there were no plans to hand Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra a ministerial post.

Speaking to reporters before attending the weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Phumtham said there would be no Cabinet reshuffle any time soon as all parties in the coalition are working in harmony.

Phumtham, who also holds the Commerce portfolio, said all steps have been taken to ensure rumours like this do not harm the coalition’s unity.

The Pheu Thai-led coalition comprising 11 parties and 314 seats in the House of Representatives, has two vacant ministerial positions. The Cabinet has 34 members instead of the ideal 36.

Meanwhile, Phumtham said the ruling party was dividing its attention between the administration, the Parliament and the party itself. He said as Pheu Thai leader, it was Paetongtarn’s responsibility to guarantee the party can effectively address all these sides.

Separately, Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa told reporters on Tuesday that Pheu Thai had the authority to give Paetongtarn a ministerial portfolio.

He added that Paetongtarn meets all the requirements necessary for a minister.

The rumours of a possible Cabinet reshuffle, meanwhile, were sparked by comments from certain politicians.

Move Forward Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon said on Sunday that Paetongtarn may be given a ministerial position in an impending Cabinet reshuffle.

He even predicted that she may replace Srettha Thavisin as prime minister as he is already facing many complaints.

However, in an interview with Thai media on Monday, Paetongtarn rejected the rumours, saying she had no plans to take the role of prime minister at this time. She said her only job was to lead the Pheu Thai party and help Srettha as much as she can.

Paetongtarn, who is the youngest daughter of Pheu Thai’s patriarch, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, assumed leadership of the ruling party despite joining it just two years ago.

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• PM orders help for Thais in Japan following earthquake

• Opposition must not link budget debate to Thaksin : Pheu Thai

A Pheu Thai MP has warned the opposition that, if it attempts to link the parliamentary debate on the budget bill for the 2024 fiscal year, due to start tomorrow, to the current status of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, they could face legal action.

Visuth Chainaroon, deputy government chief whip, spoke today after chairing a government whip’s meeting regarding preparations for the three-day debate. “The government is not worried about the debate, because it is confident that its ministers can explain their budget allocations,” he said.

Pheu Thai MPs have expressed interest in speaking during the debate, Visuth added, stating that he is sure the debate will proceed smoothly.

Visuth did, however, refer to reports that the opposition bloc may scrutinise the budget of the Corrections Department, in an attempt to connect the department with Thaksin, who is sentenced to a commuted jail term of one year on corruption charges, but who is yet to spend one night in an actual prison, after his admission to the Police General Hospital on what was to be his first day of incarceration.

The department is being criticised for providing “VVIP treatment” to Thaksin. “The opposition should not mention Thaksin in parliament, as he is not involved in the budget bill debate. This is not a censure debate,” Visuth said.

If they talk about Thaksin, a non-MP and a third-party, they could face legal action, as parliamentary immunity cannot protect them, Visuth claimed.

• Foreign minister provides background to Thai-China visa waiver

Three months of multi-level negotiations between Thai and Chinese authorities have resulted in a mutual agreement to waive visa requirements for the nationals of both countries permanently from March 1.

Following up on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s announcement on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara explained that the talks on visa waivers between Thailand and China got underway during the PM’s official visit to Beijing in October last year, when the PM met with Chinese president Xi Jinping to discuss the move in a bid to promote mutual tourism.

The move is part of the government’s policy of strengthening Thai passports for overseas travel, added Parnpree, who also serves as a Deputy Prime Minister.

On December 6-7, Parnpree attended a foreign ministerial meeting under the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation in Beijing, and discussed the visa waiver with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. The two sides agreed to set up a bilateral task force to oversee the project.

On December 21-22, the Thai task force, led by Department of East Asian Affairs’ deputy director-general met with executives of China’s Department of Consular Affairs in Beijing, and reached an agreement to start the permanent visa waivers on March 1, 2024.

Parnpree said the measure would allow holders of ordinary and semi-official passports to enter and stay in the other country for up to 30 days per time, or not over 90 days in total over a period of 180 days.

This waiver excludes permanent residence, working, studying, media activities, or other activities that require a permit in advance, he added.

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Thais can now visit 34 nations without a visa

• PM confident 2024 budget will improve the Thai economy

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin presented the government’s 3.48 trillion baht budget bill to the House of Representatives today, saying that he is confident it will stimulate tourism and improve the national economy, while assuring that taxpayers’ money will be spent efficiently.

In his address to the House, the prime minister said that the budget bill is an important tool in delivering the government’s policies and corresponds to the economic situation and the nation’s fiscal condition, the national strategy and the 13th national economic and social development plan.

He said that the budget has been tailored to improve livelihoods, boost economic growth and competitiveness and encourage private investment.

With many people affected by economic problems, the prime minister said that the government has rolled out short-term economic stimulus schemes to boost public demand, leading to additional industrial investment and production expansion.

The government has also attached importance to social development and security by ensuring public access to improved medical services, through the “30 Baht Plus” universal health scheme, and access to treatment and rehabilitation for drug addicts, said the prime minister.

On the political and administrative fronts, the prime minister said that a new constitution will be drafted to rectify the drawbacks in the current charter and guide the country out of political polarisation.

He explained that the national budget has been allocated to support national security, improvement of national competitiveness, development of human resources, the creation of opportunities and social equality, the improvement of environmentally friendly growth and adjustments to the administrative development of the government sector, to improve bureaucratic efficiency and capabilities.

With expenditure set at 3.48 trillion baht for the 2024 fiscal year, the prime minister said the government is expected to collect 2.78 trillion baht in revenues and to borrow the remainder, about 693 billion baht, to meet the shortfall.

Although expenditure is 9.3% higher than last year, he said that revenues are expected to increase by 11.9%.

The prime minister spent one hour and 40 minutes presenting the budget to the Lower House.

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• TAT thanks govt for agreeing visa waiver with China

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says it expects the Thailand-China visa policy waiver to boost the tourism industry of both countries, noting that travellers will benefit from more flights and cheaper plane tickets.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said on Wednesday that the agency had thanked the government for reaching the agreement with the Chinese authorities to waive visa requirements for both Thai and Chinese citizens permanently from March 1.

“This policy will greatly improve travellers’ convenience and benefit the tourism industries of both Thailand and China,” she said. “We will likely see more direct flights on both new and existing routes, while prices of air tickets should go down following the significant spikes during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

When asked if TAT would adjust its estimation for Chinese arrivals for 2024, which is currently 8 million people, Thapanee said the agency would discuss this and other related issues during an executive meeting with Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol, Minister of Tourism and Sports to be held in the near future.

The directors of five TAT offices in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, Chengdu, and Guangzhou) will also attend the meeting and will review marketing strategies as well as present new ones once the visa-free policy takes effect.

Thapanee added that the TAT would also focus on attracting residents of China’s secondary provinces who have never been to Thailand by launching PR and marketing campaigns in this untapped market.

TAT has set a total revenue target for 2024 of 3.5 trillion baht — 2.5 trillion baht from international tourists and 1 trillion baht from domestic travellers.

• Govt urges stateless Thais to take DNA test to get citizenship

The government is calling on Thais who lack an identification card and have no formal nationality to join a DNA test programme to prove their Thai nationality.

Deputy government spokesman Kharom Polpornklang said the Provincial Administration Department has launched a project to test the DNA of stateless Thais so that they could be given ID cards and be eligible for all the rights of Thai citizens.

Kharom said the aim of the project is to help Thais become recognised as citizens even though they lack household registration and birth certificates.

The project is also aimed at helping Thais whose names have been on household registrations but who have been registered as stateless persons.

Kharom said that since the middle of last month district offices and household registration offices of local administrations nationwide began allowing stateless Thais to apply for citizenship.

Those eligible for free DNA tests to prove they are genetically Thai and so eligible for Thai citizenship fall under three groups:

- Those whose parents failed to seek their child’s birth certificates within deadlines
- Hilltribe people who seek Thai nationality
- Those who wish to change their status on household registrations from stateless to Thai.

Kharom said eligible persons must have a low income or underprivileged, and one of their parents must be identified as a Thai citizen on their household registration. Alternatively, their DNA must match that of a blood relative who has household registration.