Thread: Thailand and the new coalition government

Originally Posted by S Landreth

• Industry Ministry affirms Phang Nga can produce 14.8 million tonnes of lithium

correction

• Govt clarifies on lithium discovery after experts debunk claims

The 14.8 million tonnes of mineral resources discovered recently in Phang Nga province may not be entirely lithium, a rare mineral which is a key component for making batteries for electric vehicles, a government official clarified on Saturday.

“The 14.8 million tonnes discovered are the total amount of mineral resources and not lithium resources,” deputy government spokeswoman Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri said. “Mineral resources could contain several kinds of minerals, including lithium.”

Earlier on Thursday, Radklao had quoted an Industry Ministry report which confirmed the capacities of the Ruangkiat and Bang Etu sites in Phang Nga province, south of Thailand.

The report said the sites contained lepidolite, which has an average lithium oxide of 0.45%. With proper mining and refining operation, the sites could produce raw material to make lithium-ion battery for at least 1 million units of 50 kWh electric vehicles.

Radklao had said on Thursday that the finding of high lithium content in Phang Nga makes Thailand the country with the third largest lithium resources after Bolivia and Argentina.

However, on Saturday she quoted the Department of Primary Industries and Mines as saying that the earlier report was a misunderstanding, as the discovery confirmed availability of mineral resources and not purely lithium resources.

This also invalidates the claim that Thailand has the third largest lithium resources in the world.

“The discovery of 14.8 million tonnes of mineral resources is still a good news for all Thais, regardless of the amount of lithium found,” said Radklao. “All key mineral resources found in Thailand, be they lithium, sodium or potash, can contribute to the country’s economic stability and reduce reliance on import.”

She added that the government is committed to promoting the EV industry in Thailand under its EV3.5 campaign, which also includes promoting Thailand to be a hub of EV battery manufacturing in the region.

The government’s clarification on Saturday came after several parties criticised the report of lithium discovery in Phang Nga as inaccurate.

Chulalongkorn University science lecturer Jessada Denduangboripant posted on his Facebook page on Friday that the average amount of lithium that could be extracted from 14.8 million tonnes of mineral resources is only about 66,600 tonnes.

It is estimated that there are about 93 million tonnes of lithium resources in the world, most of which are in South America. The top 10 countries with confirmed lithium resources are: Bolivia (21 million tonnes), Argentina (20 million), Chile (11 million), Australia (7.9 million), China (6.8 million), Germany (3.2 million), Congo (3 million), Canada (2.9 million), Mexico (1.7 million), and Czech Republic (1.3 million).

“With 66,600 tonnes of lithium, Thailand will be ranked in 22nd place, between Finland (68,000) and Austria (60,000),” he said.

• DES Ministry releases list of top 10 fake news doing social media rounds this week

The Digital Economy and Society Ministry on Saturday released a list of the top 10 “fake news” stories that captured the public’s attention this past week.

The 10 items were recorded by the Anti-Fake News Centre from January 12 to 18.

The fake news was categorised under four groups, based on prevalent themes, namely:

• Government policies and official information (53 cases)

Examples include fake announcements attributed to the Department of Employment about job opportunities offering daily wages of between 890 and 2,800 baht, free job placement and transportation.

• Health products, hazardous substances and illegal objects (19 cases)

Deceptive claims related to fake health products, hazardous supplements, cosmetics and illegal products or services. Notably, there were reports of issues linked to skin conditions, difficulty in breathing, etc.

• Natural disasters and occurrences (4 cases)

Misleading reports on natural disasters such as uncommonly cold temperatures in the North and Central region of Thailand. False predictions of the mercury in Bangkok dropping as low as 20 degrees Celsius from January 17 to 19.

• Economic matters (21 cases)

False reports on economic topics, such as the stock market allowing gold trading for as little as US$50 (1,750 baht) and other fraudulent financial transactions.

The top 10 fake news stories that grabbed the most attention were:

1. The Department of Skill Development allegedly offers 450 baht a day for handling packages

2. Krungthai Bank offering loans of up to 2 million baht through the Loan Versatile 5 Plus page

3. The Department of Employment offers jobs at a daily wage ranging from 890 to 2,800 baht, including free job placement and transportation

4. The Facebook page Loan 5 Plus provides misleading advice on loans from Krungthai Bank

5. Quick loans ranging from 5,000 to 300,000 via the KA PRO page linked to a contact on LINE

6. Line allegedly collaborated with the Stock Exchange of Thailand to offer free lessons on stock trading and a chance to earn dividends of between 4,000 and 8,000 per week from an investment of just 1,000 baht

7. Monthly retirement funds for government officials being raised by 5,000 to 10,000 baht

8. Kissing can cause tooth decay

9. A Power Factor Saver device that can allegedly halve monthly electricity bills

10. An investment of 1,750 baht in gold trading can earn dividends of 17,490 baht with a maximum profit of 20%.

• Premium beef from Isaan to be promoted as Thailand’s soft power

The myth about Thai beef being chewy is being laid to rest with a new breed of cattle, "Ko Dam Lam Takhong", that originated in Nakhon Ratchasima province being promoted as the country's premium beef.

Unlike in the past when most Thais preferred to avoid beef due to a belief that consuming large animals would have karmic consequences, beef consumption in recent years has become a huge trend among food enthusiasts.

Mouthwatering dishes such as steak, and Japanese and South Korean grills top the list when sharing meals among friends and families. However, imported beef is not so pocket-friendly.

“With the increase in demand for good quality beef, but made in Thailand, the ‘Ko Dam Lam Takhong' breed was developed and has become the country’s premium beef with a unique smell and taste," said Akkawat Wiriyakachonkiat, managing director of NVK Farm Products.

The breed is a combination of three species — Thai native, Wagyu and Angus.

Apart from resistance to weather and disease, Ko Dam Lam Takhong marbled meat offers a juicy and tender taste. A medium-rare steak with a small portion of salt could be enough to tickle tastebuds.

Premium beef equals soft power

Thailand has been making efforts to project its soft power on the global stage, and so is its beef. The country aims to be the hub for premium beef production in a bid to meet the demand of beef lovers in Thailand while showing off its premium beef quality from the four provinces in the overseas market.

The four northeastern provinces under development are Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buriram and Surin. The move comes as Thailand’s beef import bill has ballooned to more than 7 billion baht annually to support domestic demand.

In a bid to promote Thai beef internationally and to make the country’s beefy matter more tender, Thailand is hosting "Thailand Beef Fest 2024" at Lower Northeastern Science Park (LNESP) in Nakhon Ratchasima's Mueang district from February 1-4

The event will feature an exhibition of Thai and foreign cattle breeds, technology for breeding high-quality beef cattle, and a cooking demonstration by professional chefs.

"The fair is an opportunity to develop a 'beef cattle innovation district' for the production, sale and development of premium beef cattle," said the National Innovation Agency (NIA) deputy executive director, Dr Krithpaka Boonfueng.

Also, this event will help connect with tourism, consumption and investment in the food industry or other related industries in the future.

Beefy facts

Nakhon Ratchasima has potential for cattle raising with more than 185,400 livestock farmers and 530,000 cattle living there.

The NIA and LNESP are offering technology and innovation to boost productivity, increase product value and enhance the potential of entrepreneurs.

"The comprehensive cattle-raising method and nutritional feed recipe help cattle become healthy," Akkawat said, adding that the beef price has increased to 105-145 baht per kilogram compared to the previous 82 baht per kg.

Nice looking animal. They should have removed the ring for the picture

• Senators' motion seeking general debate submitte

A motion was submitted to Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai today by a group of senators, seeking general debate against the government, but without a concluding vote.

One of the senators, Seree Suwanpanont, told the media this morning that the motion, which was signed in approval by 98 senators, in accordance with Section 153 of the Constitution, seeks to question the government on seven issues.

He said that the senators have no intention to topple the government, as there will not be a vote after the debate. The debate will take about two days and he believes that it would be beneficial to the government’s administration of state affairs.

Responding to a reporter’s question about why senators didn’t seek a similar debate against the former government and why they are seeking one against the current government, which has been in office for just four months, Senator Seree said that the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had spent about three years concentrating on dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and that “there were not as many problems as there are today.”

The issues to be raised by senators mostly concern policies promised to the people during the general election campaign last year, such as the “digital wallet” scheme and alleged double standards in the justice system, without specifying the case of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, said Seree.

Senate Speaker Pornpetch said that that he will ask the Senate secretary-general to coordinate with the cabinet about when they will be ready for the debate, as the senators would prefer the debate to be held in February.

98 senators to demand answers from govt on issues like Thaksin, digital wallet

• Health minister Cholnan eyes nationwide expansion as Sky Doctor project soars

Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew reiterated his promise to expand airlift services nationwide while observing an emergency airlift rehearsal in Phang Nga.

The ministry’s permanent secretary Opas Karnkawinpong accompanied Cholnan to observe the rehearsal at the Koh Yao Witthaya School in Phang Nga’s Koh Yao district on Monday morning.
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Addressing the gathering, Cholnan said the Sky Doctor or emergency medical airlift project is necessary for Phang Nga as it is a tourist destination, and covers an expansive sea area with numerous islands. Last year alone, some 2.61 million local and foreign tourists visited Phang Nga, contributing around 12 billion baht in revenue.

Cholnan said the Sky Doctor project would elevate Thailand’s emergency medical services to international standards, instilling confidence in foreign tourists.

The Sky Doctor project involves deploying a medical team via helicopter to remote spots or islands, such as Koh Yao, to ensure timely treatment and potentially save lives.

Emphasising the importance of the Sky Doctor project, Cholnan reiterated his ministry’s commitment to extending the services to cover all 13 public health areas nationwide.

Opas said the Public Health Ministry has commissioned five ambulance boats around Phang Nga islands and has established nine helicopter landing spots on the islands and in downtown Phang Nga for emergency airlift services.

Opas, meanwhile, detailed the training efforts in Phang Nga where six teams have undergone the Basic Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Course. Two of these teams are stationed at Phang Nga Hospital, two at Takua Pa Hospital, one at the Khoa Lak Centre, and another at Kao Yao Chaiyapat Hospital.

Last year, the Sky Doctor teams in Phang Nga successfully transported two patients suffering from aortic dissection, one to Hat Yai Hospital and another to Trang, where they received timely and effective treatment.

The Sky Doctor project, initiated in 2009 by the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM) in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry, has seen significant achievements.

Since 2021, Sky Doctors have performed more than 400 operations, airlifted nearly 400 patients and delivered three organs.

In September last year, Cholnan announced plans to expand the program by setting up Sky Doctor teams in every public health area nationwide within 100 days. This initiative aims to improve emergency medical response, particularly during the busy tourist season.

• Thailand, China to ink pact lifting visa requirements on Friday

The agreement on waiving visa requirements for Thai and Chinese citizens should be signed on Friday when Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will arrive in Thailand, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said.

The mutual visa waiver, scheduled to be effective from March 1, will allow Thai and Chinese citizens to visit each other’s countries freely, thus promoting tourism and relevant industries in both countries.

“This measure will upgrade the Thai passport higher,” said Srettha, who also doubles as finance minister.

He was speaking at the “Thailand 2024 – The Great Challenge”, held on Wednesday at Pullman King Power Hotel in Bangkok.

Srettha added that on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, last week, he had asked European Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen and Belgian PM Alexander De Croo to consider waiving the requirement of Schengen visa for Thai travellers.

The Schengen visa grants a less than 90-stay in 27 countries in the Schengen Area, namely Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

“We know too well that applying for a visa to Italy, France, Spain and Germany is a herculean task. The talk with European leaders is the first step to fix this pain point for Thai travellers,” Srettha said.

Thailand was the first to offer visa exemption to visitors from China and Kazakhstan in September last year, followed by India and Taiwan nationals in November. The visa waiver for Chinese and Kazakhstani citizens is set to expire on February 29.

• PM denies misusing power as FM to disclose confidential economic data

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday rejected allegations that he used his authority as finance minister to access confidential economic data ahead of its scheduled release.

While failing to explain why government spokesman Chai Wacharonke was able to announce the key economic data for 2023, Srettha only said he did not abuse his authority at the Finance Minister to get the data from the Fiscal Policy Office.

The controversial disclosure by Chai on Tuesday revealed that the Thai economy grew by only 1.8% in 2023, in stark contrast to the 2.5-3% projection by the Bank of Thailand (BOT).

This move was seen by some as an attempt to justify the plan to take an off-budget loan of 500 billion baht to fund the digital wallet scheme. Many state agencies have advised against the loan, saying the economy is not in a big enough crisis to warrant it.

When reporters asked why the spokesman disclosed key economic data before it was officially announced, Srettha only said the data was unofficial and could not be confirmed as Chai had only read the draft.

Instead, he said, the reporters should wait for an official announcement from the Fiscal Policy Office.

“I won’t confirm the data. Even though I’m the finance minister, I have never sought confidential information before it is announced,” he said. “The Fiscal Policy Office is free to compile its data and we must treat the office’s director-general with due respect.”

After Chai disclosed the data, BOT governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput told the press that the Thai economy had just slowed down and was not in a crisis as claimed by the government.


The BOT had earlier expressed its disagreement to the contentious 500-billion digital wallet scheme and to the government’s repeated calls for it to lower the policy interest rate.

Srettha, meanwhile, said that though he did not want to label the economy as being in a crisis, it was certainly “not good”. He also conceded that it was normal for the central bank governor to disagree with the government.

When asked if he would come up with new stimulus measures, Srettha said his government consistently deliberated on economic stimulus measures beyond the digital wallet scheme.

He said he has been consulting the Fiscal Policy director-general constantly about economic measures and believes the director-general speaks to the BOT chief often.

German president begins official visit to Thailand

Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier began his official visit to Thailand today, at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who hosted a welcoming ceremony at Government House, which included an inspection of a Guard of Honour.

Steinmeier is accompanied by the Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Federal Deputy Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Economic Affairs and Climate Action, as well as a delegation of German businesspeople.

Srettha and Steinmeier will witness the signing of cooperation agreements in the fields of Railways and Science and attend a joint press conference. The Thai premier will host a luncheon for Steinmeier at Government House.

HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn and HM Majesty Queen Suthida will grant an audience to the German president at Amphorn Sathan in Dusit Palace.

The president will visit Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing (Thailand) in Samut Prakan province, which is a regional production base for internal combustion and electric vehicles (EV). Steinmeier will also travel to Ubon Ratchathani, to visit the hydro-floating solar hybrid project at the Sirindhorn reservoir, which is a world leading hybrid power plant operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT).

Also on Steinmeier’s itinerary are the inclusive sustainable rice land space project in Trakan Phuet Phon district and Pha Taem National Park in Khong Chiam district in the province.

This visit is Steinmeier’s first visit to Thailand since taking office in 2022 and Thailand’s first official visit by the Head of a foreign government under the current Thai administration. The last German president to visit Thailand was Johannes Rau in 2002.

German president arrives in Thailand on trade, investment mission

Coalition dinner meeting avoids any talk of cabinet reshuffle
Coalition dinner meeting avoids any talk of cabinet reshuffle

Promotion of soft power, the tourism industry, world heritage attractions, and the Prime Minister’s upcoming trip to Nakhon Ratchasima province were among the topics discussed at a dinner meeting of government coalition members on Thursday evening in Pathum Thani province.

There was reportedly no mention of a potential cabinet reshuffle as had been speculated.

The event was hosted by the Bhumjaithai Party at Ban Ta Nid, an open-air restaurant overlooking the Chao Phraya River in Sam Khok district. It is reportedly the favourite restaurant of Bhumjaithai leader and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin arrived at around 5.30pm and was welcomed by Anutin, Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiseth, and former Deputy PM Suwat Liptapanlop.

Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who serves as Deputy Chairperson of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, showed up at around 6pm and took a selfie with Srettha upon arrival.

Ruam Thai Sang Chart leader and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga arrived shortly afterwards together with Agriculture Minister Captain Thammanat Prompow, who is secretary-general of Palang Pracharath Party. Thammanat hinted to reporters that the next dinner meeting would be hosted by his party, although it would not be as distant from downtown Bangkok.

Arriving last was Prachachat leader and Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong.

The coalition members enjoyed various courses of Thai food which were served at around 6.30pm in the pleasantly cool air.

After dinner, Srettha told reporters that topics being discussed included the promotion of soft power, the tourism industry, and world heritage attractions in Thailand to which the government may ask Suwat to contribute as an advisor.

Suwat served as a deputy PM during Thaksin Shinawatra’s administration, and held several key positions in the past governments including transport, justice and industry minister.

Srettha also said he planned to visit the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima in the next few months to supervise motorway extension projects.

• Rice Department head admits he hatched a plot to ensnare Srisuwan

Rice Department Director General Natthakit Khongthip told the media today that it was his initiative to hatch a plot to ensnare serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya, because he was very annoyed by his relentless attempts to expose alleged corruption in his department, despite the fact that he had been cleared of the allegation.

He also said that he had painstakingly collected incriminating evidence against Srisuwan, including ordering a CCTV system to be installed at the Rice Department when he learned that the target come to his office to have coffee with him.

The evidence was submitted to the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Anti-Corruption Commission before the two watchdogs decided to launch a sting operation to nab Srisuwan at his house in Pathum Thani province last Friday.

Natthakit said that he and his wife were deeply annoyed by Srisuwan’s persistent attempts to implicate him in corruption and they decided to see the petitioner at his house on November 28th to “ask him directly what he want from me and why he has to keep complaining.”

He said that he also brought “Nai Mu”, an advisor to Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao, as a witness. He insisted that the meeting was not about giving money to Srisuwan to stop him harassing him, because he has done nothing wrong.

He claimed that both sides reached an understanding and they left Srisuwan’s home.

Natthakit said, however, that about 3 weeks after, Srisuwan went to file complaints against the Royal Rain-making and Agricultural Aviation Department and the Rice Department, adding that the day before, Srisuwan asked to come to his office for a cup of coffee.

“It never stops. I am very annoyed. Who does he think he is? How can Thailand survive with such people,” he lamented, apparently referring to Srisuwan.

Natthakit said he didn’t inform the agriculture minister in advance about his plot to trap Srisuwan, because he didn’t want them to be in trouble.

Asked about the 1.5 million baht found in a package in front of Srisuwan’s House last Friday, he explained that he wanted to make sure that Srisuwan was caught red-handed, after some payments had already been made.

Thammanat later showed up at the press conference to offer moral support to Thanakit.

Srisuwan and two members of the United Thai Nation party, Yoswaris Chuklom and Pimnattha Jiraputthiphak, have been charged with extortion. All have been released on bail.

The Rice Department is a small department in the Agriculture Ministry, allocated about a 2 billion baht budget each year. This year, however, the department was allotted with 15 billion baht, to fund a program to cut the production costs of rice farming. Management of the fund has, however, been transferred to the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives.

Rice Dept chief explains how he caught Srisuwan, other suspects in sting operation

• Transport Ministry's outlines its projects for 2024

The Ministry of Transport has allocated 389.75 billion baht to fund transportation projects as part of the government’s plan to create a seamless transportation system in Thailand.

Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit revealed on Tuesday (January 30) that the transportation projects for this year include 64 projects set to become operational and 31 new projects on which construction is slated to commence. He also mentioned 57 new investment projects for 2025 with a combined investment value of 263.016 billion baht.

Some of the major projects this year include:

-The construction of the Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani high-speed railway, which is expected to be completed in 2028. The railway will reduce travel time between Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani from 12 hours to 2 hours.

- The expansion of the Bangkok Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, including the construction of the Purple Line extension, which is expected to be completed in 2026.

- The construction of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) high-speed rail network, which will connect the EEC with major cities in Thailand and neighbouring countries. The network is expected to be completed in 2030.

The government believes that these projects will help to improve the efficiency of transportation in Thailand and make it easier for people to travel around the country. The projects are also expected to boost economic growth by creating jobs and attracting investment.

Details of the projects are given below.

The Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani high-speed railway is a 725-kilometre line that will connect the two cities. The railway will have a maximum speed of 250 km/h and is expected to carry up to 10 million passengers per year.

The project is being undertaken by a consortium led by China Railway Construction Corporation. The construction is expected to begin this year and be completed in 2028.

The Bangkok Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system currently consists of two lines, the Blue Line and the Purple Line. The Purple Line extension will add 17 stations, extending it from Bang Sue to Rangsit, and should be completed in 2026.

The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) high-speed rail network will connect the EEC with major cities in Thailand and neighbouring countries. The network will consist of three lines:

-The EEC-China high-speed rail line, which will connect Bangkok with Kunming, China.

-The EEC-Laos high-speed rail line, which will connect Bangkok with Vientiane, Laos.

-The EEC-Malaysia high-speed rail line, which will connect Bangkok with Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The construction of the EEC-China high-speed rail line is expected to begin this year and be completed in 2030. The construction of the other two lines is still under discussion.

• Thai government targets FTA with EU by 2025-end

Thailand aims to reach a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) by the end of next year, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said on Thursday.

He said that at their second round of FTA negotiations from January 22-26, both sides had discussed proposals on trade and investment and possible coordination that could lead to an economic partnership in the future.

The next round of FTA talks between Thailand and the EU will be held in June, when the discussions are expected to involve additional matters aimed at boosting cooperation between them, according to the spokesman.

“The government aims for the FTA negotiations to be concluded by 2025,” he said.

He added that the current administration led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was pushing its policy of “proactive economic diplomacy”, which involves relying on Thailand’s FTA pacts with numerous countries in boosting exports, improving the country’s economic potential, and drawing in foreign investment.

According to the Department of Trade Negotiations, the EU is Thailand's fourth-largest trading partner. In 2023, trade volume between Thailand and the EU totalled US$41.5 billion.

Thailand’s exports to the EU – totalling $21.8 billion – included computers, gemstones and jewellery, air-conditioners, and electrical circuit boards. The country’s imports from EU countries, worth $19.7 billion, included machinery, medical and pharmaceutical products, electrical machinery, and chemicals.

The spokesman said on Thursday that the Thai government is set to sign an FTA with Sri Lanka during PM Srettha’s official visit to that country on February 3-4. This would be the first FTA to be signed by his government, and it would be Thailand’s 15th FTA pact, he added.

“The FTA between Thailand and Sri Lanka would provide more opportunities for Thai products to enter the South Asian market,” he said.

The spokesman said that PM Srettha, who doubles as the finance minister, places much importance on “proactive diplomacy” and fully taking advantage of the country’s FTA agreements to maintain the current markets while finding new markets for Thai products.

• The AIIB is interested in land bridge project – PM Srettha

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is interested in the huge land bridge project in southern Thailand, from an investment perspective, and in educational development, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said today.

He said that he had a conversation yesterday with Jin Liqun, AIIB’s chairman, during which they talked about the government’s plan to build the land bridge and to upgrade several airports across the country, adding that Jin had expressed his enthusiasm for the land bridge project and would like to play a role.

As well as investment, the prime minister said that the AIIB could provide support for the project’s feasibility study and in educational development in Thailand, adding that further discussions will be held between AIIB officials and the government.

The AIIB has been providing financial support to several infrastructure projects in the Asian region, similar to the Asian Development Bank, said the prime minister.

The Thai government has been actively promoting the land bridge project in several countries and international economic fora, hoping to attract foreign investment in the project,which, it is hoped, will to transform Thailand into a new logistics hub in the region.

AIIB is headquartered in Beijing and started operations in 2016. China is the largest shareholder, with 26.61% of the voting shares, followed by India, Russia and Germany.

China-based infrastructure bank interested in Thailand'''s land bridge project: PM

• Thai PM seeking Plan B as govt waits for NACC advice on digital wallet scheme

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Saturday that his government was still waiting for a formal recommendation from the anti-graft agency regarding its controversial 500-billion baht digital wallet scheme.

The scheme will see the government handing out 10,000 baht in a digital wallet to eligible Thais.

Srettha, who also doubles as finance minister, said that after discussing the matter with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, he learned that the government has to wait for recommendations from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) before implementing the project.

“We have been waiting for a long time already,” he said.

“My personal view is that there should be a plan B, as the recommendations have not arrived yet and people can’t wait.”

The PM said he would ask the NACC next week to see if the agency was still looking for further information from the government.

An NACC subcommittee studying the digital wallet scheme recently concluded that it should not be implemented because the country’s economy was not in a serious enough crisis to warrant such a huge off-budget borrowing of 500 billion baht. The subpanel also reportedly warned that the project implementation could lead to massive corruption and siphoning of the money.

The scheme was a flagship election campaign platform of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, which promised to hand out 10,000 baht in digital money to all Thais aged 16 and above. However, after taking power and recognising legal constraints, the Pheu Thai-led coalition government revised the scheme to exclude those earning more than 70,000 baht per month and those with savings above 500,000 baht.

Implementation of the project has been postponed indefinitely, as its supporters and opponents engage in a public debate over the pros and cons of borrowing huge amounts of money to fund the handouts.

• Thailand and Sri Lanka forge closer ties with FTA as Srettha visits Colombo

Thailand and Sri Lanka forged closer trade relations by signing a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) and two memorandums of understanding (MoU).

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe witnessed the signing ceremony at the Chamber Hall of the Office of the President of Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday.

Srettha is on a state visit to the island nation and is the chief guest at the country’s Independence Day celebrations on Sunday.

Thai Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai signed the FTA for Thailand while the Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Food Security, Kachchakaduge Nalin Ruwanjeewa Fernando, signed for Sri Lanka. It was the first FTA agreement achieved by the Srettha government, which is emphasizing more bilateral FTAs to boost the economy.

The new draft agreement on air services between Thailand and Sri Lanka, which is prepared to replace and annul the agreement signed on February 24, 1950, aims to reduce barriers and facilitate trade in air services between the two countries. The agreement covers aviation rights, safety, customs, and other related aspects by the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The MoU on collaboration between the National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Thailand and The Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute of Sri Lanka aims to foster cooperation in the development of gemstones and jewellery, the Thai government said. This collaboration aims to promote trade between the two countries, allowing Thailand access to sources of raw materials and gemstones. Additionally, it includes the exchange of expertise and personnel training between the two parties, the statement said.

At a press conference on Saturday, Srettha said he was greatly honoured by the warm reception he received from the president and the government of Sri Lanka. During their discussions, both Thailand and Sri Lanka affirmed their strong and close relationship at every level, rooted in shared history and culture, particularly in the Buddhist faith.

Both parties emphasised the enormous potential between them. Thailand expects the FTA to stimulate increased trade and investment. Additionally, the signing of two MoUs on aviation and gemstone development is expected to promote connectivity, tourism and transportation in the future.

In addition, the Sri Lanka-Thailand Business Forum will serve as a platform to create more business opportunities for the private sectors of both parties. Leaders from Thailand and Sri Lanka are supportive of private sectors expanding trade and investment between the two countries in the future.

In terms of investment, Thailand aims to become a logistics hub in Southeast Asia with the land bridge project, connecting the Andaman Sea with the Gulf of Thailand. This project aims to reduce transportation time between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Both Thailand and Sri Lanka can collaborate in enhancing connectivity and infrastructure through Thailand's Landbridge project and Sri Lanka's Colombo Port, the Thai statement said.

Well, the new government do seem to be focusing on business development more than the junta did.

Let's hope that everyday Thais benefit as well as the business owners and wealthy folk will...

^ Bold, brave or foolish critique? Pravit may be in trouble...

Certainly an interesting read.

• 2nd phase of "30-Baht Plus" medical scheme to launch in March

The Public Health Ministry is ready to launch the second phase of the “30-Baht Plus” free health service scheme in March, in Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sing Buri, Sa Kaeo and Phang-nga provinces.

Speaking at the end of a workshop to assess the first phase of the scheme, launched in Phrae, Phetchaburi, Roi-et and Narathiwat provinces on January 7th, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said that the medical services provided have not increased the burden on medical staff to the extent that it has affected their morale.

Instead, he said that the services, under which patients need to show only their ID cards to get access to medical care, were positively received by the public, enabling more convenient access to medical services.

During the one-month trial period, it was discovered that there was only a 3% increase in the number of patients sent to provincial hospitals without letters of patient transfer from district hospitals, which was within the capability of provincial hospitals to bear the burden.

During the same period, 2,288 home deliveries of medicines, 1,693 online doctor’s appointments and 1,388 telemedicine services have been recorded, according to the minister.

• All piers in Nakhon Phanom to be checked ahead of annual Phra That Phanom rites

Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has ordered the Marine Department to ensure all piers along the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom are safe ahead of the annual worshipping rites.

Thousands of Laotians cross the river every day from February 17 to 25 to worship at the sacred Phra That Phanom stupa in the northeastern province every year.

Manaporn said on Sunday that she has instructed Kiartisak Pongpanat, acting director of the Nakhon Phanom marine office, to work with Pallop Klindee, an inspector of the department and marine police station in That Phanom district to check all piers on the Thai side of the Mekong River in That Phanom district.

She added that Thai marine officials will also seek cooperation from their Laotian counterparts to check the security of piers on the Laos side.

Thai marine officials will also tell both Thai and Laotian shuttle boat operators to employ full security measures for their passengers, she added.

For instance, she said, any passenger boat arriving at or departing from any of the piers on the Thai side must be equipped with life vests for every passenger, the minister added.

Security will also be tightened at temporary checkpoints along the Mekong River for the weekly markets on Mondays and Thursdays because a lot of Laotian vendors cross the river to sell their goods on the Thai side, she added.

As per the order, Kiartisak said security checks will be stepped up at piers and checkpoints for weekly markets at Nakhon Phanom’s Ban Paeng, Tha Uthen, Muang and That Phanom districts.

• PM urges state energy firm to invest in Thai startups, Sri Lanka’s solar farm

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called a meeting with PTT Plc’s newly appointed CEO and PTT board chairman to discuss support for Thai startups and investing in Sri Lanka’s solar farm.

Srettha, in his capacity as finance minister, invited PTT CEO Kongkrapan Intarajang and PTT board chairman Chatchai Promlert, to Government House at 2pm on Monday. The Finance Ministry is a major shareholder of PTT Plc.

After the meeting, Srettha told the media that he had discussed investment opportunities with the PTT CEO and board chairman.

He said he urged the two executives to seek investment opportunities overseas, especially in Sri Lanka’s floating solar farm, which requires more funding.

Srettha returned from a state visit to Sri Lanka on Sunday.

“After returning, I invited the chairman to talk about PTT’s investment opportunities abroad, such as the solar floating farm in Sri Lanka that is open to investment from Thailand,” the premier said.

Srettha added that he also told the two PTT executives that it should consider supporting Thai startups as well as local sports associations.

“I believe PTT can leverage itself from an energy firm into a corporation that provides good opportunities to Thais,” he said.

• Srettha to answer senators’ questions after trip to Europe in March

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will wait until he returns from an official trip to Europe late next month before taking the stand to face a grilling by senators, his deputy said on Tuesday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said Srettha did not intend to avoid a general debate demanded by senators but is busy with scheduled duties.

Phumtham was referring to a motion filed by 98 senators on January 22 to invoke Article 153 of the Constitution to seek a general debate against the administration.

Article 153 grants authority to one-third or 84 senators to propose a motion for general debate, asking Cabinet members to provide factual statements or explanations tied to the administration of the country. Importantly, no voting is conducted at the end of the debate.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will wait until he returns from an official trip to Europe late next month before taking the stand to face a grilling by senators, his deputy said on Tuesday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said Srettha did not intend to avoid a general debate demanded by senators but is busy with scheduled duties.

Phumtham was referring to a motion filed by 98 senators on January 22 to invoke Article 153 of the Constitution to seek a general debate against the administration.

Article 153 grants authority to one-third or 84 senators to propose a motion for general debate, asking Cabinet members to provide factual statements or explanations tied to the administration of the country. Importantly, no voting is conducted at the end of the debate.

Leaders of the group of senators said they would ask questions on several issues, from the digital wallet scheme to the alleged preferential treatment of ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

“I would like to affirm that the government is not using delaying tactics and waiting for this Senate to complete its term first,” Phumtham said.

The current 250 senators, who were appointed by the 2014 coup makers, are scheduled to complete their five-year term on May 11 but will retain their seats as acting members of the upper House until new senators are appointed.

Phumtham said the government is not under pressure because of the debate, pointing out that it is not a no-confidence showdown.

Besides, he said, the government is willing to heed different views from senators and would be willing to clarify any doubts they may have.

He added the coalition whips proposed just one day for the debate because the government was not sure whether the senators would have enough content to speak for longer or not.

“I don’t want to set two or three days for the debate in advance without knowing the content of the debate first,” Phumtham said, adding that the government could extend the debate time if the senators had more serious issues to convey..

Responding to senators’ complaints that Cabinet members rarely appeared in Parliament to answer their interpellations, Phumtham said Srettha had instructed all ministers to spare time to answer questions in Parliament and use Parliament as a venue to speak to the public.

But, Phumtham said, most Cabinet members were busy with their routine duties so could not be always available to answer questions in Parliament.

• Govt to push ahead with 500-billion baht loan bill for digital wallet scheme

The government has decided to go ahead with enacting a bill to borrow the 500 billion baht needed to finance its contentious digital wallet scheme, despite not hearing from the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said on Tuesday the government could not wait until the NACC issues a formal opinion on the project. He added that the national digital wallet policy committee would convene a meeting next week to start working towards the bill’s enactment.

Julapun said he met Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who also doubles as finance minister, at Government House and they both agreed it was time to go ahead with the project.

Initially, the government had announced that it would hand 10,000 baht to all Thais aged 16 and above in May provided they earn less than 70,000 baht per month and have less than 500,000 baht in savings.

However, when an NACC subcommittee disagreed with the scheme on grounds that the current economic situation does not warrant such a huge off-budget borrowing and that the project would be vulnerable to massive corruption, Julapun said last month the handout would not make the May deadline.

He then said the government would wait for the NACC’s formal opinion before it goes ahead with the scheme.

On Tuesday, however, Julapun said the government could no longer wait, and instead, it would start working to implement the project, regardless of NACC’s opinion.

Julapun said the national digital wallet committee would set up a subcommittee to set up regulations to prevent misuse of the money or corruption.

He added that the government had decided to go ahead with the project because last month’s statistics show the country’s economy is worsening.

“The people lack confidence to spend money and private firms dare not invest more,” Julapun said.

“Foreign investors invited by the government need to wait for more time, so consumption has slowed down.”

He added that inflation has been negative for four consecutive months, while the interest rate of loans has been rising, affecting liquidity in the private sector.

“Under this kind of situation, the country is like a pond that has gone dry and the public is like fish in this dry pond. So, we need to refill this pond by enacting the borrowing bill,” he said.

The deputy finance minister added that commercial banks and other financial institutions had also called him to say they wanted their systems to be linked to the government central app for handing out the 10,000 baht. This link will help the digital wallet platform become a more comprehensive payment tool, he said.

Julapun said he has assigned members of his subpanel to discuss the issue in more detail with the banks.

He said that though the handout cannot meet the May deadline, the government will accelerate the implementation of the scheme and the 500 billion baht budget will not be reduced.

“I can’t say whether or not the handout will be ready by the third quarter, but I can confirm that the budget will not be reduced,” Julapun said.