Thailand

On September 5, 2023, Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn swore in Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his government members during a momentous ceremony at the Dusit Palace in Bangkok. Following weeks of political negotiations and controversy over the establishment of a coalition, this coalition administration, which consists of 11 parties, marked the beginning of a new chapter in Thai politics.  On …

The recently elected administration of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, which is part of a coalition led by the Pheu Thai Party, has announced a detailed policy program that consists of seven important topics. This policy, which is referred to as “1 stimulation, 3 speeding up, and 3 creation,” calls for big changes in several of Thailand’s economic and political spheres. …

Three Thai activists, Angkhana Neelapaijit, Puttanee Kangkun, and Thanaporn Saleephol, were recently cleared of criminal defamation charges in a decision that both praised the tenacity of human rights advocates and emphasised how oppressive Thailand’s defamation laws are. Their social media posts that exposed the difficult working conditions at a chicken farm run by the Thammakaset firm led to the allegations. …

Recent developments include a warning from Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) to Thai companies, particularly exporters, to get ready for the effects of China’s economic slowdown. This warning comes as China deals with a real estate market plagued by significant debt and liquidity difficulties, which is slowing down growth more than was anticipated. Danucha Pichayanan, the secretary-general …

Esso Thailand’s 129 years of service in the country have come to an end as Bangchak Corporation (BCP) announces the completion of acquisition of a majority 65.99% stake in the petroleum company from ExxonMobil Asia Holdings. Some 700 Esso Thailand’s petrol stations across the country will now be operating under Bangchak’s brand. Following the acquisition, the Thailand-based petroleum company now …

People have found new ways to express their dissatisfaction and discontent with politics and leaders through illustrations and vibrant colors in murals or paintings. In Thailand, young budding artists have found creative ways to voice their concerns about sociopolitics. They have learned to express profound messages about social and political issues through their art.  Saratta Chuengsatiansup, an artist, has created …

Newly elected Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has nominated Sutin Klungsang as the defense minister. But the Royal Thai Armed Forces has voiced disapproval of his appointment. This is likely to force the ruling Pheu Thai Party  to look for a new candidate. The defense ministerial position was previously looked after by Gen. Nattapon Nakpanich. And now, Sutin has been …

Employment in Thailand has slowed from a 2.4 percent increase in the previous three months after rising 1.7 percent from a year earlier. Thailand’s economy grew 1.8 percent in the April-June period year-on-year, and 0.2 percent quarter-on-quarter.  Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy slowed sharply from the first quarter due to weaker exports and investment. According to the National Economic and Social …

In the new government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Julapun Amornvivat of Chiang Mai, a Pheu Thai party member and member of a powerful clan in the north, is a serious contender for the role of foreign minister. According to Pheu Thai insiders, the Cabinet lineup is official, with Srettha serving as the prime minister and finance minister at the …

Thailand’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, faces the challenging task of fulfilling his campaign promises to revive the economy, support small businesses, boost household incomes, and tackle inequality. After months of political uncertainty following a general election, Srettha, a real estate tycoon, has secured parliamentary support to lead an unlikely coalition government. Thailand’s economic performance presents immediate challenges for …