Author: Wadi

Suriya’s One-Day Tenure Acting Prime Minister Steps In On July 2, 2025, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Thailand’s transport minister and deputy prime minister, assumed the role of acting prime minister for a single day, stepping in for suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Suriya marked his brief tenure by attending a ceremony celebrating the 93rd anniversary of the Prime Minister’s Office in Bangkok. His interim leadership navigates Thailand through a turbulent period marked by political upheaval and a cabinet reshuffle. Paetongtarn’s Suspension Constitutional Court Probe Intensifies Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended on July 1, 2025, by the Constitutional Court, which cited potential ethical breaches…

High-Stakes Trade Negotiations Finance Minister Leads Delegation On July 1, 2025, Thai Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira led a delegation to Washington, DC, emphasizing Thailand’s critical role in the global economy during discussions with the US Chamber of Commerce. Meeting with Charles Freeman, senior vice-president for Asia, and representatives from US firms with investments in Thailand, Pichai highlighted the urgency of securing a favorable trade deal. With a July 8 deadline looming, Thailand faces a potential 36% US tariff on exports, a key economic driver. Building Investor Confidence Addressing Business Challenges The talks focused on fostering a business-friendly environment in Thailand,…

Constitutional Concerns Mount Paetongtarn’s Culture Minister Role Questioned Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces escalating scrutiny as she prepares to assume the role of culture minister on July 3, 2025, despite a Constitutional Court order barring her from prime ministerial duties. The court’s July 1 ruling, prompted by a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, has sparked debate over her eligibility to serve in any ministerial capacity, with critics arguing it violates Thailand’s constitution. Senate Seeks Court Clarification Ethical Breach Allegations Intensify A group of senators is pushing for a Constitutional Court ruling to determine if Paetongtarn’s…

Launching 100 New Courses Building a Digital Workforce On July 1, 2025, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) introduced 100 courses under Thailand’s digital skills roadmap, targeting the creation of over 1 million digital talents annually. Partnering with global and local tech giants, these courses focus on critical areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. The initiative aims to address Thailand’s digital skills gap, with the digital business sector growing at 13% annually, far outpacing the 1.4% growth in skilled professionals, per depa estimates. Tax Incentives for Upskilling Encouraging Business Participation In collaboration with the Revenue Department,…

Open Access for All Foreigners Can Participate Foreigners in Thailand can legally purchase lottery tickets from licensed vendors, a common sight across cities like Bangkok, as seen on Ti Thong Road. The Thai lottery, drawn on the 1st and 16th of each month (except during major Buddhist holidays or special circumstances), offers an accessible way for visitors to try their luck. With 1 million tickets per draw, the system is inclusive, welcoming both locals and tourists to participate in this cultural tradition. Understanding Ticket Costs Affordable Entry at 80 Baht Each lottery ticket costs 80 baht and is sold in…

Enhanced Unemployment Benefits Higher Compensation Rates Thailand’s Labour Ministry has increased unemployment benefits for workers under the social security system, effective June 28, 2025. The new regulation raises compensation for laid-off employees covered under Section 33 to 60% of their daily wage, up from 50%, for up to 180 days per claim. This adjustment aims to provide stronger financial support amid economic challenges, benefiting Thailand’s 11 million insured workers, per 2024 Social Security Office (SSO) data. Expanded Eligibility Criteria Coverage for Voluntary Resignations The updated policy now extends benefits to workers who resign voluntarily or whose contracts expire, not just…

Unexpected Rally Turnout United Front Draws Crowds On June 28, 2025, the United Front to Defend Thai Sovereignty staged a significant protest at Bangkok’s Victory Monument, demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s resignation. The unexpectedly large turnout, estimated at 10,000 by analysts, has drawn intense scrutiny, signaling rising public discontent with her leadership amid Thailand’s political and border tensions. The event’s scale surprised authorities, who anticipated fewer than 3,000 attendees, highlighting a growing anti-government sentiment. Coalition of Diverse Groups Uniting Former Rivals The rally marked a rare convergence of former rival factions, including red shirts, yellow shirts from the People’s Alliance…

Declining Visitor Numbers 4.6% Drop in 2025 Thailand recorded a 4.56% decline in foreign tourist arrivals from January 1 to June 29, 2025, compared to the previous year, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. The period saw 16.61 million visitors, falling short of expectations for a robust recovery. This downturn signals challenges for Thailand’s tourism sector, a key economic driver contributing 12% to GDP, as the nation aims to rebound from pandemic-era lows. Top Source Countries Malaysia and China Lead Malaysia topped the list of source countries with 2.29 million visitors, closely followed by China with 2.25 million, reflecting…

Market Boost from Political Upheaval Investors Eye Economic Opportunities On July 1, 2025, Thai stocks experienced their largest single-day gain in a week, driven by optimism following the Constitutional Court’s suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index climbed 1.8%, closing at 1,110.01 points with a trading volume of 41.7 billion baht. Investors are betting that the political uncertainty may prompt the Bank of Thailand to implement further interest rate cuts, potentially stimulating economic growth. Paetongtarn’s Suspension Sparks Speculation Ethical Breach Allegations The Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn Shinawatra pending a probe into alleged ethical violations…

Finalizing Legislative Updates Health Ministry Nears Completion The Ministry of Public Health, led by Minister Somsak Thepsutin, is set to finalize amendments to the Alcohol Control Act 2008 by late July 2025. The revised bill, which aims to modernize Thailand’s alcohol regulations, is undergoing its final scrutiny by the Senate before a Constitutional Court review. This overhaul seeks to balance tourism growth, support for local breweries, and public health concerns, reflecting a shift from outdated restrictions. Liberalizing Sales and Advertising Easing Military-Era Rules The proposed legislation will eliminate restrictive sales hours set by a 1972 National Peace Keeping Council order,…