Tackling Market Oversupply Thailand’s government is revising its electric vehicle promotion measures to address a looming oversupply in the domestic market. Announced on June 16, 2025, these changes aim to stabilize the EV industry, which has faced intense competition and price wars. The adjustments focus on recalibrating incentives to balance import and local production requirements, ensuring sustainable growth for Thailand’s automotive sector. EV 3.5 Scheme Requirements Mandating Local Production Under the EV 3.5 scheme, manufacturers receiving subsidies for imported EVs must establish local production facilities. By 2026, they must produce twice the number of EVs domestically to offset imports, increasing…
Author: Wadi
Requests Exceed Budget Limits Thailand’s government is set to approve a 157-billion-baht economic stimulus budget in June 2025, but ministries have submitted funding requests totaling over 400 billion baht. The overwhelming demand reflects urgency to support sectors like transport, commerce, and tourism amid global trade uncertainties. Strict oversight ensures projects align with economic goals, addressing concerns about transparency and potential misuse for political campaigns. Transport Infrastructure Priorities Ministry Seeks Major Investment The Transport Ministry has requested 56 billion baht to bolster infrastructure projects, a key focus of the stimulus package. Upgrading roads, railways, and ports aims to enhance connectivity and…
OAG Introduces Stricter Measures An academic has praised the Office of the Attorney-General’s new guidelines, announced on June 15, 2025, which allow Thai courts to confiscate vehicles from drunk drivers. The measure aims to deter reckless behavior and enhance road safety across the country. Academic Backs Confiscation Policy Intent Justifies Asset Seizure Pokpong Srisanit, dean of Thammasat University’s Faculty of Law, supports the policy, arguing that drunk driving demonstrates a deliberate disregard for others’ safety. He noted that criminal law permits asset forfeiture when clear intent to break the law is evident, making vehicles eligible for seizure. Proportionality in Enforcement…
Prime Minister to Host on Monday Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri, Thailand’s first-ever Miss World, is set to meet Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at Government House on June 16, 2025. The historic encounter highlights a moment of national pride following Opal’s groundbreaking win in the global pageant. Symbol of Women’s Empowerment Promoting Thai Women’s Roles Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsup emphasized that the meeting will showcase the strength and influence of Thai women. Opal and Paetongtarn’s discussion is expected to focus on advancing women’s roles in Thai society, serving as an inspiring symbol of female leadership. Thailand’s First Miss World Phuket Native Makes…
Customer Refuses VAT Payment On June 8, 2025, a female customer caused a scene at a ramen restaurant located within a PTT petrol station on Sukasawat Road, Bangkok, by refusing to pay the 7% VAT included in her bill. Her heated argument with staff escalated, drawing attention from other patrons. Argument Captured on Video TikTok User Shares Footage A fellow diner recorded the confrontation and posted the video on TikTok under the handle @moveforwardlandslide. The clip, which went viral, showed the customer loudly disputing her 321-baht bill, which included 21 baht in VAT for a 300-baht meal, claiming she was…
No Plans to Halt Electricity or Internet Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra dismissed Cambodia’s threat to halt Thai imports on June 14, 2025, clarifying that Thailand has not initiated any measures to cut electricity or internet services along their shared border. Her statement addresses escalating tensions fueled by misunderstandings. Cambodia’s Retaliatory Threats Hun Sen Targets Thai Goods Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen warned of suspending Thai product imports and urged citizens to avoid Thai TV dramas and internet services. These threats followed unverified claims that Thailand planned to disrupt border utilities, prompting a strong rebuttal from Thai authorities. Misinformation Sparks Confusion…
Labour Ministry Targets Transparency Thailand’s Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced on June 14, 2025, the formation of a new committee to investigate the Social Security Office’s acquisition of the SKYY9 building. The probe aims to scrutinize the deal’s inflated price and hold accountable those responsible for any irregularities. Initial Findings Reveal Overpayment SKYY9 Bought for Double Market Value A special audit committee, established by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, uncovered that the SKYY9 Centre on Rama IX Road was purchased for 7 billion baht between 2022 and 2023, despite a market value of approximately 3 billion baht. This significant overpayment triggered…
No Forced Repatriation Planned Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced on June 15, 2025, that Thailand has no plans to deport foreign workers, including Cambodians, despite ongoing border disputes. Her statement, shared via social media, aims to ease concerns among migrant laborers amid heightened tensions with Cambodia. Workers’ Freedom to Decide Voluntary Return Encouraged Paetongtarn emphasized that the decision to return home rests with the workers themselves, not Thai authorities. She noted that if any country, such as Cambodia, facilitates job opportunities for its citizens, workers are free to choose their path under their home country’s guidance. Cambodia’s Call for Returnees…
Cambodia Welcomes Thai Trucks Cambodian authorities lifted a brief border restriction on June 15, 2025, allowing Thai fruit trucks from Trat province to enter Koh Kong after negotiations. The decision followed a temporary blockage due to high demand, enabling the resumption of vital fruit exports. Initial Restrictions Cause Delays Trucks Halted Since Saturday Starting Saturday noon, Cambodian customs officials blocked Thai fruit trucks at the Ban Hat Lek checkpoint in Trat’s Khlong Yai district. By Sunday morning, dozens of trucks were queued, awaiting clearance, as Cambodia initially restricted access to manage the influx. Negotiations Secure Access Agreement Reached by 9:30…
No Progress on Territorial Issues The two-day Joint Boundary Commission meeting between Thailand and Cambodia ended on June 15, 2025, in Phnom Penh without resolving their ongoing territorial dispute. The talks, aimed at easing tensions following a recent border clash, highlighted persistent disagreements over contested areas along their shared border. Clash Sparks Urgent Dialogue Chong Bok Skirmish Triggers Talks The meeting was prompted by a May 28, 2025, skirmish in the Chong Bok area of Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province, where Cambodian troops violated a no-man’s-land agreement by establishing a military base and trench. After Thailand’s border measures, Cambodian forces withdrew,…