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Baht Appreciation Leads to 4-5 Billion Baht Revenue Shortfall: Key Impacts on Thailand’s Fiscal Plans

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The recent appreciation of Thailand’s currency, the baht, has created a notable impact on the country’s fiscal stability. As the 2024 fiscal year drew to a close in September, revenue collection fell short of government expectations by approximately 4-5 billion baht, primarily due to fluctuations in the currency exchange rate. This article examines the implications of this shortfall and highlights key fiscal projections and measures the Thai government is taking in response.


Understanding the Baht Appreciation and Revenue Shortfall

Impact of Baht Appreciation on VAT Revenue

The primary reason behind the revenue shortfall is the recent strengthening of the baht, which occurred in the last two weeks of the fiscal year. According to Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit, this currency appreciation affected the value-added tax (VAT) revenue generated from imports, particularly oil imports. When the baht gains value, the cost of imports declines in baht terms, which in turn reduces the VAT collected from these imports.

Exchange Rate Volatility as a Factor in Revenue Collection

Lavaron explained that, under stable exchange rate conditions, the Thai government would likely have met its revenue collection targets. This fiscal challenge is entirely attributed to the baht’s volatility rather than underlying economic issues, highlighting how susceptible government revenue is to global currency fluctuations.


Fiscal Year 2024 Revenue and Spending Overview

Despite the revenue shortfall, Lavaron assured that government spending will remain unaffected as budget expenditure typically does not reach the full allocation. Here’s a look at the planned expenditures and the budget outlook for the current fiscal year.

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Projected Revenue and Spending for 2024

For the 2024 fiscal year, the Thai government anticipated a budget deficit with projected expenditures of 3.48 trillion baht (US$103 billion) against a projected revenue of 2.78 trillion baht (US$82.3 billion). Moving into the next fiscal year, spending is expected to rise to 3.75 trillion baht (US$111 billion), while anticipated revenue will increase slightly to 2.88 trillion baht (US$85.3 billion).

Major Revenue Contributors

The largest contributor to Thailand’s revenue is expected to be the Revenue Department, with an estimated collection of 2.37 trillion baht (US$70.2 billion). Following closely is the Excise Department, projected to collect 609 billion baht (US$18 billion). Despite the shortfall in revenue collection, these departments continue to play a critical role in supporting the country’s fiscal goals.


Student Loan Fund (SLF) Initiatives Boost Repayment Rates

In addition to discussing revenue concerns, Lavaron also addressed recent improvements in student loan repayments. The Student Loan Fund (SLF) has implemented significant changes to encourage borrowers to repay their loans effectively.

Changes to SLF Repayment Terms

Recent amendments to the SLF law have prioritized repaying the principal amount over outstanding interest, allowing borrowers to manage their debt more feasibly. This restructuring process enables borrowers to temporarily defer interest payments, which has resulted in a 10% increase in repayment rates over the previous year.

Extended Repayment Terms to Support Borrowers

Debt restructuring under the SLF allows borrowers an extended repayment period of 15 additional years. This extended timeframe has provided relief to over 200,000 borrowers out of the more than two million eligible accounts. As a result, the SLF aims to reduce defaults and enable more students to manage their financial responsibilities effectively.

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Expanding Debt Restructuring Options

Lavaron also noted that the SLF plans to extend its debt restructuring options to state financial institutions, providing even more borrowers with flexible repayment solutions. This initiative aligns with the Thai government’s strategy to support financial stability among young adults and recent graduates.


Conclusion: Managing Fiscal Challenges Amid Currency Fluctuations

As Thailand navigates the fiscal challenges posed by the baht’s appreciation, the government remains focused on maintaining fiscal stability. By adjusting repayment options for student loans and projecting realistic revenue targets, Thai authorities aim to address immediate fiscal issues while maintaining a balanced budget. The currency-driven revenue shortfall underlines the importance of exchange rate stability in revenue collection and highlights the resilience of Thailand’s fiscal strategy moving forward.

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Google AdX Business: Maximizing Revenue with Programmatic Advertising

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Google Ad Exchange (AdX) is a leading platform that empowers publishers and advertisers to connect through programmatic advertising. By offering advanced tools and extensive reach, Google AdX helps businesses maximize ad revenue while providing advertisers with premium inventory access.


What is Google AdX?

Google AdX, short for Google Ad Exchange, is a programmatic advertising platform where publishers can sell their ad inventory to advertisers in real time. Unlike Google AdSense, which caters to smaller publishers, AdX focuses on premium inventory and larger-scale publishers.


Key Features of Google AdX

  1. Programmatic Advertising: Automated buying and selling of ad space.
  2. Premium Inventory: High-quality ad placements for advertisers.
  3. Real-Time Bidding (RTB): Competitive bidding for ad slots in real time.
  4. Advanced Targeting: Tools to reach the right audience effectively.

Benefits of Using Google AdX for Businesses

1. Higher Revenue Potential

Google AdX enables publishers to maximize their revenue through:

  • Real-time competition among advertisers.
  • Premium rates for high-quality inventory.

2. Access to Premium Advertisers

AdX connects publishers with top-tier advertisers, ensuring high-quality ads that resonate with the audience.

3. Enhanced Ad Management

With tools like Ad Manager, publishers can:

  • Monitor ad performance.
  • Optimize inventory allocation.
  • Set rules for ad delivery and pricing.

4. Advanced Analytics

Google AdX offers detailed insights into:

  • Audience behavior.
  • Ad performance metrics.
  • Revenue trends.

5. Better User Experience

AdX supports high-quality, non-intrusive ads that improve user engagement and minimize ad fatigue.


How to Get Started with Google AdX

1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Google AdX, publishers typically need:

  • A high volume of traffic.
  • Premium-quality content.
  • Adherence to Google’s policies.
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2. Partner with a Google Certified Partner

Most publishers access Google AdX through a Google Certified Partner. These partners help:

  • Set up your account.
  • Manage ad placements.
  • Optimize revenue strategies.

3. Integrate Google Ad Manager

Google Ad Manager acts as the gateway to AdX, providing tools for:

  • Inventory management.
  • Ad campaign tracking.
  • Optimizing yield through multiple ad networks.

Google AdX vs. Google AdSense

1. Target Audience

  • AdSense: Best for small to medium-sized publishers.
  • AdX: Designed for large-scale publishers with premium inventory.

2. Revenue Model

  • AdSense: Fixed CPC and CPM rates.
  • AdX: Real-time bidding for higher revenue opportunities.

3. Inventory Control

  • AdSense: Limited control over ad placements.
  • AdX: Full control with advanced targeting and pricing options.

SEO Best Practices for Maximizing AdX Revenue

1. Optimize Website Speed

A fast-loading website ensures better user engagement and ad visibility. Use tools like:

  • Google PageSpeed Insights.
  • GTmetrix.

2. Focus on High-Quality Content

Engage users with valuable, original content that attracts organic traffic and premium advertisers.

3. Improve Mobile Friendliness

Ensure your site is mobile-optimized, as most traffic now comes from mobile devices.

4. Use Effective Ad Placement

Strategic ad placements increase visibility and CTR without compromising user experience.

5. Regularly Monitor Analytics

Track your AdX performance with Google Analytics and Ad Manager to identify areas for improvement.


Challenges of Google AdX

1. Strict Eligibility Criteria

Small publishers may find it challenging to meet Google AdX’s requirements.

2. Complex Management

Managing AdX requires advanced tools and expertise, making it essential to partner with professionals.

3. Competition

Real-time bidding means advertisers bid for the same inventory, which can sometimes lead to inconsistent earnings.

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Conclusion

Google AdX is a powerful tool for publishers aiming to maximize ad revenue through programmatic advertising. By offering access to premium inventory, advanced analytics, and real-time bidding, AdX ensures businesses achieve higher engagement and profitability. However, leveraging AdX effectively requires strategic planning, adherence to policies, and a focus on delivering high-quality content.

For publishers ready to scale their digital advertising efforts, Google AdX represents a gateway to greater revenue and enhanced audience engagement.If you want to research more , go to Adx Blog .

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10 In-Demand Careers for 2025: Future Proof Your Career

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Exploring the Future Job Market: Top Careers to Consider

As we approach 2025, the job market is undergoing significant changes driven by technological advancements, demographic shifts, and evolving consumer needs. According to the World Economic Forum, while approximately 85 million jobs may be replaced by machines, an estimated 97 million new roles are set to emerge. This article highlights ten in-demand careers that are expected to thrive in the coming years.

Key Factors Driving Job Growth

The demand for skilled professionals is being fueled by several key trends, including the rise of digital technology, the need for data analysis, and a growing focus on sustainability. Understanding these trends can help job seekers target their career paths effectively.

Top 10 In-Demand Careers for 2025

1. Software Developer

Software developers are crucial in creating applications and systems that drive businesses forward. Their expertise in programming languages and software design makes them indispensable in today’s digital landscape.Salary Range: 25,000-140,000 baht/month

2. AI & Machine Learning Engineer

With artificial intelligence becoming integral to various industries, AI and machine learning engineers are in high demand. They specialize in developing algorithms and models that enable machines to learn from data.Salary Range: 60,000-80,000 baht/month

3. Data Analyst

Data analysts play a vital role in interpreting complex data sets to inform business decisions. Their ability to derive insights from data helps organizations optimize their strategies and improve performance.Salary Range: 40,000-80,000 baht/month

4. Data Scientist

Data scientists focus on advanced analytics and predictive modeling to provide actionable insights for businesses. They combine statistical knowledge with programming skills to enhance decision-making processes.Salary Range: 35,000-80,000 baht/month

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5. Digital Marketing Specialist

Digital marketing specialists leverage online platforms to create effective marketing strategies. Their skills in content creation and data analysis help businesses engage with their target audiences effectively.Salary Range: 30,000-80,000 baht/month

6. Cybersecurity Professional

As cyber threats increase, cybersecurity professionals are essential for protecting organizational data and systems. They implement security measures and respond to incidents to safeguard against breaches.Salary Range: 60,000-100,000 baht/month

7. Cloud Engineer

Cloud engineers design and manage cloud-based infrastructure and services. With the growing adoption of cloud computing, their expertise is crucial for organizations transitioning to cloud environments.Salary Range: 50,000-90,000 baht/month

8. Nurse Practitioner

The healthcare sector is experiencing a surge in demand for nurse practitioners who provide primary care services. Their role is vital in addressing the needs of an aging population and increasing healthcare accessibility.Salary Range: 120,000 baht/month

9. Renewable Energy Technician

As the world shifts towards sustainable energy sources, renewable energy technicians are becoming increasingly important. They install and maintain systems such as solar panels and wind turbines.Salary Range: $46,000/year (approx. 40,000 baht/month)

10. Content Creator

Content creators produce engaging material across various platforms to connect with audiences. Their creativity in writing, video production, and social media management drives engagement and brand awareness.Salary Range: 25,000-50,000 baht/month

Preparing for Future Careers

The job market of 2025 promises exciting opportunities across various sectors driven by technology and sustainability initiatives. By focusing on developing relevant skills for these in-demand careers—such as software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity—individuals can position themselves for success in a rapidly evolving landscape. Embracing continuous learning will be essential for thriving in this dynamic environment.

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Thailand Commits to Becoming an AI Learning Hub

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Thailand AI Learning Hub

Ministers Announce Plans for AI Governance Collaboration

Thailand is dedicated to advancing global trust in artificial intelligence (AI) governance and establishing itself as a learning hub for AI through collaboration with UNESCO, according to Prasert Jantararuangthong, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES). This initiative aims to enhance the ethical application of AI technologies while fostering skilled professionals in the field.

Goals for AI Workforce Development

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has set ambitious goals to increase the number of AI-skilled workers by adding 30,000 engineers over the next three years. This plan includes generating 100 AI innovations valued at 40 billion baht and promoting AI adoption across 600 agencies nationwide.

Significant Increase in AI Adoption Rates

According to the AI Readiness Measurement 2024 report by the Electronic Transactions Development Agency and the National Science and Technology Development Agency, AI adoption plans among Thai organizations have reached 73.3%, reflecting an increase of nearly 20 percentage points year-on-year. This surge indicates a growing recognition of the importance of AI in various sectors.

Hosting the UNESCO Global Forum on AI Ethics

On Wednesday, the DES Ministry, MHESI, the Education Ministry, and UNESCO announced their partnership to host the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI 2025, themed “Ethical Governance of AI in Motion.” This event is scheduled to take place from June 24 to 27, 2025, in Bangkok and will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration on AI governance.

Commitment to Ethical AI Implementation

Prasert emphasized that Thailand’s commitment aligns with UNESCO’s AI Readiness Assessment framework, which is recognized globally. The country has recently introduced key frameworks such as the AI Governance Guideline for Executives and the Generative AI Governance Guideline for Organizations. These resources aim to ensure responsible and transparent implementation of AI at all organizational levels.

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Multilateral Collaboration for Developing Countries

The upcoming forum is expected to foster multilateral collaboration and build AI governance capacity in developing countries. It highlights Thailand’s dedication to global trust in AI governance while positioning itself as a leader in ethical AI practices.

Integration of AI Technologies Across Industries

Suphachai Jaismut, vice-minister for MHESI, stated that Thailand is prepared to integrate AI technologies across various industries, driven by a commitment to advancing research and development (R&D). This integration is crucial as Southeast Asia’s digital economy continues to grow rapidly.

Addressing Challenges in the Digital Economy

While advancements in AI infrastructure are promising, challenges such as the digital divide and job displacement due to automation remain significant concerns. Xing Qu, deputy director-general for UNESCO, emphasized that building peace through education, science, and culture is vital in an era where AI increasingly influences societies and economies.

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