News Room

Anucha Burapachaisri, the government's spokesperson, stated that one million Chinese visitors arrived in Thailand between January and 18 May as a result of China's reopening of its border. The government anticipates that this year's goal of five million Chinese visitors will be reached, with expenditures of US$13.18 billion. Only over 274,000 Chinese visitors came to the country in 2018, down from 11 million (or about 28%) of the total in pre-pandemic 2019. Prior to this, the government reported that from January to mid-May, there were 9.47 million overall international tourist arrivals, down from a total of 11.15 million in 2022.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported that Thailand's finished car exports increased to 79,940 units in April, up 43.53% year over year. The value of finished car exports in April increased by 49.83% from a year ago to US$1.45 billion, according to Surapong Paisitpattanapong, vice president and spokesperson for the FTI's automotive industry club. The increased shipments to markets in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East were the reason for the growth. Due to lower production for the domestic market, automakers built 117,636 automobiles in the nation last month, a slight decrease of 0.13% from a year earlier. Due to tighter loans for pickup trucks as interest rates rose, domestic vehicle sales decreased 6.14% year-over-year last month to 59,530 units, following an 8.37% decline in March.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organizing the highly anticipated Bangkok International Food Festival 2023 from 26 – 30 May 2023, at Central World Shopping Plaza in Bangkok. The festival's goal is to enhance Thailand's standing as a top gastronomic tourist destination and provide an engaging opportunity for experience-based travel. The event, according to TAT Deputy Governor of Tourism Products and Business Apichai Chatchalermkit, intends to show off Thailand's ability to hold sizable international cuisine events, boosting the nation's competitiveness in the world arena. Please visit the Facebook page for the Bangkok International Food Festival 2023 for further details and updates.
Atthaporn Srihayrun, Director of the Zoological Parks Organization, revealed that an autopsy performed by the Giant Panda Research and Conservation Center in China's Sichuan Province found that Thailand had given Lin Hui exceptional care throughout her stay at Chiang Mai Zoo, exceeding the necessary standards. There were no longer any questions about Lin Hui's cause of death when the autopsy, which was conducted jointly by the Thai Forest Department and the Giant Panda Research and Conservation Center, revealed that she had passed away from old age, removing any residual concerns as to what had caused her death. Atthaporn emphasized that any such discussions would need to take place at the government level and that it is possible to read China's comments as a sign that talks for another panda are still on the table.
The annual International Sericulture Commission (ISC) meeting, organized by the Department of Sericulture from May 21 to 28, brings together delegates from six different nations to discuss plans for the growth of the sericulture sector internationally. Thailand hosted delegations from India, Romania, Bangladesh, Uganda, Japan, and pertinent local leaders under the direction of Prakob Phaophong, Director-General of the Department of Sericulture, and Sutira Pholcharoen, an agricultural expert and expert in the development of silk products. The ISC summit is being held in Thailand for the fifth time. The week-long conference covers a wide range of issues, including ISC activities from the previous year, the status of the Make The Label Count (MTLC) campaign, ISC training programs, testing and grading of silk standards, and Thailand's request to declare 12 August as World Silk Day.
CEO of Thai Airways International Plc (THAI), Chai Eamsiri, disclosed that on 18 May, the Thai Airways Creditors Committee gave its blessing to the merger of THAI and its wholly-owned subsidiary Thai Smile Airways. Twenty planes from Thai Smile will therefore be transferred to THAI this year. By doing this, it is hoped that operational expenses will drop by up to 20% while daily flying hours will rise by 11. Thai Smile originally bought the fleet from THAI, which it now leases. The combination will, according to THAI, increase the use of its planes. The average number of flights operated by Thai Smile each day is now only 9, compared to 12–13 for THAI. Thai Airways hopes to boost its daily aircraft usage by 11 flight hours by incorporating Thai Smile's Airbus A320 aircraft into its fleet.
Veerapat Kiatfuengfoo, the deputy permanent secretary for energy, revealed that Thailand is now presenting itself as ASEAN's future energy and mobility hub, with the goal of supporting international efforts to promote sustainability. Veerapat emphasized the need of eco-friendly and clean energy while pointing out that many nations, including Thailand, have made commitments to achieve carbon neutrality and net zero emissions by 2050. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to achieve sustainability and stated Thailand's desire to act as the Southeast Asia region's hub for the sharing of green innovative technology and energy solutions with the rest of the world.

Inside Thailand

Thai Food Becomes Popular in China and More Chinese Tourists Visit Thailand
Thai food has been listed as the fourth most popular foreign cuisine in China, after western, Japanese, and Korean food. The number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand has also continued to rise, since China fully reopened the country in early 2023 to allow international travel.
18th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration 2023 in Thailand
A number of Buddhist leaders, scholars, and monks from all over the world will join the 18th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration in Thailand on 1-2 June 2023, under the theme “Buddhist Wisdom Coping with Global Crises.”
Timeline Set for the Formation of the New Government
After the 14 May 2023 general election, the Move Forward Party, led by Mr. Pita Limjaroenrat, gained 151 seats, becoming the largest political party in the 500-member House of Representatives. He has announced a plan to form a coalition, comprising 312 MPs from eight parties, with himself as prime minister.
Hosting of 2026 Annual Meetings of IMF and World Bank Group in Bangkok
The Cabinet, during its meeting on 23 May 2023, was pleased with and acknowledged Thailand’s hosting of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG).

Thailand Provides Assistance to People Affected by Cyclone Mocha in Myanmar
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha delivered humanitarian relief assistance to the people of Myanmar through U Chit Swe, Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to Thailand, in a ceremony held at Government House on 22 May 2023.
Khorat Geopark in the Northeastern Province of Nakhon Ratchasima
Located in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, the Khorat Geopark received the status of Global Geopark from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on 17 May 2023, according to Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister and Acting Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri.

Thailand on the Move

Thailand on Global Stage

Thailand Calls for Increasing Regional Cooperation in Responding to Climate Change
Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha stated that climate action and regional cooperation needed to be scaled up to strengthen capacities in responding and adapting to climate change.
Thailand and Bangladesh Agree to Promote Tourism and Trade Opportunities
Thailand and Bangladesh have agreed to promote tourism through historical Buddhist sites prevalent in both countries, as well as boosting ties in trade and investment.
Thailand Stresses the Need for BIMSTEC to Become Effective Regional Player
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai has highlighted the need for BIMSTEC to work more closely together to become an effective regional player, with a shared strategic vision and a leading role in promoting a safe, stable, and secure Bay of Bengal.

Deep South

Progress of Construction of the Second Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok Bridge
Significant progress has been made on the construction of the second Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok Bridge across the Kolok River, connecting Rantau Panjang town in Kelantan, Malaysia, with Su-ngai Kolok town in the southern border province of Narathiwat.
Promoting the Game of Carrom to Strengthen Unity among Residents in the Deep South
The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) intends to promote Carrom as a national and international game to strengthen the bonds and unity of local families and communities in the deep South.
Innovation Projects Necessary for Southern Border Provinces Development
The National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), or NIA, has conducted a study to discover innovation projects that will advance the development of the southern border provinces in order to upgrade local people’s quality of life on a sustainable basis.

Window to the Region

Royal Activities

Their Majesties the King and Queen Deliver Humanitarian Assistance to Myanmar People
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana have graciously appointed Mr. Chirayu Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Privy Councilor, as Their Majesties’ representative to deliver humanitarian assistance to the people of the Republic of Myanmar affected by Cyclone Mocha.
Their Majesties the King and Queen Pay a Royal Visit to the United Kingdom
Their Majesties the King and Queen will pay a royal visit to the United Kingdom from 4 to 7 May 2023, at the invitation of His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, to attend the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey, London.
HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya Grants Royal Donation to Türkiye
Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya on 22 February 2023 graciously granted a royal donation of humanitarian assistance to the Republic of Türkiye, according to a report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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