{"version":"https:\/\/jsonfeed.org\/version\/1","title":"News Room","home_page_url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th","feed_url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/index\/id\/52","items":[{"id":"f90f3be449e5d83c13edabcc6b15e8a3","title":"Thailand Prepares Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026","content_text":"

The government is moving ahead with preparations for the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026, led by the Tourism Authority of Thailand under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in coordination with more than 100 partners across the tourism sector. The campaign runs from June 15 to August 15, 2026, during the Green Season, with the objective of increasing tourist spending from both short-haul and long-haul markets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Data from recent years shows that foreign visitors typically spend around 15 to 20 percent of their travel budget on shopping and souvenirs, making it the third-largest expense after accommodation and food and beverages. Key markets include China, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Australia, India, South Korea, and Hong Kong.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The campaign features discounts and special privileges across major cities and emerging destinations, while promoting Thai identity through locally branded products and supporting designers in areas such as fashion, crafts, jewelry, and environmentally friendly goods made from recycled materials.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Results from the 2025 campaign recorded more than 700 million baht in circulation, along with high satisfaction levels and strong recommendations from participants. Tourism-related businesses are encouraged to join by offering promotions, with further information available through the LINE Official Account @thailandgrandsale.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/505775","date_published":"2026-05-22T17:07:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260522c052932f85563b4a55eb78fa5ae9e4fd170832.jpg"},{"id":"6647d93a76cf63435b98fd97561e1751","title":"Thai Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Injectable Cosmetic Products","content_text":"

The government has intensified action against networks involved in the production, import, and distribution of cosmetic products illegally used for injection, with authorities seizing 35,645 items worth more than 22 million baht.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The operation was carried out by the Thai Food and Drug Administration in coordination with the Central Investigation Bureau, including Division 4 of the Consumer Protection Police Division, and involved raids at three locations. Seized items included 20,596 cosmetic products, 217 unregistered drugs, 240 medical devices, and 14,592 labels and promotional materials.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan, authorities found that some operators registered products as cosmetics instead of pharmaceuticals to bypass stricter approval processes, then marketed them to aesthetic clinics as injectable products or skin treatments. Such use poses serious health risks, as these products have not been evaluated for injection into the human body. Items intended for injection must undergo strict review for quality, safety, and effectiveness, and cosmetics are not permitted for such use under any circumstances. <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Officials have instructed closer monitoring of online and offline sales channels, including coordination with digital platforms to block illegal listings. Provincial public health offices have also been directed to step up inspections. Consumers are advised to verify product approvals through official channels, as unregulated products may pose risks, including contamination, poor quality control, and harm to public health, and may also affect legitimate businesses. <\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/505249","date_published":"2026-05-21T15:02:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260521bb6324b05f9ad501024da628e01b7ccb150404.jpg"},{"id":"ba190f94aa8136fb0a99a36f84da632a","title":"Thailand Hosts 58th SEAFDEC Council to Advance Sustainable Fisheries","content_text":"

Thailand is hosting the 58th Meeting of the SEAFDEC Council (58CM) from May 19–21, 2026, in Bangkok, bringing together member countries and international organizations to strengthen cooperation on sustainable fisheries and regional food security.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bThe meeting, organized by the Department of Fisheries, is being held at the Grand Centre Point Prestige Hotel and includes representatives from 11 member countries: Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam, along with delegates from eight international organizations and more than 100 participants from agencies under the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC).<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bDirector-General of the Department of Fisheries Thitiporn Laoprasert said the meeting serves as a regional policy platform to discuss fisheries and aquaculture cooperation, monitor implementation progress, and shape future regional strategies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bKey agenda items include combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, addressing marine debris and abandoned fishing gear, and advancing fisheries resource assessments with hydroacoustic technology to support sustainable marine resource management.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bParticipants are also discussing international regulatory developments, including outcomes from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) CoP20 meeting, the development of regional fisheries databases, and the preparation of the Southeast Asian State of Fisheries and Aquaculture report (SEASOFIA 2027).<\/p>\r\n\r\n

A special lecture on sustainable fisheries highlighted major global challenges facing the sector, including climate change, overexploitation of marine resources, pollution, rising production costs, stricter trade requirements, and geopolitical tensions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Director-General said hosting the meeting would reinforce regional fisheries cooperation, promote sustainable resource management, strengthen the competitiveness of its fisheries sector, and support long-term food security under the “Fisheries Connect for Sustainability” framework.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/504981","date_published":"2026-05-20T16:36:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/2026052086b1f3bcbb1179e4b6f55e832e623a47163802.jpg"},{"id":"fce58f59ef61a663fceb8524460cf76f","title":"Government Targets Completion of Thailand-EU FTA Talks Within 2026","content_text":"

The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) under the Ministry of Commerce reported that the European Union (EU) is rapidly expanding its global Free Trade Agreement (FTA) network to reduce economic risks. This shift presents a strategic opportunity for Thailand to attract foreign direct investment and expand export markets, with the ministry aiming to conclude the Thailand-EU FTA negotiations by the end of 2026.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bTPSO Director Nantapong Chiralerspong disclosed that in the first quarter of 2026, the EU concluded three major FTA negotiations covering six nations: the Mercosur bloc (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay), India, and Australia. These developments show the EU's commitment to diversifying supply chains amid rising geopolitical and economic uncertainties. This expansion allows Thailand to position itself as a premium manufacturing hub for high-potential industries, including modern automotive components, electronics, and processed foods.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bHowever, Thailand faces stiff competition from neighbors like Vietnam and Singapore, which already have active FTAs with the EU and enjoy preferential tariff rates. Increasingly stringent EU environmental mandates require Thai businesses to upgrade production standards. In response, the Ministry of Commerce is fast-tracking bilateral negotiations and introducing supply chain and logistical support frameworks tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bDuring the eighth round of Thailand-EU FTA negotiations last February in Chiang Mai, both parties finalized three additional chapters, bringing the total completed to 11 out of 24. The next round is scheduled for June 2026 in Brussels, Belgium, with both teams working to meet the 2026 deadline.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The EU remains Thailand's fourth-largest trading partner. In the first quarter of 2026, total bilateral trade reached 12,223.28 million USD, a 13.55% year-on-year increase. Thai exports rose 20.14% to 7,671.91 million USD, while imports grew 3.93% to 4,551.37 million USD, yielding a trade surplus of 3,120.54 million USD.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Director noted that the EU represents an affluent consumer market of about 450 million people. Ratifying the FTA will eliminate or substantially lower import tariffs, boosting the competitiveness of Thai products, creating local jobs, and sustaining national economic growth.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/504980","date_published":"2026-05-20T16:33:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260522a6f88e9dab574839f9c5b9a29170db0a131228.jpg"},{"id":"a0bc3da55ad236179b93464f74e7d923","title":"Thailand Strengthens Durian Quality Standards to Boost Global Consumer Confidence","content_text":"

The government is accelerating measures to improve the quality of Thai durians by implementing a strict "Four No's" quality-control policy, aiming to push export revenues beyond 150 billion baht.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Deputy Government Spokesperson Capt. Dr. Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn announced that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is intensifying efforts to raise domestic durian standards. The initiative aims to boost consumer confidence worldwide and protect Thailand's position as the leading durian exporter, especially amid rising competition in China, its main export market.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bThe Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives has directed all relevant agencies to enforce the "Four No's" policy strictly: no immature durians, no pest infestations, no fraudulent origin certification, and no chemical residues.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bThe Ministry has coordinated with agricultural agencies and the private sector to audit quality across the supply chain. Key measures include verifying fruit maturity before harvest, controlling localized pests, implementing farm-to-table traceability, and conducting random chemical-residue tests before shipment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The government has also set up 24-hour logistics and export facilitation services to reduce operational costs and speed up distribution, ensuring efficient handling of the current harvest season's peak output.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bThe government expects these strict quality and reliability frameworks to raise the total value of Thai durian exports to more than 150 billion baht in 2026. This strategy aims to maintain market share in existing destinations, secure new international markets, and generate sustainable income for Thai farmers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/504049","date_published":"2026-05-18T15:13:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260518f932286f7860b2914ca7956286342efa151515.jpg"},{"id":"1f1e8d3cc118987640c340bc9ad0963a","title":"Thailand Launches Pavilion at Cannes Film Festival","content_text":"

Thailand has launched the “Thailand Pavilion” at the Cannes Film Festival in France, promoting its film industry and expanding opportunities for Thai content in international markets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun presided over the opening ceremony at the International Village, joined by Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Culture Ranee Itarat, Department of Cultural Promotion Director-General Yuthika Isarangkun na Ayutthaya, senior officials, and representatives from the film industry.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The pavilion presents Thailand’s creative sector to global partners while introducing a new incentive offering a cash rebate of up to 20 percent for foreign investment in digital content production. The measure applies to projects valued at at least 5 million baht and covers services such as animation, visual effects, gaming, and post-production.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Thailand’s presence at the festival also includes screenings of two Thai films, “9 Temples to Heaven” and “What Do You Seek in the Dark?” selected for the Directors’ Fortnight and Critics’ Week sections. Industry activities include the “Thai Pitch” event for project presentations to international investors, as well as the “Thai Cinema Global Showcase 2026,” featuring selected films and business discussions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The participation supports Thailand’s efforts to expand its creative economy, increase international visibility, and create new opportunities for Thai producers and related industries through continued cooperation among government agencies and private sector partners.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/503038","date_published":"2026-05-14T15:17:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/2026051465b8bb335d1f7c3ddfe7290eefd7ef27151952.jpg"},{"id":"a9819d96b3af47e66f359e953fa377ca","title":"Thai Film Returns to Cannes Directors' Fortnight","content_text":"

Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised has announced that the Thai feature film “9 Temples to Heaven” has been selected for the Directors’ Fortnight section at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first Thai feature film in nearly two decades to enter the section since “Ploy” in 2007.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The film, directed by Sompot Chidgasornpongse and produced by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, is described as a road-trip comedy exploring spiritual beliefs, rituals, and family relationships. The movie is scheduled to screen at the Cannes Film Festival, which runs from May 12 to May 23.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Sabeeda added that the Thai short film “What Do You Seek in the Dark?” directed by Tossaphon Riantong, was selected for the Critics’ Week section, making it the first Thai short film to be chosen for that category. <\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Culture Ministry and the Department of Cultural Promotion are also preparing networking and business activities during the festival, including meetings between Thai filmmakers, international producers, investors, distributors, and film buyers. Several Thai film projects will also be presented to international partners and investors during pitching sessions and showcase events.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The government's creative strategies also include support for film professionals, new filmmakers, investment measures, and the development of international-level film festivals in Thailand to increase the competitiveness of the country’s creative industries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/502554","date_published":"2026-05-12T16:39:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202605128cdf3e77aaa583febe16f7e3b80d5394164111.jpg"},{"id":"a795591eed67fb01103976812a6bb91f","title":"Thailand Promotes Culture and Tourism at Tokyo Festival","content_text":"

The government is promoting Thai culture and tourism in Japan through the 26th Thai Festival Tokyo 2026 at Yoyogi Park under the theme “Amazing Thailand: Thai Pop Culture Move.”<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan said the event presents Thailand through contemporary culture, music, art, Muay Thai, handicrafts, and lifestyle experiences targeting younger Japanese travelers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The festival venue was arranged in the style of interconnected Thai alleyways and divided into five activity zones. The areas included the TAT Experience Hub and Partner Zone, featuring tourism information and travel activities; the Thai Craft and Textile Workshop by JUTATIP; the Thai Pop Culture Playground by TOMATO TWINS; the Siam Si Experience, inspired by traditional fortune-stick drawing; and the Muay Thai Experience by LONGNUAMBOYZ, featuring fashion and street culture activities. A main stage also featured T-POP performances and Thai cultural shows throughout the event.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The festival is expected to help boost interest in Thai culture and tourism among Japanese visitors while supporting Thailand’s promotion of its creative industries and cultural identity on the international stage. Authorities have set a target of attracting 1.2 million Japanese tourists to Thailand in 2026.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/502112","date_published":"2026-05-11T15:34:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260511e5b28cf3a730def7e267568ec9f8f4ac153541.jpg"},{"id":"d97d3bb46ed949f9b4d4e8c46881a023","title":"Thailand Prepares for THAIFEX ANUGA ASIA 2026","content_text":"

The government is preparing to hold THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2026 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani later this month as authorities continue the drive to expand Thailand’s role in the global food industry.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Periswivattana, the event is being organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and Koelnmesse. The exhibition runs from May 26 to May 30 under the theme “BIGGER – BETTER – BOLDER.”<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The international event is expected to attract buyers, importers, and food industry representatives from more than 130 countries, with over 1,168 exhibitors from Thailand and overseas participating. Trade value is expected to exceed 130 billion baht.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The exhibition will feature food and beverage displays, international business negotiations, showcases of food technology and innovation, and discussions on future food trends and food security.\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/502105","date_published":"2026-05-11T15:18:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260511c593dba0618af0bbfc9cd6c26218d88c152048.jpg"},{"id":"54d0097219db89ca11fd5b14ac9f31c1","title":"Thailand's Department of Internal Trade Launch Fruits Festival 2026","content_text":"

The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has partnered with Central Pattana to organize the “Fruits Festival 2026” at Central Westgate under the theme “Thailand: The Land of Tropical Fruits.” The event features more than 32 booths operated by fruit farmers and businesses from across the country, with sales expected to exceed 150 tons.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The festival offers a wide range of premium tropical fruits, including durians from Chanthaburi, mangosteens, rambutans, melons, avocados, aromatic coconuts, and specialty mangoes from northern Thailand. Rare durian varieties and mangoes from Ban Hong district in Lamphun province are also being sold, with some mangoes offered at promotional prices of 15 baht per kilogram.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

DIT Director-General Wittayakorn Maneenetr said authorities are expanding distribution channels during the peak fruit harvest season to help farmers sell produce directly to consumers and reduce oversupply in production areas. <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Authorities said export-grade AB durians are currently selling for about 140-150 baht per kilogram. Inspections will continue to prevent false labeling and the mixing of foreign durians with Thai products to protect consumer confidence and export markets. The festival runs until May 11 at Central Westgate and from June 6 to 12 at Central Pinklao.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/501356","date_published":"2026-05-08T16:00:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260508e635a4853e5a43830239d21f98728566160257.jpg"}]}