{"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":"2b847913de87a2ae318b2e84204c988c","title":"Thailand Says No Final Agreement Reached on UPOV 1991 in EU FTA Talks","content_text":"

The Thai government has confirmed that negotiations for the Thailand-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are ongoing and has dismissed rumors that Thailand has already agreed to the UPOV 1991 convention, which some claim would remove farmers' rights to save seeds.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perisvivatana stated on September 21, 2026, that the Ministry of Commerce, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun, is closely monitoring the intellectual property and plant protection aspects of the negotiations. She emphasized that the EU's proposal regarding the 1991 International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV 1991) is only a starting point for discussions and does not reflect any agreement by Thailand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Under current domestic law, specifically Section 33 of the Plant Varieties Protection Act B.E. 2542 (1999), farmers have the legal right to save and replant propagating materials they produce, subject to certain conditions. The law also exempts activities for education, research, and non-commercial plant breeding. The spokesperson clarified that while unauthorized commercial sale of protected plant varieties is illegal, it is incorrect to claim that current laws prevent farmers from saving seeds for personal use.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Addressing concerns about UPOV 1991, the spokesperson explained that while the convention strengthens breeders' rights, Article 15(2) allows member states to create domestic exemptions so farmers can reuse seeds on their own land. Therefore, claims that the convention completely bans seed saving are inaccurate. The government emphasized that the final impact on farmers' rights will depend on the outcome of negotiations and future domestic legislation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Deputy Prime Minister has instructed negotiators to balance international trade and agricultural innovation with protecting farmers' rights, biodiversity, and national food security. The Ministry of Commerce is working with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Intellectual Property, and health agencies to thoroughly assess all potential impacts. <\/p>\r\n\r\n

The spokesperson added that any finalized FTA will not automatically change Thai law, as agreements under Section 178 of the Constitution require formal parliamentary review and the standard legislative process before amending any domestic regulations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/543418","date_published":"2026-09-21T14:49:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260921845b1cb12fe67cba9afee2788747c10f150003.jpg"},{"id":"9446a7f06645cde558359f2dbba2df15","title":"SUPPORT Foundation Brings Khon Sida to Thailand Cultural Center","content_text":"

The SUPPORT Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother is set to present “Sida,” an episode from the Ramakien, for its 2026 Khon masked dance-drama production at the Main Hall of the Thailand Cultural Center from November 5 to December 10. The production traces the life of Sida, one of the epic’s central characters, from her mysterious birth through her eventual reunion with Phra Ram.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Born as the daughter of Thotsakan, King of Lanka, Sida is cast into the water after her cries are interpreted as an omen of his destruction. King Janaka rescues and raises her, and she later marries Phra Ram after he wins her hand by lifting the Moli Bow. Sida then accompanies Phra Ram and his younger brother, Phra Lak, into 14 years of exile.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Thotsakan later abducts Sida and takes her to Lanka, prompting Phra Ram to set out to rescue her with support from the monkey armies and Phiphek. After returning to Ayodhya, Sida undergoes a trial by fire to prove her fidelity, but is later banished due to a misunderstanding. Her sons, Phra Mongkut and Phra Lop, grow up in the forest, and a later encounter with Phra Ram reveals their relationship and eventually leads to Sida’s reconciliation with him.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Tickets are available through Thai Ticket Major branches or by calling 02-262-3456. Regular tickets range from 600 to 2,000 baht, while designated student performances are priced at 200 baht.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/542728","date_published":"2026-09-18T15:36:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202609181b611f1f302a921ba23f67968622dcf5153838.jpg"},{"id":"b0240408bcdcfef18ea6dc5d21343ca3","title":"Thai PM Leads Overseas Mission to Expand Trade and Investment","content_text":"

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to visit Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom from September 20 to 27 for diplomatic, economic, and investment engagements, including the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob will also join the mission. <\/p>\r\n\r\n

According to Government Spokesperson Ekkapob Pianpises, the prime minister will begin the trip in Japan, meeting Thai athletes competing in the 20th Asian Games and chairing a Team Thailand meeting on September 21. In New York, he will attend the UNGA81 opening and General Debate and deliver Thailand’s statement on September 24, alongside meetings with the UN Secretary-General and leaders from several countries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Economic engagements in the United States will include an investor roundtable with Bank of America and Jefferies, talks with PIMCO and a dinner hosted by the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council and U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Anutin will also meet senior Google executives, while Chaichanok will discuss cooperation on AI, digital infrastructure, workforce skills, and technology investment with major technology companies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The delegation will then travel to London, where Anutin and Thai capital-market executives will meet with institutional investors, in cooperation with UBS, to present Thailand’s economy and investment opportunities. Meetings with Virgin Atlantic and Rolls-Royce are also scheduled before the delegation returns to Thailand on September 27.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/542434","date_published":"2026-09-17T16:48:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260917ca068e6f485eedf4dab33c7ca23a8c6d165022.jpg"},{"id":"024dbd598f4b857e20da53b8402a529e","title":"Thailand Reaffirms Maritime Delimitation as Priority in UNCLOS Conciliation","content_text":"

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated that Thailand has reaffirmed that maritime boundary delimitation remains its primary focus in the conciliation proceedings with Cambodia under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bFollowing the Conciliation Commission's first meeting in Singapore on September 16, 2026, the Deputy Prime Minister said both parties presented their positions. Thailand addressed the Commission’s questions in accordance with international law and clearly outlined its stance on maritime delimitation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bThailand’s delegation, which includes the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies, is preparing for the next meeting in The Hague, the Netherlands, which Cambodian representatives have also agreed to attend.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bAddressing reports of Cambodian troops digging trenches at Hill 450 near Chong Kradon and Chong Sa-ngam in Phu Sing District, Sisaket Province, the Deputy Prime Minister said the issue pertains to the land border and is not directly part of the UNCLOS maritime conciliation process. He added that developments along the land border could influence the atmosphere of discussions and mutual trust.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bWhen asked whether the reported incident was intended to create tensions during the UNCLOS meeting, Sihasak declined to speculate, saying that relevant authorities will conduct a thorough factual investigation before making any official conclusions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/542072","date_published":"2026-09-16T16:27:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202609161f4259f5f1b08ec5158fb6e95f3611c9162909.jpg"},{"id":"255ca14f8164bf5f57dced8cf99ebadb","title":"Thai Dancer and Choreographer Pichet Klunchun Receives 2026 Fukuoka Prize for Arts and Culture ","content_text":"

Thai contemporary dancer and choreographer Pichet Klunchun has received the 2026 Fukuoka Prize in the Arts and Culture category, recognizing his work to preserve and reinterpret Thai traditional dance for contemporary audiences.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Fukuoka announced that Pichet is the 11th Thai recipient of the Fukuoka Prize and the fourth to receive the Arts and Culture Prize, following Thawan Duchanee (2001), Apichatpong Weerasethakul (2013), and Prabda Yoon (2021).<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Pichet began training in khon, Thailand’s classical masked dance-drama, at age 16 under master Chaiyot Khummanee of the Fine Arts Department. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Chulalongkorn University and established the Pichet Klunchun Dance Company, now known as PKDC.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Fukuoka Prize Committee recognized Pichet for advancing khon traditions by reinterpreting them for contemporary audiences and showcasing Asian physical expression internationally.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Established in 1990, the Fukuoka Prize honors individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to preserving and creating Asian culture. The annual awards include the Grand Prize, Academic Prize, and Arts and Culture Prize.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Credit: The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Fukuoka <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Photos: Pichet Klunchun Facebook Page\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/542069","date_published":"2026-09-16T16:24:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202609163bf8a050a13b265d0bf049082c6fe9fe162642.jpg"},{"id":"56bc00a2ade390a403e37a73d8ddd746","title":"Anutin and Blair Discuss Thailand's Economic Transformation","content_text":"

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair at Government House on September 14 to discuss Thailand’s economic transformation, future industries, and technology. Anutin is seeking expertise from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), where Blair serves as executive chairman, as Thailand develops new economic engines in AI, advanced industries, and clean energy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Government Spokesperson Ekkapob Pianpises reported that discussions covered investment in AI, semiconductors, and advanced industries, as well as the use of AI to boost productivity, develop workforce skills, and improve public administration. Thailand is also reviewing data center investment rules to increase domestic benefits while managing environmental effects. Blair stressed the value of data ownership in supporting Thai applications and startups.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Anutin also sought TBI support as Thailand pursues full membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development by 2028, including work on the green and digital transitions. Energy discussions covered solar rooftops and other technologies that could support domestic needs, international trade, and Thailand’s role in global supply chains.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The two sides discussed further cooperation on economic competitiveness, AI and digital development, the climate and energy transition, and OECD accession. Anutin later proposed working-level coordination with TBI, while Blair expressed readiness to provide information and advice to the Thai government.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/541364","date_published":"2026-09-14T15:03:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/2026091451aebb6adf19c63f8c362be729f53fe9150516.jpg"},{"id":"39e2335dab23741ed5e7246c05d87332","title":"Tourism Authority of Thailand Forecasts Strong Chinese Tourism During Golden Week","content_text":"

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects about 250,000 Chinese tourists to visit Thailand during the extended Golden Week travel period from September 25 to October 7, with tourism revenue projected at around 11.5 billion baht. The projections represent year-on-year increases of 24% in arrivals and 37% in revenue during the 13-day period spanning the Mid-Autumn Festival and China’s National Day holiday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool reported positive travel indicators, with October bookings to Thailand up 16% and flight searches from China rising 24%. Demand is coming from major cities including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Chongqing, while direct flights connect Chinese travelers with Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Udon Thani.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The extended holiday is expected to support longer stays, higher spending, and travel to a wider range of Thai destinations. With projected revenue growing faster than arrivals, TAT sees an opportunity to attract higher-value travelers while encouraging visitors to explore beyond established tourism centers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

TAT will promote its Amazing Thailand, Mid-Autumn (Nihao Month) 2026 campaign during the period, featuring familiarization trips for key opinion leaders, Thai cultural experiences, visitor privileges, and joint promotions with tourism partners.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/540911","date_published":"2026-09-11T16:42:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260911c153c9db3b246aae27001a8fcd771bae164445.jpg"},{"id":"84256540ddf4fb8d20af541f357b8380","title":"Royal Thai Navy Opens Registration for Royal Barge Procession Viewing Seats","content_text":"

The Royal Thai Navy has opened registration for members of the public to request admission tickets to designated seating areas for the 2026 Royal Barge Procession. Tickets are available for the full-dress rehearsals on October 21 and 28, and for the procession on November 6, 2026.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bPublic seating is available at the Royal Thai Navy Club, the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall, and the Royal Naval Institute Building. The Royal Naval Institute will be open only for the two full-dress rehearsals. Each person may request up to two tickets for only one of the three dates.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bTo reserve tickets, please call 09-8279-0903 or 09-8279-0914 between September 8 and 16, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on government holidays.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Tickets must be collected in person from September 21 to 25, 2026, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the PSB-RTN Room on the first floor of the new Naval Civil Affairs Department building on Arun Amarin Road in Bangkok.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Royal Thai Navy will provide assistance and facilitate arrangements for members of the public attending the event.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/539956","date_published":"2026-09-08T16:32:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260908a4677352232e1552d85b0de6ab568e77163349.jpg"},{"id":"6d4229b2cb5b3fd3b723db315cdadb0a","title":"Thailand Collaborates with South Korean Agencies on AI and Copyright Protection","content_text":"

The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) held bilateral meetings with four leading South Korean copyright agencies in Seoul, to enhance cooperation on artificial intelligence, cross-border online copyright enforcement, IP financing, and rights management.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bDIP Director-General Auramon Supthaweethum stated that these discussions align with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun’s policy to leverage intellectual property to add value to Thai goods, services, and creative industries, while also strengthening rights protection.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bThe DIP met with South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korea Copyright Commission, the Korea Copyright Protection Agency, and the Korea Music Copyright Association.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Discussions focused on balancing AI innovation with creators’ rights, including the use of copyrighted material for model training, fair use, and text and data mining. Thailand now requires disclosure of AI use in copyright notification forms, while South Korea is reviewing suitable copyright guidelines for AI-related activities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bBoth parties also shared approaches to IP financing, such as using copyright as collateral and enabling fractional investment in music royalties, to help expand creators’ access to funding.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bRegarding rights management, discussions addressed transparent royalty collection and distribution, including both blanket and usage-based licensing. The parties also exchanged methods for managing public-domain and orphan works on digital platforms.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bThe cooperation with the Korea Copyright Protection Agency also focused on combating cross-border online piracy through site blocking, AI and Big Data monitoring, digital forensic investigations, and measures targeting illegal IPTV services.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bThe DIP expects this cooperation to strengthen Thailand’s copyright system and support creators and businesses in the digital economy.\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/539952","date_published":"2026-09-08T16:26:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/2026090808b907b1e1dbea44651ef9cc91b6c7e2162923.jpg"},{"id":"46fec9118d19b450a81d85117cc99fee","title":"Thai Navy Clarifies Helicopter Flight Near Cambodian Border","content_text":"

The Royal Thai Navy has dismissed reports that a Thai helicopter entered Cambodian territory on September 3, saying GPS flight records confirmed the aircraft remained within Thailand throughout its mission near the border in Chanthaburi province. Local forces later exchanged information and resolved the matter, with conditions in the area remaining normal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The helicopter was supporting a visit by the commander of the Armed Forces Development Command and his delegation to inspect the construction of a security fence near permanent boundary markers 52–59. As it approached a Royal Thai Marine Corps base near the border, the aircraft circled before landing for safety, which the Navy explained may have given the impression from the ground that it had crossed the boundary.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Royal Thai Navy spokesperson Rear Adm. Parat Rattanachaiphan reported that GPS data showed no border crossing, while the Royal Thai Air Force flight control center issued no warning that the aircraft had deviated from its approved route. The Chanthaburi Marine Task Force subsequently contacted forces across the border to clarify the incident, and no further problems have been reported.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Navy reaffirmed Thailand’s adherence to the joint statement between the two countries and called on both sides to observe its provisions. Thailand will continue to protect its sovereignty and national interests while respecting neighboring territories and using direct communication and verifiable information to prevent misunderstandings and maintain peace and stability along the border.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/539494","date_published":"2026-09-07T16:00:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202609079288ea8fa0cedaa2e2a852a97fda492d160139.jpg"}]}