{"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":"a6246a748ec132d7317994b02b5b232b","title":"Thai PM Reviews Hat Yai Flood Management Plans","content_text":"

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cabinet members visited the Khlong Rian flood-retention reservoir in Hat Yai, Songkhla province, on September 1 to review the city’s flood-management plans. Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri joined the visit, during which Hat Yai Mayor Narongporn Na Phatthalung detailed measures to retain and slow incoming water before accelerating drainage from densely populated communities and key economic areas.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Hat Yai City Municipality plans to expand the Khlong Rian retention basin’s capacity from about 530,000 to 780,000 cubic meters, adding 250,000 cubic meters of storage. The municipality has requested 75 million baht for the improvements, which would allow the basin to hold more runoff during heavy rainfall and reduce the amount of water flowing into urban areas.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Plans also call for increasing Khlong Toei’s drainage capacity from 160 to 250 cubic meters per second under the first phase of an improvement project. Pumping capacity at the downstream end of the canal would rise by about 44%, from 63 to 91 cubic meters per second, allowing water to be removed more quickly and reducing prolonged waterlogging and flooding.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The measures will cover all 103 communities in Hat Yai City Municipality, including densely populated neighborhoods, commercial districts, infrastructure, and transportation networks. The government, Songkhla Province, the municipality, and relevant agencies are coordinating water retention, drainage, and pumping operations to improve flood preparedness and protect Hat Yai, a major economic and transportation center in southern Thailand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/537566","date_published":"2026-09-01T15:17:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/2026090118fe7e08e3ace2c2340f228fd6d947b4151908.jpg"},{"id":"762027a2646b40b1351568c1b3caff4f","title":"Thailand's DPM Inspects Satun Area for Seaplane Feasibility Study","content_text":"

Deputy Minister of Transport Phattrapong Phattraprasit visited Satun province to assess the feasibility of establishing water takeoff and landing sites for seaplanes. The Minister was accompanied by Satun Deputy Governor Damrongsak Kaewduang, the President of the Satun Provincial Administrative Organization, and local transport officials. The visit is part of an official inspection tour covering Songkhla and Satun provinces from August 31 to September 1, 2026.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

During the morning itinerary, the delegation surveyed the Pak Bara Pier area in La-ngu district before moving on to inspect Mu Ko Phetra National Park. The objective of evaluating these sites was to determine their potential to integrate seaplane operations and enhance connections between Satun’s coastal destinations and other marine tourism hubs along the Andaman coast.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The establishment of seaplane landing sites will require thorough evaluations regarding technical suitability, operational safety, and minimal disruption to existing maritime traffic. Authorities emphasized that full compliance with relevant regulations and strict protection of aquatic ecosystems are essential requirements for moving forward.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

If deemed viable, seaplane services will offer a new travel alternative, improving convenience for tourists and elevating the overall tourism profile of Satun and the wider Andaman region.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Following the field inspections, the delegation scheduled an afternoon meeting at the Seesea Resort Pak Bara. The discussion aimed to analyze feasibility data, gather feedback from relevant agencies, and establish guidelines for potential next steps to introduce seaplane transportation to the area.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/537233","date_published":"2026-08-31T16:01:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202608316f09a22345061a703b23021173d22a8c160324.jpg"},{"id":"ed8784c1555b6976acfd1cff15b05975","title":"Thailand Expands Ties With Africa Through Nigeria Visit","content_text":"

Thailand is expanding political, economic, and development ties with Africa as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow made his first visit to Nigeria. In Abuja, he met Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu to discuss bilateral relations and Thailand’s renewed engagement with Africa under the Thailand-Africa framework.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on technical cooperation and agreed to pursue projects in aquaculture technology and sustainable agriculture. Discussions also covered technology transfer, skills development, trade, and investment. Nigeria was Thailand’s second-largest trading partner in Africa in 2025, with bilateral trade valued at about US$1.2 billion.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Sihasak also met Damtien Larbli Tchintchibidja, vice president of the ECOWAS Commission, to discuss closer ties between Thailand, West Africa, and ASEAN. Thailand has appointed Ambassador to Nigeria Thirapath Mongkolnavin as its first permanent representative to the Economic Community of West African States, and potential areas of cooperation include public health, economic development, and knowledge sharing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Sihasak also attended the Thailand-Nigeria Business Forum in Lagos on August 27, where Thai businesses explored trade and investment opportunities. He is scheduled to travel to Ethiopia today (Aug 28) for talks with the African Union, continuing Thailand’s efforts to broaden bilateral and regional engagement across Africa.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/536497","date_published":"2026-08-28T15:47:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260828c758da566f32967e3d071360485ecf7a154844.jpg"},{"id":"19a3ec5635eae8e24bef900cd1cf4ef7","title":"Thai PM and ILO Chief Discuss Future of Thai Workforce","content_text":"

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul welcomed International Labor Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo to Government House today (Aug 28) for talks on preparing Thai workers for changing labor market demands. Houngbo was visiting Thailand to attend the 29th ASEAN Labor Ministers Meeting.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The discussions involved labor cooperation, skills development, and preparations for changes in the world of work. The two sides explored ways to help workers adapt to evolving employment conditions while gaining fair access to new opportunities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Premier Anutin discussed government efforts to expand upskilling and reskilling to help Thai workers develop capabilities that match changing employer needs in Thailand and overseas. Measures to improve worker protection and align labor development with international standards were also detailed. <\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/536495","date_published":"2026-08-28T15:38:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202608280920de4c72cabe536f10308500db1ae0154552.jpg"},{"id":"8ffedefdbee6bd6e327bc4acd01bb24e","title":"Thailand's Transport Minister Urges Tighter Safety Standards for Passenger Buses","content_text":"

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has called for tighter safety standards across Thailand’s passenger bus industry and greater use of artificial intelligence in vehicle inspections. Speaking at the Thai Bus Operators Association’s 2026 Annual General Meeting in Bangkok today (Aug 26), Phiphat placed passenger safety at the center of efforts to modernize road transport and support tourism.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Safety requirements should cover vehicles, drivers, onboard personnel, and passenger readiness for emergencies. Operators were urged to ensure travelers know the locations of emergency exits, how to open emergency doors, and what to do during an evacuation. The Department of Land Transport was also instructed to tighten vehicle inspections and driver oversight while exploring AI-assisted systems to improve inspection accuracy and efficiency.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Phiphat also called for closer coordination among transport and tourism authorities, tour companies, and bus operators. Passenger buses are often among the first services international visitors encounter after leaving airports, railway stations, or seaports, making safe vehicles, professional drivers, and quality service important to their first impressions of Thailand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The transport minister affirmed that cooperation between government agencies and private operators will remain critical to improving service standards and delivering reliable transportation for residents and visitors.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/536013","date_published":"2026-08-27T11:28:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260827386bcd7c74d91afe8f229fa0352503b8113020.jpg"},{"id":"e3eb40dc81d1bbcad17f4524fce0202d","title":"Thai PM Opens 29\u1d57\u02b0 ASEAN Labor Ministers Meeting in Bangkok ","content_text":"

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the opening of the 29th ASEAN Labor Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings in Bangkok today (Aug 26), calling for internationally recognized skills certification to improve employment opportunities and labor mobility. The meetings will continue through August 28 under the theme “ASEAN Human Capital Development: Skills Certification Towards International Recognition.”<\/p>\r\n\r\n

With nearly 700 million people and a workforce of more than 357 million, ASEAN has one of the world’s largest pools of human capital. Anutin identified workforce skills as central to the region’s future competitiveness as artificial intelligence, greener economies, and aging societies reshape employment and increase demand for digital, AI, green, and care-economy skills.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Thailand is advancing its Skill Bridge program to connect lifelong learning with employment and higher incomes through mechanisms including the Credit Bank system and Recognition of Prior Learning. The approach allows knowledge and skills gained through education, work, and practical experience to receive formal recognition. Thailand is also promoting regional certification of ASEAN skills training curricula, skills standards, and Centers of Excellence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

More than 350 participants are attending, including labor ministers and senior officials from ASEAN member states, representatives from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, the ASEAN secretary-general, and representatives of international organizations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/535738","date_published":"2026-08-26T15:29:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260826de5053698fc6b1761440d8e753e6590a153217.jpg"},{"id":"e2cf750b0985c8fe018ba1d2973d02b2","title":"Thailand Announces Readiness to Host Gastech 2026","content_text":"

The Ministry of Energy and its network partners have announced Thailand's readiness to host Gastech 2026, a major global energy conference and exhibition, from September 14 to 17, 2026, at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC). <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Gastech 2026 will bring together over 50,000 ministers, energy experts, and representatives from leading organizations in 150 countries. The conference will focus on advancing a sustainable transition to clean energy and strengthening global energy security.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bKey highlights include high-level leadership and ministerial meetings, featuring a Ministerial Panel and "The Bangkok Dialogues 2026" roundtable to help shape global energy policies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bThe event will also launch the "AixEnergy" platform, a forum focused on integrating artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure into future energy systems.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Exhibitions and business negotiations at the event will showcase innovations from more than 1,000 leading companies, with a focus on natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen, and carbon emissions-reduction technologies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/535730","date_published":"2026-08-26T15:14:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260826224f4d51be2c1eed3753d43580823b9f152837.jpg"},{"id":"5ffe88f7b1709e8837c4617de027cf70","title":"Pollution Control Department Monitors Transboundary Haze Risk in Southern Thailand","content_text":"

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin has directed the Center for Air Pollution Mitigation to closely monitor transboundary haze in Southern Thailand, as hot, dry weather caused by the El Niño phenomenon is worsening regional air pollution.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bThis directive follows an elevated warning from the ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Centre about transboundary smoke movement. Pollution Control Department Director-General Surin Worakitthamrong stated that southern PM2.5 levels remain safe due to recent rainfall in provinces such as Phang Nga and Ranong. However, prevailing southerly winds could carry smoke toward the Thai border.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bSatellite data from GISTDA on August 24, 2026, recorded 5,122 hotspots in Indonesia and only four in Thailand. As a result, authorities have placed the southern border provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala under special surveillance. These areas have persistently low air ventilation, which encourages dust accumulation. High morning humidity may also cause visible smog.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bThe Thai Meteorological Department forecasts increased and locally heavy rainfall along the upper southwestern coast, including Ranong and Phang Nga, from August 27 to 29, 2026. This rainfall is expected to help disperse accumulated dust in the upper southern region.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bThe mitigation center will continue to monitor hotspots, wind patterns, and overall air quality to provide timely public alerts. Officials stated that if transboundary haze severely affects the country, the Thai government will formally ask the ASEAN Secretary-General to urge neighboring nations to reduce their hotspots and limit public impact.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/535705","date_published":"2026-08-26T15:07:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/2026082603bfaab42fdf8e80ed118cb0bba81dbd150825.jpg"},{"id":"130193989acdd1b8dedac3db5fa4ea7e","title":"TAT Unveils 2027 Tourism Plan Under Year of Transformation","content_text":"

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled its 2027 Tourism Marketing Action Plan at Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok on August 24, with Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul and TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool presenting the direction for Thai tourism. Under “The Year of Transformation,” TAT is targeting at least 5% growth in tourism revenue in 2026, a 60:40 split of visitors between major and secondary destinations, and a place among Asia’s top three destinations for traveler loyalty.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The plan centers on four strategic moves: Rebalance Market Portfolio, Shape Experience Platform, Build New Growth Engine, and Transform Together. TAT will diversify source markets, expand into Eastern Europe and Latin America, promote 19 emerging destinations, and classify travelers into Mainstream, Experience, High Value, and Premium segments to better match tourism products with visitor preferences.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Thailand will also shift from its traditional value-for-money positioning toward more meaningful travel experiences. Plans include regional travel themes, more than 55 community-based tourism destinations, and signature destination branding in Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Songkhla, Trat, and Samut Songkhram. Other growth areas include premium experiences, health and wellness tourism, international events, and sustainable travel, with Nan and the Wellness Valley destinations selected for expanded sustainability programs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

TAT will make greater use of tourism data across its domestic and overseas networks, develop industry professionals, and support travel-related innovations from start-ups. The longer-term goal is to position Thailand as “Asia's No. 1 High-Value & Meaningful Destination,” with honesty, safety, quality, and memorable experiences at the center of efforts to earn travelers’ trust and encourage repeat visits.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/535322","date_published":"2026-08-25T15:53:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260825f8e69c22d5e346659aa68519e10b41ed155627.jpg"},{"id":"aef245213e06cbc7d732cafcf73f93d7","title":"Thailand Conducts First Domestic Robotic Telesurgery","content_text":"

Thailand has conducted its first domestic robotic telesurgery on August 24, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country's medical sector. The prostate cancer operation successfully connected medical personnel at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital in Bangkok with Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, spanning a distance of over 250 kilometers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bMinister of Public Health Pattana Promphat presided over the operation at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital. Dr. Niphon Suphratnachatiphan and Dr. Thanathon Termkraisri at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital collaborated with Dr. Peeradon Sapermsap, who operated the robotic system remotely from Bangkok.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Minister stated that the procedure is a significant advancement in Thailand’s adoption of medical technology. This is expected to facilitate the transfer of expertise to regional hospitals, broaden access to specialized care, and help reduce healthcare disparities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bPermanent Secretary for Public Health Dr. Somruek Jungsaman noted that the initiative will enhance the skills of regional medical staff. The ministry intends to extend the system to hospital networks throughout Thailand’s health regions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\u200bDepartment of Medical Services Director-General Dr. Nutthapong Wongwiwat emphasized the continued progress in specialized medical services. Since December 2025, Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital has performed 52 successful robotic surgeries in gynecology, general surgery, and urology. Earlier this year, the hospital demonstrated its technological capabilities by partnering with West China Hospital, 3,000 kilometers away, for remote gallstone and prostate cancer operations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/52\/iid\/534927","date_published":"2026-08-24T16:02:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260824c7f5ccbeaefdef211b2c060dcacac3f8160402.jpg"}]}