Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana said that the rankings, published in the "Best Countries 2026" report, reflected Thailand’s potential as a top destination for investment and doing business in this region and also emphasized its exceptional openness for creating a favorable business environment.

She explained that Thailand’s strengths lie in its solid production base, advanced infrastructure, and readiness for future industries, which consistently attract global investor confidence. The Government aims to restructure the country’s economy, enhance its competitiveness, and upgrade the public sector operations to international standards. 

Thailand is also advancing its accession process to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), in line with the target of becoming a member by 2028. Thailand views the accession process as an important mechanism to drive national reform, raise standards in the areas of the economy, investment, good governance, transparency, and competitiveness, as well as generating long-term concrete benefits for the Thai people and society.

Thailand is also seeking to create an ecosystem where sustainable investment becomes the rational economic choice, while improving investor services and ease of doing business.

According to the Deputy Government Spokesperson, the report on Thailand as one of the best countries for investment and doing business serves as a positive sign that Thailand is recognized globally as a high-potential investment destination.

The Government will continue to proceed with its plan for regulatory reform and improve its standards toward becoming an OECD member.

According to unofficial results, Mr. Chadchart received 1.44 million votes, surpassing his own record of 1.39 million votes in the previous gubernatorial election four years ago. Coming second was Mrs. Mallika Boonmeetrakool Mahasook, also an independent candidate, gaining about 288,000 votes. 

Mr. Chaiwat Sathawornwichit of the People’s Party was ranked third, gaining about 176,000 votes. Mr. Anucha Burapachaisri, Democrat candidate, came fourth winning more than 101,000 votes, while M.L. Kornkasiwat Kasemsri, another independent candidate, came in fifth place, gaining about 45.600 votes. 

The voter turnout was 49.7 percent, representing 2.2 million votes, out of 4.4 million eligible voters. The Election Commission of Thailand will announce official results of the 2026 Bangkok gubernatorial election within 30 days, if no objections are filed. 

Unofficial results of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council election at 22.00 hr on 28 June show that candidates from the People’s Party were leading 22 districts, out of 50 districts. 

Speaking after having learned about unofficial results, Mr. Chadchart, a 60-year-old civil engineer and academic, expressed hope that Bangkok would be elevated as one of the world’s leading cities over the next four years. He has successfully carried out many projects and would work harder to meet people’s needs. 

Voters in Pattaya City, Chon Buri Province, also went to the polls on 28 June to elect a new mayor and 24 city councilors, who will serve four-year terms, as well. 

According to the digital travel platform Agoda, Thailand remained one of the most popular destinations among Asian travelers in the first half of 2026. Agoda's data shows Malaysia leading international travel interest in Thailand, followed by South Korea, China, India, and Japan to round out the top five.

Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek quoted Agada as saying that Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, and Cha-am remain Thailand’s top destinations, demonstrating their lasting appeal. Nature-based destinations, such as Khao Yai, Nakhon Nayok, and Kanchanaburi, are drawing greater interest from tourists, as well.

This trend, Ms. Rachada said, also reflects Thailand’s great potential for developing new tourism destinations and distributing more tourism income to lesser-known cities and local communities. Tourists are increasingly seeking destinations that offer diverse experiences, including nature, culture, food, and local ways of living.

She said that the Government would build on Thailand’s popularity by connecting tourism with geographical indication (GI) products, community goods, food, culture, traditions, and local identity, with the aim of increasing economic value, generating income for local residents, and promoting high-value tourism. 

Another objective is to attract quality visitors, encouraging them to return, extend their stays, and increase their spending. Festivals and tourism activities are going to be organized throughout the year to promote the Thailand 365 Days campaign.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Phancharoenworakul stated that the ministry is developing new tourist attractions, especially natural tourist sites, while upgrading tourism standards to meet the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria, under the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030. The objectives are to drive Thailand's destinations into the Global Top 100 for sustainability and elevate the country as a premier, world-class destination.

He said that the Doi Phu Kha National Park in Nan Province had received the Green Destinations Award in 2026, which reflects Thailand’s potential for tourism development in accordance with international standards. This national park serves as a model of sustainable tourism development for other tourism destinations, as well.

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TAT Executive Director of the East Asia Region Sirigesanong Trirattanasongpol stated that the project facilitates digital payments for more convenient among foreign visitors, while opening new opportunities for Thai businesses.

It will also promote the country’s image as a modern global destination for digital travelers from around the world, in accordance with the changing traveler behavior, particularly among visitors from such major markets as China, Singapore, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, and Lao PDR.

For visitors, this initiative allows the use of supported mobile banking applications or e-wallets from their home markets to scan and pay at participating outlets across Thailand. The service reduces reliance on cash and enables more familiar, secure, and seamless day-to-day spending.

Thai entrepreneurs have been urged to join this initiative by applying for the QR Payment scheme with eight participating banks, namely Krungthai Bank, Bangkok Bank, Kasikornbank, Siam Commercial Bank, Bank of Ayudhya, ICBC Thai, Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, and CIMB Thai Bank, along with payment and switching partners National ITMX, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay.

According to TAT, Cross-Border QR Payment is increasingly important to the visitor experience and this cooperation marks another significant step in advancing Thailand’s tourism industry, creating business opportunities for operators.

The project is currently available to users from China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, South Korea, Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Hong Kong, with further expansion planned. The introduction of Cross-Border QR Payment also aligns with the "Trusted Thailand" project, an initiative by TAT to raise safety standards, boost traveler confidence, and promote Thailand as a secure, convenient "Quality Leisure Destination."

Speaking on 25 June 2026, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan pointed out that Koh Samui, or Samui Island, was ranked No.1 in the “Best Islands” category for the Asia-Pacific region, based on votes from readers of the magazine. 

Ms. Ploythalay stated that the Government commended Koh Samui for its efficient management, and she noted that international recognition for this island emphasizes the island’s position as a world-class tourism destination, reflecting its potential and readiness to welcome tourists from all over the world.

She explained that Koh Samui blends luxury service standards with pristine nature, attracting global appeal. The Government is ready to boost marine and island tourism, with the aim of distributing income to local communities, along with promoting sustainability and ensuring tourist safety.

Ms. Ploythalay said that Samui received other awards, as well. For instance, Samui International Airport came second in the Best Airports category for the region, ranking behind Singapore’s Changi Airport. Five resorts on the island placed in the top 10 of the best beach resorts in this region. 

The magazine said in its citation, “How do you develop one of the world’s most famous island destinations without sacrificing its soul? Koh Samui manages it better than most. Riding high following its starring role in The White Lotus season 3, the island is now synonymous with sleek resorts, sophisticated dining and polished beachside luxury.”

It also stated, “Yet beyond the glamorous veneer, many original charms remain. Coconut groves still shape the landscape, while waterfalls, jungle trails and local fishing communities offer glimpses of a slower Samui. Offshore, Angthong National Marine Park continues to provide one of southern Thailand’s great natural escapes.”

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana said that the issue was discussed during the workshop on the Regional Digital Health Wallets, organized jointly by the Ministry of Public Health and WHO on 17 June. Minister of Public Health Pattana Promphat and executives from the Ministry of Public Health also attended this regional workshop.

Thailand, Indonesia, and the Lao PDR were supported by the workshop as pilot countries in Southeast Asia for developing guidelines and operation frameworks on digital health data exchange in accordance with WHO standards. This initiative would serve as a foundation for international health data connection in the future.

It will also produce global guidance to help other countries adopt secure, standards-based digital health wallets, contributing to stronger, more resilient health systems across the region and beyond, according to WHO.

Ms. Lalida stated that migrant workers, tourists, and frequent international travelers receiving treatment at several hospitals would greatly benefit from this system, as the health data are portable, verifiable, and usable anywhere, under the same standards.

This system will also facilitate the use of health data by individuals for treatment in various hospitals, reduce diagnostic duplication, increase continuity of care, and enable medical personnel to access necessary information more quickly, which will contribute to the efficiency in public health services as a whole.

She pointed out that the efforts to develop a Digital Health Wallet marks a significant step for Thailand to prepare for a modern, people-centered public health system and cope with future cross-border health information exchange. This will provide greater access to medical services, elevate the quality of medical treatment, and ensure sustainable health security for people in the digital era. 

The Prime Minister stated that, in today’s global business, speed is the ultimate differentiator. The Government is transitioning from a regulatory body to a proactive business facilitator. By removing regulatory hurdles, increasing speed, and ensuring policy transparency, Thailand is driving physical investments that will generate next-generation employment and secure its long-term regional competitiveness.

According to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), FastPass targets high-value sectors including advanced electronics, aerospace technology, precision machinery and automation systems, and recycled plastics.

At the ceremony, eight agencies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for their cooperation in reducing approval and licensing timelines by 20 to 50 percent across key investment milestones, including factory permits, free-zone processing, environmental impact assessments, and power grid connections.

The eight agencies include (1) BOI, (2) the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, (3) the Office of the Energy Regulatory Commission, (4) the Customs Department, (5) the Department of Industrial Works, (6) the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, (7) the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, and (8) the Provincial Electricity Authority.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas said that the FastPass mechanism is designed to deliver immediate, concrete economic results in the short term, while laying down long-term structural benefits that will distribute wealth across Thailand’s broader economy. These 25 pilot projects from 23 companies are projected to generate over 13,000 high-skilled jobs. Combined with the 76 projects cleared under FastPass in the preceding phase, total investment mobilized by the program exceeds 700 billion baht.

At the ceremony, the Prime Minister also handed out certificates to the 23 companies, representing 25 initial projects granted FastPass status.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana referred to a keynote address by Minister of Public Health Pattana Promphat at the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association that emphasized cooperation between the public sector and the pharmaceutical industry in driving medical innovation and research and providing better healthcare for the people.

She said that the Ministry of Public Health had proposed the “MOPH PLUS+” approach, which shifts the paradigm of public health from being viewed as an economic burden to becoming a value-based sector. In so doing, a strong health ecosystem will be developed, along with promoting investment in bioscience, medical technologies, and the future health industry. 

According to the Deputy Government Spokesperson, the Government is ready to collaborate with the private sector in many areas, including technology transfer, clinical research, human resource development, digital health technology, and emerging infectious disease preparedness, so that the public will benefit more from medical innovations and advances.

The Government also attaches great importance to human capital by fostering the development of scientists, researchers, medical personnel, and highly skilled workers to cope with the modern health industry and enhance Thailand’s competitiveness in the knowledge-based global economy.

The Government believes that close collaboration between the public sector and the pharmaceutical industry in research and other issues will become a driving force in upgrading Thailand’s public health system, leading to people’s better quality of life and the country’s sustainable economic growth.  

1. Thailand’s Response to the Notification of Conciliation on the maritime boundary dispute under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

• On 19 June 2026, Thailand submitted its Response to Cambodia’s Notification of Conciliation on the maritime boundary dispute under UNCLOS, which Cambodia transmitted to Thailand on 2 June 2026. This was an official acceptance to enter into the said proceedings.

• There are three main points to summarize from the letter:

• First, Thailand reaffirmed that its objective in this process is limited solely to the delimitation of the maritime boundary under UNCLOS.

• Second, the letter contained the notification of the appointment of Thailand’s 2 Agents: (1) H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, as Agent and (2) H.E. Mr. Songchai Chaipatiyut, Ambassador of Thailand to Kuwait and the former Deputy Director-General of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, as Deputy Agent.

• Third, the letter contained the notification of the two conciliators appointed by Thailand: (1) Judge Albert J. Hoffmann of South Africa and (2) Judge Rüdiger Wolfrum of Germany.

• Both are internationally recognized experts in the law of the sea and highly respected figures in the field of international law.

2. Conciliation Proceedings

• Within the next 30 days following Thailand’s Response, the four appointed conciliators will have to select a fifth conciliator to serve as Chair of the Conciliation Commission.

• The process thereafter is expected to take approximately 12 months (unless both sides view it necessary to expand the time needed) for the Conciliation Commission to issue a report containing recommendations.

• The report is not legally binding but may serve as a basis for the two parties to negotiate further to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. The proceedings will essentially aim for an amicable solution.

• This ultimately returns the two countries to the approach that Thailand has advocated from the outset, namely, a settlement of the dispute through bilateral negotiations.

3. Other Salient Points

• Conciliation is not a court process, and conciliators are not lawyers for either party. Conciliators are independent experts with recognized expertise and credibility. In addition to gaining a good understanding of the context of the dispute, they are to information from all sides in a neutral manner in order to help find a balanced way forward. Therefore, the outcome is not a judgment and is not legally binding but rather a set of mutually acceptable recommendations.

• As a responsible member of the international community that upholds international law and the rules-based international order, Thailand has decided to enter into the conciliation proceedings, constituting the fulfillment of its obligations under UNCLOS.

• Thailand is fully prepared, and officials will carry out duties with the utmost professionalism in protecting Thai sovereignty and interests to resolve the maritime boundary dispute peacefully and in accordance with international law.

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will keep the public informed of developments in the process in a transparent manner, noting also that this is only the second case of the conciliation proceedings – the first being Timor-Leste v. Australia – and therefore, there is a lot of interest in these proceedings.

• Thailand will participate in good faith and hopes that this conciliation process will help pave the way toward a peaceful and sustainable resolution of the maritime boundary between the two countries.

Ms. Rachada said that transnational crimes have been found to link with cross-border networks; therefore, the Government needs to step up international cooperation and introduce tools to deal effectively with this issue. 

In this regard, the Royal Thai Police had introduced a new database platform, the SCAM & Human Trafficking Information Exchange and Linked Database (SHIELD), to enhance international cooperation in combating online scams and human trafficking. SHIELD is designed to record, analyze, and share information on online scam and human trafficking cases, enabling faster data exchange and more effective cross-border investigations.

Ms. Rachada explained out that SHIELD had been built on the operations of the International Anti-Scam and Human Trafficking Syndicate Command Center (Warroom IAC), and it has been well recognized and has drawn interest from many countries.

At the same time, she said, the Government has adopted the artificial intelligence technology through the Intelligent Bird Eye Operation Center to increase the efficiency in conducting surveillance and preventing crime in major economic and tourist areas.

The Government believes that the tackling of transnational crimes in the new era must be carried out in a proactive manner in order to reduce damage and create confidence among visitors to Thailand.

Thailand also supports efforts to strengthen law enforcement capacity, intelligence sharing, victim protection, and financial disruption measures against online scam operations. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has also instructed all agencies to work in an integrated manner to ensure safety and security for local people and tourists.