News Room

In an effort to enhance passenger capacity and raise Thailand's tourism-related revenue, Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) has disclosed plans to extend the low-cost terminal at Don Mueang International Airport. The project, which is expected to begin in 2023 and be finished by 2029, has a budget of 36.8 billion baht, according to AOT. The extension will boost the airport's handling capacity from 30 million to 40 million people annually and involves building 12 airplane parking stands and 11 jet bridges.
A recent report from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports showed that Thailand received 5,578,721 foreign visitors between 1 January and 18 March 2023, bringing in about 215,052 million baht in income.Nevertheless, with the noticeable rise in visitors arriving in Thailand, there are now lengthy passenger lineups at the airline counters and the immigration checks. It is also reported that air fares will increase significantly. According to Traisulee Taisaranakul, Deputy Government Spokesperson, concerned agencies are currently working together to immediately fix these difficulties.
Following the announcement of the parlimentary dissolution on 20 March 2023, the Election Commission has set 14 May 2023 as the date for the general elections in Thailand. The date was decided upon unanimously by the commissioners during their meeting on 21 March. The MP candidate application deadlines have been set by the Election Commission for the first week of April. Applications for party-list candidates will be taken from 4-7 April , while those for constituency MP candidates will be submitted from 3-7 April.
The Ministry of Public Health is arranging health examinations for employees working at smelting plants in the industrial area of Prachinburi province who unknowingly bought a missing container of radioactive isotope from a power plant, according to Dr.Opas Karnkawinpong, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control. The action was taken in response to reports that the Cesium-137 radioactive isotope cylinder, which went missing last week, had been found during an assessment of steel smelting facilities in the industrial region of Kabin Buri district. Health officials will keep an eye out for anyone who displays physical abnormalities. However, they will be ready for eventual crises until it is established that the area is free of radioactive contamination.
Thailand’s Royal Decree on Internet Crime Prevention and Suppression, B.E. 2066 (2023), was published in the Royal Gazette. The law has been in effect since 17 March 2023. According to the law, those who are scammed online may contact hotlines set up by 15 commercial banks 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to ensure fast action against the damage. In addition, opening an account, electronic card, or electronic wallet for anything other than personal use or allowing someone else to use their SIM card for any illicit activity carries penalties of two to five years in prison, a maximum fine of 200,000–500,000 baht, or both.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson, Trisulee Trisoranakul, revealed that the government has supported Thailand's bid to host a meeting of the Council of Governors of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2026. The gathering is one of the most significant venues for the World Bank and the IMF and takes place every three years in October. According to the Deputy Government Spokesperson, working groups from the World Bank and IMF visited Thailand in December 2022 to assess the readiness of the country to host the event. Thailand and Qatar are the two finalists from among the five previously qualified nations as a result. A decision regarding the host nation will be made in the United States on 14 April 2023. Thailand previously hosted the World Bank Governors' Meeting in 1991 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
A focus group discussion on Islamic tourism was recently held in Phuket province by the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the corporate sector. According to Athuek Phrasenmoon, Director of the Tourist Attractions Development Division, Muslim travelers are a rapidly expanding sector with significant purchasing power. They favor places that are welcoming to Muslims, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Krabi, as well as lodging and dining establishments that provide halal food and offer amenities like prayer rooms. The business sector recommended encouraging the promotion of tourism-related events that coincide with the Muslim calendar, such as launching alluring promotions following Ramadan, which is regarded as one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims.

Inside Thailand

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Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Cooperatives Prayoon Insakul has presided over the launching of the tropical fruit season in eastern Thailand, which is famous for delicious fruits, agro-tourism, and fine beaches, as well as cultural and historical places of interest.
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Throughout 2023, Thailand will celebrate the eighth cycle, or 96th, birthday anniversary of His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. The Government is preparing various projects and activities to celebrate this special occasion.
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The Cabinet has supported the plan to promote Thailand’s favorable image by presenting Thai culture in the form of “soft power” through entertainment media.
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The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), during its meeting on 20 March 2023, acknowledged the improvement of the Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa) program, which was approved by the Cabinet recently, to cover target industries and attract more foreign talent to work in Thailand.
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The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has set Sunday, 14 May 2023, as the date for the next general election in Thailand. The election date was announced after a royal decree to dissolve the House of Representatives had been endorsed by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua.
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The Department of Foreign Trade, under the Ministry of Commerce, has continued to emphasize the protection of intellectual property rights of Hom Mali rice, or Thai jasmine fragrant rice, and the expansion of its markets in accordance with Thai rice strategies.

Thailand on the Move

Thailand on Global Stage

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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.
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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.
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Thailand has reiterated its commitment to advancing the promotion and protection of human rights nationally, regionally, and globally.

Deep South

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The Cabinet on 14 March 2023 approved a draft policy on southern border provinces administration and development, 2022-2024, and a draft plan of action on southern border provinces administration and development, 2023-2027.
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The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) is preparing to propose the establishment of Satun University in Satun province to upgrade the quality of education in the deep South of Thailand.
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The Cabinet on 7 February 2023 approved a project to promote the building of good people in accordance with proper religious principles in order to treasure and preserve the multicultural society in the southern border provinces.

Window to the Region

Royal Activities

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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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Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana have graciously designated Mr. Chirayu Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Privy Councilor, as Their Representative to grant the royal donation of humanitarian assistance to the people and the government of the Republic of Türkiye.

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Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, as the Representative of His Majesty the King, will preside over the presentation ceremony of the Prince Mahidol Award 2022 at the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall on Thursday, 26 January 2023.

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