The new cabinet has decided to limit the diesel price to 33 baht per liter and keep the price of cooking gas at 423 baht per cylinder. Electricity rates for small consumers will also be reduced. These measures are aimed at relieving consumers and stimulating the economy following the recent rise in oil prices. The government wants to support the industrial sector by accelerating permits for new factories.
The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) is advising schools to suspend on-site learning on days of extreme heat to protect the health and safety of students and teachers. Instead, they will switch to online classes. The advice comes amid predictions of extremely high temperatures, which experts in Bangkok say could last up to 80 days a year.
Thailand's finance ministry is investigating additional fiscal measures to stimulate the economy
Thailand's Ministry of Finance is looking at additional fiscal measures to support economic growth following the positive public response to the “Happy Home Loan” scheme. This program, which offers low-interest loans for home construction, attracts many applicants and keeps the real estate market active. Further measures should increase GDP by 1,7-1,8 percentage points, with expected investments of up to 500 billion baht.
The Department of Medical Sciences is encouraging Thai women between the ages of 30 and 60 to be regularly screened for cervical cancer. About 2.200 women die from this disease in Thailand every year. To improve access to testing, the DMS now offers free self-collection tests for HPV DNA, available through the “Pao Tang” application or at selected distribution points.
Tragic accident in Thailand claims the life of Belgian Jan (66), four months after the death of his ex-wife
66-year-old Belgian Jan Van Welden died in a motorcycle accident in Thailand. He leaves behind three children and four grandchildren. The family lost both parents in a short time.
Thailand is considering tourist taxes to tackle mass tourism
Thailand is about to introduce a tourist tax in response to the growing problem of overtourism, which threatens the carrying capacity of popular destinations such as Phuket and Pattaya. The proposal, backed by Thai tourism organizations and the government, aims to boost the development of less-visited regions and relieve pressure on congested areas.
Bangkok's Yellow Line monorail will resume normal service next month after a thorough series of safety inspections in response to a serious incident in March. Dislodged guide rails damaged the railway's electrical system, affecting service between Kalantan and Si Udom stations.
Thailand has emerged as one of the leaders in the Asia-Pacific region in technology adoption, but this progress also has a downside. Last year, the country saw a significant increase in financial fraud, mainly driven by the high penetration of smartphones, as highlighted in Google's Bad Apps Report 2023.
Pay increase in Thailand to B400 unlikely before October 1
The expected wage increase to 400 baht per day in Thailand is unlikely to be implemented before October 1, despite earlier speculation. The National Tripartite Wages Commission will discuss the issue again on May 14, after previous meetings led to a consensus on the need for an adjustment to the minimum wage this year.
Bangkok unveils new wetland forest park for urban greening
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is taking an important step in greening the city by transforming a former flood basin into a wetland forest park. This new green heart in the Beung Kum district, which opens this year, connects nature with recreation and emphasizes the importance of sustainable urban development.
Thailand is exploring its potential to become the focal point for LGBTQIA+ marriages in Asia. The Commerce Department has highlighted the economic benefits of legalizing same-sex marriage. With a strong focus on improving legal structures and wedding services, Thailand aims to position itself as the ideal destination for inclusive weddings.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife Management and Plant Protection has announced a two-phase plan to relocate around 2.200 macaques from Lop Buri city centre. This plan is designed to improve public safety and will begin once the necessary shelter facilities are ready. The first phase focuses on the most problematic areas of the city.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has given the green light to the second phase of the ambitious Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project. This phase extends from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai and covers 357,12 kilometers. With planned completion in 2031, this project promises to significantly improve regional mobility and stimulate economic growth.
Significant reduction in real estate registration costs stimulates investments in southern border provinces
The Ministry of Interior has announced a reduction in registration fees for real estate transactions in Thailand's southern border provinces. This measure, which reduces costs to just 0,01%, is aimed at encouraging investment and economic growth in the regions of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, and certain parts of Songkhla and Satun.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has revealed Thailand's ambitions to build the world's tallest tower in Bangkok. This plan, proposed at a meeting with international investors, includes a multifunctional complex that could radically change the cityscape. This development would not only be an architectural wonder, but also provide a significant economic and tourism boost.
Summer health complaints under the microscope: how the heat in Thailand affects our body
The Ministry of Health has revealed a recent study showing that headaches, constipation and muscle cramps are main complaints during the summer months. The study, which included 682 people, also shows significant concern about the impact of extreme heat, prompting many respondents to take preventative health measures.
Road safety during Songkran under scrutiny: again this year, a significant number of accidents and fatalities
The Center for the Prevention and Reduction of Traffic Accidents released the report on the 2024 Songkran Festival, showing that 2.044 accidents were recorded with 2.060 injuries and 287 deaths. The results underline the need for improved road safety measures, especially against the backdrop of fast driving, reckless overtaking and drunk driving.