BANGKOK, Thailand – The government outlined a series of domestic and international developments in the May 24 broadcast of “Voices from Thai Khu Fah,” presented by Government Spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap. The program began with an update on public complaints, with more than 2,200 submissions addressing issues such as counterfeit goods, call center scams, e-cigarettes, online gambling, and unsafe products. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has directed agencies to step up enforcement in response to these concerns.
Thailand’s tourism sector continues to rebound, welcoming over 13.12 million international visitors between January 1 and May 14, generating more than 600 billion baht in revenue. High-spending tourists from Europe, the United States, and Russia played a major role. The government is promoting wellness-related travel, including senior and medical tourism. Diplomatic relations also advanced this week as Thailand and Indonesia agreed to elevate ties following President Prabowo Subianto’s official visit. Both countries signed a memorandum on health cooperation and committed to drafting a Strategic Partnership Action Plan by the end of the year. Cross-border issues such as online fraud and labor trafficking were discussed.
Authorities have intensified efforts to combat counterfeit goods. A 150-member task force raided shops at a popular shopping center in Bangkok, inspecting over 100 vendors and shutting down those selling fake luxury items. Bribes ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 baht were reportedly paid by some vendors to avoid prosecution. The government is working to remove Thailand from the United States’ Intellectual Property Watch List and continues investigating online counterfeiting and smuggling.
At the recent Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister instructed relevant ministries to crack down on illegal imports of cement and steel and manage fruit prices more effectively. A proposal to issue certifications for durian harvesters is under review. The Ministry of Environment was tasked with addressing conflicts involving wild elephants affecting agricultural land. Following the suspension of Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Chusak Sirinil has been appointed to oversee the Department of Special Investigation. Separately, the Industry Minister reported the seizure of illicit goods valued at 690 million baht and the discovery of over 118 tonnes of smuggled hazardous waste at a Laem Chabang warehouse.
The Cabinet has approved a 3.78 trillion baht budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, which will be submitted to Parliament for its first reading from May 28 to 30. The Prime Minister also returned from a trade mission to the United Kingdom and Monaco, promoting exports and Thai cuisine abroad. Meetings included discussions with Formula 1 executives about the potential for Thailand to host a city circuit race. The Premier is scheduled to attend the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Kuala Lumpur on May 26 and 27, where regional economic cooperation and security will be addressed in meetings with ASEAN and partner country leaders. (NNT)
