Foreigners wonder what’s in store if Anutin becomes the next premier. If Ladbrokes were allowed in Thailand, the heavy betting would be on burly and natty dresser Anutin Charnvirakul becoming the next prime minister. Leader of the 69-seat Bhumjaithai block in parliament, he claims to have more than half of the 492 sitting MPs altready in the bag: deals the biggest opposition Peoples Party, the remnants of the pro-military groups, several small parties and assorted “cobras” or government MPs who might switch sides.- Pattaya Mail

Foreigners wonder what's in store if Anutin becomes the next premier

Pattaya MailAugust 31, 2025

Publicity conscious Anutin buys ice cream with Thai children.

If Ladbrokes were allowed in Thailand, the heavy betting would be on burly and natty dresser Anutin Charnvirakul becoming the next prime minister. Leader of the 69-seat Bhumjaithai block in parliament, he claims to have more than half of the 492 sitting MPs altready in the bag: deals the biggest opposition Peoples Party, the remnants of the pro-military groups, several small parties and assorted "cobras" or government MPs who might switch sides. We should know for sure in a couple of weeks.

From the foreigner perspective, 58-year old Anutin has a mixed reputation. Health minister in 2020, he blamed the covid pandemic in Twitter posts on unhygienic foreigners and blasted a bewildered tourist who refused his offer of a face mask. But Anutin later apologized. He was very influential in the legalizing cannabis in 2023, but said the main reasons were to reduce the prison population and to encourage the nascent hemp industry. He is no advocate for leisure cannabis Amsterdam-style, yet a firm believer in the herb's health-giving qualities.

Anutin speaks English as he gained a science degree in New York before becoming president of his family's engineering company in Thailand. He speaks Chinese at home and is of Thai-Chinese ancestry, personally welcoming the first official Chinese tourist group – post covid – with garlands at the airport. He has stated as interior minister (2023 until resignation on June 19 2025) that Thailand is a friend of both the US and China and he is on first-name terms with US ambassador Bob Kodek.

As regards subjects of particular interest to Thailand's expat community, Anutin has said little over the years. It is unlikely there will be major developments on visas, for example, as the next administration will likely be short-term pending a general election early next year. The preoccupation for now will be on domestic issues such as a deflated economy, the high level of household debt, tariffs and a possible referendum for a new constitution to satisfy coalition partners.

The Ministry of Finance will be pushing for the adoption of its long-promised rule change to allow foreign income to be tax-free when transmitted to Thailand, provided it arrives during the year of earning or the following year. This does not require parliamentary approval but merely the nod of assent from the Council of State and the Cabinet. To allow this key issue to languish into the next tax year, from January 2026, would be highly detrimental all round. There is much more involved here than farang retirees worrying about their pensions.

Anutin's main hobby is aircraft and he is known for delivering human organs for transplant in his private plane. He can be difficult to predict as he has attacked military interventions but campaigned in parliament against a bill designed to prevent future coups. He told Time magazine in 2023, "If the people feel I can deliver what they need, they will choose me to work for them". Nothing is ever 100 percent in Thai politics, but he is about to have his moment.

BREAKING: Paetongtarn removed from office ThaiPBSWorld

BREAKING: Paetongtarn removed from office
The Constitutional Court today removed now former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office, after finding her guilty of committing gross ethical misconduct during a conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, regarding a deadly border clash between the two countries.
The ruling means her entire Cabinet is also removed from office.
#ThaiPBSWorld

Storm KAJIKI warning

Thailand Post temporarily bans all mail to United States. State enterprise Thailand Post has just banned all outgoing letters, packages and parcels to US because of changes in American customs regulations. Until now, goods valued under US$800 (26,000 baht) were exempt from import tariffs, but starting August 29 most international mail to US will be subject to new charges which could see US recipients paying US$160 extra for a parcel delivery.- Pattaya Mail

Thailand Post temporarily bans all mail to United States

Pattaya MailAugust 23, 2025

Donald Trump's executive order has created mayhem in post offices worldwide.

State enterprise Thailand Post has just banned all outgoing letters, packages and parcels to US because of changes in American customs regulations. Until now, goods valued under US$800 (26,000 baht) were exempt from import tariffs, but starting August 29 most international mail to US will be subject to new charges which could see US recipients paying US$160 extra for a parcel delivery.

Donald Trump's executive order excludes letters and documents from the surcharges, but there is ongoing confusion across the board. Even a birthday card might be subject to extra scrutiny, leading to delays in delivery throughout the United States. Thailand Post has failed to get a guarantee that even first-class letters aren't "goods intended for consumption", leading to a total cessation of handling US-destined mail.

As national postal services round the world are affected by the new US policy, Thailand is not the only country to take action. Some or all postal services to US have been suspended in Singapore, China, Hong Kong, France, Switzerland, Denmark and Belgium. The UK has halted some export services to allow for the implementation of systems to handle the new import duties and taxes.

Courier mail services in Thailand, such as DHL and FedEx, are still accepting mail to US, but with much higher charges. Customers must expect closer inspection of the contents of any package both here and on arrival in US. They are also being warned that the typical three-days international transit time by air can no longer be guaranteed.

Thailand Post said that the total ban was hopefully temporary pending clarification from the US Customs and Border Protection, but mail charges were bound to rise substantially once normal services is resumed. Meanwhile, conspiracy theorists on social media are hard at work. A popular rumor is that Trump's real aim is to prevent overseas Americans from mailing-in their ballots in future elections.

Thaksin acquitted of lèse-majesté charge. The Criminal Court today acquitted former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra of lèse-majesté charges, stemming from a 2015 interview with a South Korean media outlet. The court ruled that the video clip submitted as evidence contained only excerpts of the interview, with limited wording, while it believed the full interview had more content. Thai PBS

Thaksin acquitted of lèse-majesté charge

The Criminal Court today acquitted former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra of lèse-majesté charges, stemming from a 2015 interview with a South Korean media outlet.

The court ruled that the video clip submitted as evidence contained only excerpts of the interview, with limited wording, while it believed the full interview had more content.

Since the prosecution could not prove whether the clip had or had not been edited, and because Thaksin's statements were not specifically directed at the King, the court extended the benefit of the doubt to the defendant and acquitted him.

Thaksin, who attended the closed-door reading of the verdict at the court, was seen leaving without speaking to the waiting media.

Thaksin's lawyer, Winyat Chartmontri, stated that an appeal would depend on whether the case met the legal criteria. He viewed the court's reasoning for the acquittal as comprehensive, leaving the decision over any further litigation to the prosecution.

According to the Court's ruling document, the Court viewed that although the prosecution's witness testified that the video clip did belong to the defendant, and although the full version of the clip was unavailable, the defendant admitted that the person and voice in the clip were his.

Therefore, the Court accepted that it was indeed a genuine interview, not an edited clip.

However, upon examining the statements in the clip, the court found that the language used did not contain words or royal terminology that would clearly indicate a direct reference to the King.

Instead, the pronoun "he" was used, along with references to the Privy Council, the military, the "Palace Circle," and "people in the palace."

The Court further noted that the prosecution's expert linguistic witness was the only one of his kind, while another witness, who was politically biased as a former participant in anti-Thaksin protests, had to be treated with caution.

Therefore, it could not be concluded that an ordinary, reasonable person would interpret the statements as the witnesses had.

As for the police witnesses, they unanimously admitted that the clip could not be confirmed as the original and the source of the clip's online distribution could not be traced.

Meanwhile, in reviewing the Facebook and YouTube pages that had circulated the clip, the court found that listeners who had heard it from the beginning understood it as Thaksin criticizing the coup and military takeover, with references to Suthep Thaugsuban, the military, and the Privy Council.

They did not interpret it as a reference to the King.

Moreover since the prosecution's evidence was insufficient to meet the burden of proof, the court ruled that the defendant was not guilty of defaming, insulting, or threatening the King.

Regarding the charge of conspiring to threaten the King, the prosecution presented no evidence at all. As for the charge of importing computer data affecting national security, this too was dismissed, as there was no evidence confirming that the statements in question referred to the King.

The lawyer said that, after hearing the verdict, Thaksin smiled and expressed his delight, saying he could return to work for the country.

The acquittal marks a significant victory for Thaksin, who returned to Thailand in 2023 after more than 15 years abroad in self-imposed exile.

The Pheu Thai Party, led by his daughter Paetongtarn, currently leads the governing coalition, but with Paetongtarn currently suspended as prime minister, facing a separate trial over the contents of a phone call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

Thaksin is, however, widely believed to be behind key decisions of the administration and the party.

Thailand Tightens Mobile Banking to Curb Scams. The Bank of Thailand has announced strict new mobile banking transfer limits to combat rising financial fraud, capping daily transfers at 50,000 baht for children under 15 and seniors over 65 opening new accounts. Daranee Saeju, the assistant governor for payment systems policy, stated the measure aims to protect vulnerable customers by introducing a customer profiling system that sets transfer limits based on risk. ASEAN NOW

File photo for reference only

 

The Bank of Thailand has announced strict new mobile banking transfer limits to combat rising financial fraud, capping daily transfers at 50,000 baht for children under 15 and seniors over 65 opening new accounts.

 

Daranee Saeju, the assistant governor for payment systems policy, stated the measure aims to protect vulnerable customers by introducing a customer profiling system that sets transfer limits based on risk.

 

Users are divided into three groups: suspected fraudsters, general users, and vulnerable customers, with limits categorised into three tiers: under 50,000 baht, under 200,000 baht, and above 200,000 baht.

 

The new policy is already in effect for new mobile banking applicants. Existing users will need to comply by year-end, though banks will individually determine risk classifications.

 

Customers with positive financial histories remain unaffected, and those needing higher limits can request upgrades. Special precautions will still apply to those considered vulnerable to fraud due to their increased susceptibility, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Currently, Thailand has about 12 million mobile banking users. Existing controls limit mobile banking transfers to 50,000 baht per transaction, with facial recognition, and 200,000 baht per day.

 

However, financial fraud is a serious concern, with June alone documenting 24,500 scam cases linked to money transfers, resulting in losses totalling 2.8 billion baht. On average, each fraudulent case resulted in 114,000 baht lost, with the largest single scam taking 4.9 million baht.

 

Regionally, 22% of fraud cases involve transactions exceeding 50,000 baht sent to mule accounts, yet they account for a staggering 76% of the overall losses.

 

Alarmingly, it takes scammers only three minutes to drain half the stolen funds, whereas victims generally take between 19 and 25 hours to report the crime. In the first half of the year, 78,468 scam cases involved children, while those over 65 were victims in 416,453 cases.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-20

Strong Baht and Safety Fears Weigh on Thai Tourism. Thailand's tourism sector is grappling with challenges as the Thai baht strengthens, making visits pricier against global currencies. Visitor numbers are dwindling, and recent safety concerns add to the apprehension. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed foreign tourism earnings of around 938 billion baht from January to August 10, missing the annual target of 1.77 trillion baht. ASEAN NOW

File photo courtesy of iStock for reference only

 

Thailand's tourism sector is grappling with challenges as the Thai baht strengthens, making visits pricier against global currencies. Visitor numbers are dwindling, and recent safety concerns add to the apprehension.

 

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed foreign tourism earnings of around 938 billion baht from January to August 10, missing the annual target of 1.77 trillion baht. Foreign arrivals have decreased by over 6% compared to last year, totalling 20 million visitors so far.

 

The baht's appreciation of 5-6% against the US dollar this year is impacting short-haul markets, particularly in China. Many Chinese tourists are choosing to visit Japan because of the favourable exchange rate with the yen. Chinese arrivals in Thailand have dropped by almost one-third this year.

 

Long-haul arrivals increased, but visitors may opt for other destinations if they perceive Thailand as offering poor value. The global economic climate is prompting tourists to look to places where their currency goes further or to stay home, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Security remains a pressing issue. After incidents such as a Bangkok shooting spree and attacks on Malaysian tourists, the government faces criticism for its inertia in boosting tourist confidence.

 

Hoteliers in Pattaya are now increasingly dependent on local tourists and holidays to enhance their business. Holiday weekends like Mother's Day push occupancy rates up to 80-90%, but weekdays see drops to 30-40%.

 

Despite a recent 5% increase in tourists resulting from school breaks in China, the future for the tourism industry appears uncertain without government action to boost confidence. The co-payment subsidy scheme for domestic travel had some success, but budget delays have left smaller hoteliers struggling.

 

Efforts to move the subsidy scheme to the Pao Tang app were hindered by government decisions, highlighting ongoing frustrations within the industry. Restoring the allure of cost-efficient and safe travel in Thailand remains an ongoing challenge.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-14



Bangkok Post - Bank of Thailand cuts interest rate to 1.50%. The Bank of Thailand has reduced its key interest rate by a quarter percentage point, its fourth cut in 10 months, as it looks to support a sluggish economy grappling with negative inflation and the impact of US tariffs.

Bank of Thailand cuts interest rate to 1.50%

The Bank of Thailand has reduced its key interest rate by a quarter percentage point, its fourth cut in 10 months, as it looks to support a sluggish economy grappling with negative inflation and the impact of US tariffs.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted unanimously on Wednesday to reduce the one-day repurchase rate to 1.50%, the lowest in more than two years, in the final policy meeting led by outgoing governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput.

The committee had held the key rate at its June meeting following back-to-back cuts in February and April. It had also cut rates in October last year.

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Nineteen of 26 economists surveyed by Reuters predicted the policy rate would be 1.25% by the end of 2025, one forecast 1.00% and seven said it would stay at 1.50%.

Headline inflation has been in negative territory since April and has consistently undershot the central bank's 1-3% target range throughout this year. The committee also acknowledged that more signs of weakness in the economy are emerging.

"The Thai economy in 2025 and 2026 is projected to expand close to the previous assessment. Nevertheless, US trade policies will exacerbate structural problems and weaken competitiveness," the MPC said in a statement. "Additionally, certain sectors of the economy have become more vulnerable, particularly SMEs." 

The MPC in June forecast economic growth of 2.3% for the year, but said on Wednesday that the economy is expected to slow down in the second half of the year due to US trade policies, both directly and indirectly, and a decline in short-haul tourist arrivals as a result of intensified regional competition.

"These developments will affect income for SMEs, employees and self-employed workers. Private consumption is expected to be subdued due to weakening consumer confidence and income trajectory."

It also noted that credit growth remains negative due to increased credit risks, particularly in small businesses and low-income households, alongside heightened debt repayments and reduced credit demand by large businesses amid heightened economic uncertainty.

The next MPC meeting will take place on Oct 8, a week after new governor Vitai Ratanakorn takes office, succeeding Mr Sethaput who has reached retirement age.



Thai Real Estate on the Brink of Collapse Amid Unprecedented Crisis. This downturn is being fuelled by a potent mix of sluggish purchasing power, a massive housing oversupply, and structural issues that are proving to be more challenging than the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Nation

Thai Real Estate on the Brink of Collapse Amid Unprecedented Crisis

Bangkok Post - Phuket pressed to tackle issues vexing tourists. Phuket must tackle the persistent cannabis odour, lax rental motorcycle regulations and tourist safety concerns that are deterring visitors, local leaders have warned.

Phuket pressed to tackle issues vexing tourists

Tourists relax at Bangtao Beach in Cherngtalay subdistrict, Phuket, in April. Molpasorn Shoowong 

Phuket must tackle the persistent cannabis odour, lax rental motorcycle regulations and tourist safety concerns that are deterring visitors, local leaders have warned.

Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation president Rawat Areerob shared these concerns with the province's governor Sophon Suwannarat during a meeting on Friday.

Mr Rawat said local tour operators raised three main issues about tourism in Phuket during a recent Thai tourism promotion roadshow in Australia: cannabis odour, inappropriate motorcycle rentals and the lack of direct flights between Australia and Phuket.

The smell of cannabis is pervasive in Phuket, and the Ministry of Public Health has not come up with a clear plan to address the issue, he said.

As for motorcycle rental, he said foreign visitors rent motorcycles without knowing how to ride safely, treating Phuket's roads as a trail ground.

He added Australian tourists strongly prefer direct flights to Phuket.

Mr Rawat also expressed concern over Phuket's image in China.

He urged the media to differentiate between criminal elements such as "call centre" scams and legitimate Chinese tourists.

"If we lump all Chinese visitors into the 'grey' category, they will simply choose to visit Singapore or Japan instead," he warned.

Mr Sophon said the Ministry of Public Health is considering reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic for medical use only.

Phuket has over 1,640 cannabis shops, but without zoning laws or enforcement authority, only public consumption can be penalised under cleanliness regulations.





Why cultural clashes between bar girls and tourists often lead to violence in Pattaya. This troubling trend came into sharp focus again on the morning of August 6, when a 66-year-old British tourist suffered a broken arm during a violent confrontation at a beer bar in Soi 11, off Second Road.- Pattaya Mail

Why cultural clashes between bar girls and tourists often lead to violence in Pattaya

Pattaya MailAugust 8, 2025

After a Pattaya bar brawl leaves a British tourist with a broken arm, he reacts angrily at the scene before being taken to hospital, while hostess Ms. Sureerat recalls declining his drink offer and being shocked by his violent response.

PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya's dynamic nightlife and bustling bar scene attract tourists from across the globe. But beneath the neon lights and clinking glasses, cultural misunderstandings can simmer into something far less festive. In many cases, what begins as a seemingly harmless encounter—like a kind gesture or playful flirtation—can spiral into drunken disputes, verbal abuse, or even physical violence.

This troubling trend came into sharp focus again on the morning of August 6, when a 66-year-old British tourist suffered a broken arm during a violent confrontation at a beer bar in Soi 11, off Second Road. As reported earlier by Pattaya Mail, the intoxicated man allegedly offered to buy a drink for a bar hostess—common practice in Pattaya's nightlife scene. However, when she politely declined, saying she was busy with other customers, the situation escalated into violence.

Offended by the rejection, the man reportedly began shouting at the woman before punching her in the face. Shocked patrons intervened to stop the assault, pulling the man away. In the scuffle, he fell and fractured his right arm. Despite his injury, he remained combative—flipping off rescuers with a middle finger as they treated him.

The hostess, identified as Ms. Sureerat, told police she had simply refused the drink because she was busy with other tables. The man's aggressive response shocked even seasoned bar staff who are accustomed to handling inebriated patrons.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage that captured the incident clearly. They have promised a full and fair investigation.

When misunderstanding becomes mayhem

Incidents like this are not isolated. Pattaya has seen multiple barroom altercations involving foreign tourists who, unfamiliar with Thai social norms or behavior expectations, misread a situation or feel slighted in public spaces where cultural nuances matter.

What may seem like a harmless joke, a pushy flirtation, or a raised voice in some countries can be deeply offensive—or legally problematic—here. Add alcohol to the mix, and misunderstandings can become combustible.

In many Thai bars, women working as hostesses rely on commissions from drinks bought by customers. However, they are not obligated to accept every offer, and declining a drink is not a personal insult. Foreigners who perceive rejection as disrespect may react inappropriately, especially when intoxicated.

Alcohol, Ego, and Escalation

Police officials and bar owners point to three major ingredients in these incidents: alcohol, cultural miscommunication, and wounded ego.

"A lot of these fights could be avoided if people just took a breath and didn't take everything so personally," said one Pattaya bar manager, speaking on condition of anonymity. "It's not always about you. These women are doing a job."

Violence in bars doesn't only affect the individuals involved—it tarnishes Pattaya's image as a tourist destination and places pressure on local emergency services and police, who must respond to these frequent disturbances.

Law enforcement in Pattaya has ramped up the use of CCTV footage to investigate such cases thoroughly, ensuring fairness for all parties. In this case, police confirmed the foreign man remained at the scene and cooperated during the initial inquiry. Authorities are continuing to gather statements and evidence.

While police do what they can to maintain order, officials stress the importance of self-control and mutual respect. Tourists are urged to remember that not everything in Pattaya operates like it does back home—and that misunderstandings should never become violent.

Earlier Report: https://www.pattayamail.com/news/kind-drink-offer-turns-violent-british-man-breaks-arm-after-hitting-bar-hostess-in-pattaya-512980

Thailand Faces Severe Labour Shortage as an Estimated 400,000 Cambodian Workers Flee Due To Border Tensions - The Pattaya News

Thailand Faces Severe Labour Shortage as an Estimated 400,000 Cambodian Workers Flee Due To Border Tensions

Adam JuddMonday, 4 August 2025, 23:19

BANGKOK, August 4th, 2025 — Thailand is grappling with an imminent labour crisis as a mass exodus of Cambodian migrant workers, driven by escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, threatens to disrupt key industries, a leading economist warned today.

Anusorn Tamajai, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Director of the Digital Economy, Investment and International Trade Research Centre (DEIIT) at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, explained the massive economic impact of the ongoing conflict. Cambodian migrant workers, who form a critical part of Thailand's workforce, are leaving in droves, creating challenges for sectors such as agriculture, construction, food processing, and services.

Official figures indicate that approximately 500,000 Cambodian workers are legally employed in Thailand, but when undocumented workers are included, the total is estimated to be between 1 million and 1.2 million. These workers are vital to Thai businesses and contribute substantially to Cambodia's economy, remitting an estimated 40 billion to 65 billion baht annually—equivalent to over 6.5% of Cambodia's GDP.

The crisis intensified in late July 2025, when border tensions triggered a rapid repatriation of workers. Over a five-day period, around 400,000 Cambodian workers returned to their home country, with 150,000 departing on the first day alone. The mass exit was fueled by widespread rumours of insecurity in Thailand, amplifying fears among the migrant community.

Anusorn urged Thai authorities to address these rumours decisively and promote positive relations between Thai communities and Cambodian workers to stem the outflow. "The departure of this workforce could severely disrupt production and operations across multiple industries," he cautioned, calling for swift action to restore confidence and stabilize the labour market.

Om det var någon som trodde att det här är över så glöm det…

Gripen Fighter Jet Deal Still Alive, Says Thai Air Force The Thai Air Force has firmly refuted allegations that Sweden has halted the sale of Saab JAS 39 Gripen jets. This follows reports claiming the suspension was linked to their usage against Cambodian forces at the border.ASEAN NOW

ASEAN Foreign Ministers Back Peaceful Resolution to Thai-Cambodian Tensions, Support Ceasefire Monitoring - Thai Enquirer Current Affairs

ASEAN Foreign Ministers Back Peaceful Resolution to Thai-Cambodian Tensions, Support Ceasefire Monitoring

Erich ParpartAugust 1, 2025

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ASEAN foreign ministers issued a joint statement following a special meeting in Putrajaya, Malaysia, chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in his capacity as ASEAN Chair. The meeting focused on the ongoing situation between Cambodia and Thailand.

The ministers welcomed the outcome of the meeting and commended Malaysia's role in facilitating bilateral dialogue that led to a ceasefire agreement. They also acknowledged the United States for co-organizing the meeting and China for its active participation in supporting a peaceful resolution.

ASEAN urged both countries to resolve the issue amicably and in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. The bloc emphasized the importance of good faith in implementing the ceasefire and called for adherence to ASEAN principles of unity and good neighbourliness.

ASEAN also supported Malaysia's proposal to coordinate a neutral observer team of ASEAN member states to impartially monitor and verify compliance with the ceasefire.

Thailand has successfully negotiated a reciprocal tariff agreement with the United States, resulting in a substantial reduction in import duties on Thai goods from 36% to 19%, Government Spokesman Jirayu Huangsap announced on Friday (August 1). The Nation

The new rate, effective from August 1, 2025, positions Thailand competitively alongside key regional economies such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Japan, which already enjoy similar tariff levels.

"This breakthrough deal reflects a major success for Team Thailand in securing a win-win outcome that safeguards our export base and supports long-term economic stability," Jirayu said. "It also highlights Thailand's capability to assert itself in global trade amid shifting international trade policies."

The tariff reduction was confirmed by US President Donald Trump, who announced the final list of countries subject to the new reciprocal tariff structure under the so-called "Annex I" group. Thailand's new rate of 19% marks a significant improvement from the previously announced 36%.

Other ASEAN countries also saw revised rates under the same framework:

Brunei: 25%

Cambodia: 19%

Indonesia: 19%

Laos: 40%

Malaysia: 19%

Myanmar: 40%

Philippines: 19%

Vietnam: 20%

The agreement is seen as a strategic victory for Thailand, preserving its export competitiveness in the US market while avoiding the harshest tariff penalties imposed on some of its neighbours.



Thailand's Future at Risk: Education and Job Woes Loom. Thailand's development faces a critical test, as a recent report highlights alarming issues in education, health, and job readiness. ASEAN NOW

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand's development faces a critical test, as a recent report highlights alarming issues in education, health, and job readiness. The Human Capital Development in Thailand report, jointly released by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), UNICEF, and the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), signals that the nation's long-term economic prospects may be jeopardised without urgent intervention.

 

Despite widespread access to basic services, the report reveals that many Thai children lack essential skills, health, and support. Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative for Thailand, emphasised the significance of investing in youth, stating, "Thailand stands at a pivotal moment. This ambition must be matched by investment in people, especially children and youth."

 

One of the critical health issues noted is malnutrition, with problems such as stunting, wasting, and obesity affecting young children. Shockingly, only 75% of children aged two to nearly five years are developmentally on track, with disadvantaged families at a higher risk.

 

Education is another worrying area. While a majority of children complete compulsory schooling, only 42% of Grade 2 students meet the expected literacy and numeracy standards. The 2022 PISA results further highlight poor performance in maths, science, and reading, particularly in rural regions and among non-native Thai speakers.

 

The educational disparities extend into adulthood. Only 59% of Thais aged 25–34 have completed upper-secondary education, with young men, individuals with disabilities, and low-income youth being most prone to dropping out. Alarmingly, less than 3% of working adults receive further training, and just 39% find employment after completing courses.

 

Additionally, The Nation reports a concerning trend: 12.5% of young individuals aged 15–24 are not engaged in education, employment, or training, a situation most prevalent among the low-income and marginalised.

 

NESDC Secretary General Danucha Pichayanan commented on the workforce challenges, stating, "There are serious mismatches between education and job market needs. Investment in human capital isn't just smart—it's essential."

 

The report advocates for comprehensive reforms, including increased education funding, inclusive social protection, and aligning school curricula with job market demands. It also calls for greater investment in mental health and learner well-being.

 

Kim echoed the urgency for decisive measures, stating, "The evidence is clear, and the solutions are within reach. What Thailand needs now is bold, inclusive policy action."

 

As these findings underscore the urgency of the situation, Thailand's government and society face a crucial opportunity to reshape the future by prioritising human capital development. Addressing these challenges is not just vital for the nation's economic ambition but for building a robust, inclusive society.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-31