Economy and industry

With large-scale industries reluctant to invest in the border special economic zones (SEZs), Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak has assigned government agencies to come up with more measures and incentives to draw investment from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Keep reading ...

Thailand has asked the Lao government to suspend the test run of the Xayaburi dam, in order to curb the worsening drought that has hit provinces along the Mekong River.The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) yesterday revealed that it submitted an official letter ...

The number of human trafficking victims rescued in Thailand is set to hit a record high this year, according to government data, with demand for cheap labour in neighbouring Malaysia causing a jump in the illegal trade.Thai police have rescued 974 trafficking victims – mostly ...

Specialists from 17 fields attended a meeting Thursday to look at the best ways to revise the draft on the national science, research and innovation plan.The meeting was held at the Century Park Hotel by the Office of the Science, Research, Innovation Promotion Board, which ...

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is calling for the Labour Ministry to waive the 5% contribution from insured workers to the Social Security Fund (SSF) for 6-12 months instead of increasing the daily minimum wage to 400 baht as promised during the election campaign.Keep ...

The Energy Ministry will work towards being more transparent and improving its reputation after politicians jockeyed for control in recent weeks, says newly installed Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong.“This ministry is perceived as having value for politicians, who can benefit from controlling energy policies,” Mr Sontirat ...

The Prayut Chan-o-cha government, which was officially sworn in this week, will have to weigh carefully the demand by labour leaders for the daily minimum wage to be raised to 400 baht.The 400-baht hike was one of the poll campaign promises made by the Palang ...

The new tourism and sports minister plans to promote medical marijuana tourism and legalise ride-hailing and accommodation-sharing apps and websites to attract foreign visitors.Speaking on his first day in office, Pipat Ratchakitprakan, a key Bhumjaithai Party leader, said he wants to include marijuana in medical ...

The minimum wage will rise gradually, with increases awarded in those industries able to absorb them, Labour Minister MR Chatumongol Sonaku said on Wednesday.MR Chatumongol said he would give emphasis on development of labour skills in the workforce. He had set a target of a ...

The Libra project has shaken the global financial scene since Facebook, with a group of founding members, announced the proposed cryptocurrency last month. The plan to launch a new currency next year is ambitious and controversial, as Libra is scrutinized by central banks around the ...