The Next Move

Thailand is aiming to conclude its free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union by the end of this year. But can it keep to that timeline while negotiating some of the agreement's most challenging chapters?

Thailand’s concert industry is growing rapidly, but so are complaints about ticket scalpers, scams, and organized groups buying up tickets before genuine fans have a chance.

The government has been given the green light to continue driving the economy and accelerating the energy transition after the Constitutional Court upheld the 400 billion baht loan decree.

Thailand is being urged to diversify its crude oil imports, with more than 50% currently sourced from the Middle East. Should Thailand import oil from non-Western partners?

Dr. Areeporn Asawinpongphan of the Thailand Development Research Institute warns that Thailand should not be overly optimistic about the peace deal between the U.S. and Iran, as any renewed conflict could pose risks to the Thai economy.

Professor Pavida Pananond of Thammasat Business School urges Thailand to move up the value chain and strengthen its position in high-value supply chains, as U.S. Section 301 tariffs are set to impact soon.

Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, Aleksey Chekunkov, said that investment volumes rise, while western countries impose sanctions.

Dr. Nguyen Hong Hai, Assistant Professor of Politics and International Relations at VinUniversity, highlights Vietnam’s bamboo diplomacy and its proactive approach under the leadership of President To Lam.

Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, operating AirAsia, urged the government to delay raising the airport fee to 1,120 baht, saying the policy could disrupt growth in Thailand’s tourism sector.

ASEAN has been criticised as a paralysed body, as the multilateral organisation faces internal issues that hinder policies aimed at addressing external challenges.

Thailand is aiming to complete the 1-trillion-baht land bridge project by 2030. To clear concerns and criticism, the government will present a feasibility study within 90 days.

With a 30% increase of durian supply, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun joined live stream shows to promote durian with 100 baht per fruit. But this cheap price has caused criticism.

Thailand’s public debt is set to approach 70% of GDP by 2027, with plans to borrow another 500 billion baht to drive the economy.