BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has provided updates on major national policies and developments in its weekly program “Voices from Thai Kuh Fah.” Hosted by Government Spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap, the broadcast covered topics ranging from economic policies and international cooperation to security operations and crime suppression.
A major focus was on the Grand Songkran Festival 2025, with the Cabinet approving 153 million baht to organize a large-scale celebration at Sanam Luang, Bangkok. The event, part of Thailand’s cultural promotion strategy, is expected to attract international tourists. Songkran festivities will also take place across various provinces. The administration also highlighted growing economic ties with China, as a Thai delegation is set to visit Xinjiang on March 18 to assess the welfare of Uyghur detainees repatriated from Thailand. The visit aims to ensure compliance with human rights commitments and explore possible third-country resettlement options.
Economic progress was another key topic. Thailand’s border trade with neighboring countries reached 145 billion baht in January 2025, a 2.7% increase from the previous year. The China-Laos railway link has improved trade connectivity, benefiting key export sectors such as refined oil, agriculture, and industrial supplies. The Thai mango export market has also expanded significantly, with shipments to South Korea growing by 45.68% due to the rising popularity of mango sticky rice in international markets. Meanwhile, four state banks—Government Savings Bank (GSB), Government Housing Bank (GH Bank), Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), and the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Bank)—have reduced lending rates by 0.25% to support economic growth.
Efforts to combat cybercrime and fraud remain a priority. Following a major crackdown in Poipet, Cambodia, call center scams in Thailand have declined by over 80%. However, new schemes continue to emerge, including “Seductive Call Scams,” in which fraudsters impersonate attractive individuals on social media to lure victims into explicit video calls for extortion. Thai cyber police are actively investigating these scams, with suspects facing charges under extortion, coercion, and cybercrime laws. Separately, the government has warned the public about “Ghost Lottery Tickets,” fraudulent online lottery sales that trick buyers into purchasing non-existent tickets. Violators will face prosecution under Thailand’s Gambling Act and Computer Crimes Act.
The Thai Cabinet has also approved a 3.65 billion baht relief fund to support flood victims, with affected households set to receive 9,000 baht each via direct deposit through Government Savings Bank (GSB) starting March 12. Additionally, border security measures are being strengthened, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra ordering feasibility studies on constructing a border wall along the Cambodia border in Surin, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces. New security measures include AI-based CCTV surveillance, X-ray vehicle screening, and stricter customs inspections. The government has also intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking, with the “Seal Stop Safe” operation leading to major seizures, including 3.5 million methamphetamine pills in Lopburi and Lampang and 3.2 million pills in Chiang Mai.
The Ministry of Industry has been taking action against illegal industrial operations. Under Minister Ekanat Promphan, the “Extreme Task Force” has raided 24 factories, shutting down nine facilities involved in toxic waste disposal and substandard steel production. In Rayong, authorities cleared 7,000 metric tonnes of hazardous aluminum dross waste within 46 days. Legal proceedings are underway against factory owners violating industrial and environmental laws.
In international relations, Prime Minister Paetongtarn recently attended ITB Berlin 2025, the world’s largest travel trade fair, to promote Thailand as a key tourism destination. Discussions focused on tourist visa processing, airport infrastructure expansion, cultural tourism, and positioning Thailand as a global medical tourism hub. Thailand was also ranked 5th globally as a preferred destination for solo travelers. Paetongtarn is scheduled to chair a March 10 meeting on the 10,000 baht Digital Wallet Program, with Phase 3 implementation details under review. (NNT)
