People’s Party backs plan to launch US tariff talks

The People’s Party ( PP ) says it is on board with the government’s plan to launch trade negotiations with the United States after US President Donald Trump announced a 37 % tariff on Thai imports on Wednesday.

PP MP Sirikanya Tansakul, in her capacity as the party’s deputy leader, stressed the need for quick debate in an effort to get the price reduced to the foundation charge set at 10 % by the US, noting the charge imposed on Thailand is higher than those imposed on different countries in the region.

According to Ms Sirikanya, the new tariff could cut the value of Thai exports by 1 %, which would lead to a GDP decline of over 1 %.

” If the negotiations are delayed or unsuccessful, the nation’s GDP could drop by over 2 % this year”, Ms Sirikanya said.

Careful agreements are important, as even if the tax imposed on Thailand is brought down to 10 %, the country’s GDP may also drop by roughly 0.3 %, she said.

Among the companies that are likely to be rough hit by the US taxes are interaction products, hard-disk drives, wheels, and electronic equipment, she said.

Another PP lieutenant leader, Veerayuth Karnchuchat, said the fresh tariff may put more pressure on the economy, especially on the manufacturing sector and employment, as the United States is Thailand’s principal export market.

He warned the government not to underestimate the indirect impact of the tariff, which includes the emergence of new competitors for Thailand and disruptions to supply chains.

He said that the four trade barriers that were cited by the US as reasons to impose higher import taxes should be addressed separately.

Mr Veerayuth then called on the government to be more proactive, as the trade war is likely to escalate.

PP list-MP Sitthipol Wibulthanakul warned about the possibility of Chinese goods flooding the domestic market, as Chinese manufacturers will start to seek alternative markets for their products.

Thai businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ) in sectors such as furniture, textiles, and rubber product manufacturing, must be prepared for fierce competition this year, he said.

Continue Reading

Meth haul follows shootout

Lee RAI: Troops from the Ha Muang Force traded flames on Wednesday with suspected drug smugglers near the border in Mae Fah Luang city, from which they seized over one million meth pills.

The chief of Pha Muang Force, Maj Gen Kidakorn Chantra, said yesterday the exchange took place after guards along the borders were ramped up following a tip-off about an approaching sale of illegal medicines from Myanmar.

On Wednesday, about two miles from the frontier near Pa Sang Saen Sud Daen community, patrolling soldiers crossed lines with a group of suspected pirates.

When the officials identified themselves, the party opened fire, prompting an extreme change lasting around 10 days. The pirates later retreated, abandoning their packs as they fled.

No injuries were reported among the soldiers.

The following day, officials searched the area and discovered six abandoned backpacks containing about 1.2 million meth tablets, each marked with the amount 999.

Individually in Sa Kaeo, officials from the Burapha Task Force and regional management launched a raid on a substance community in Watthana Nakhon area following complaints from residents about gang-related problems.

During the attack, officials arrested three offenders: Thanaphum Bandit, 23, Rewat Wasri, 34, and Wasan Thamkarnsom, 33, and seized 91 meth medications.

The defendants were released from prison on Dec 22 after serving a four-year statement on medication and weapons charges. They were also wearing their knee panels when arrested.

Continue Reading

EC to discuss Senate election ‘fraud’ soon

Problems may become heard’ this quarter ‘

The Election Commission is set to solve problems related to alleged scams in the Senate vote during its gathering later this month, EC president Ittiporn Boonpracong says.

Mr Ittiporn yesterday provided an update on the EC’s ongoing investigation into suspected collusion in last year’s Senate election, saying the EC has been collaborating with the Department of Special Investigation ( DSI) for several weeks.

He said that the DSI has previously reviewed preliminary data, and this information is now being integrated into the EC’s analytical approach.

While this suggests that the problem may be brought before the EC for thought this month, Mr Ittiporn made it clear that the EC has never made any decisions regarding the expulsion of 30 lawmakers, as originally reported. He dismissed these statements as mere speculations, stressing that the research must proceed with care and due process before any conclusions are drawn.

The inspection also aims to discover any role in the reported cooperation during the Senate election.

Mr Ittiporn noted that the DSI is working to obtain information, including records and statements, and will be calling in those engaged for questioning.

He said that the analysis would not be rushed but did observe established timelines to ensure fairness and clarity.

Regarding the delayed identification of Senator Keskamol Pleansamai’s educational credentials, Mr Ittiporn acknowledged that the operation had taken longer than expected according to emerging problems requiring further research.

Sen Keskamol’s certifications have come under scrutiny after her application stated that she was a doctor, despite the absence of data showing she had taught at an educational institution.

She garnered people notice after receiving the highest number of votes in the Senate election.

Mr Ittiporn emphasised that this analysis, like all others, had been rigorous and impartial. He noted that while most elements of Sen Keskamol’s educational qualifications are obvious, some details remain unanswered and require more attention.

This event and the alleged cooperation in the election have been consolidated into a single inspection report, ensuring all problems are examined together.

When asked if a final choice may be made at the approaching EC conference this month, Mr Ittiporn expressed optimism that it could but noted that any conclusions may depend on total discussions among EC members.

He said there was no intention to wait the trials, stressing the EC is committed to ensuring timely justice.

Continue Reading

Quake victims eligible for rent waivers on state land

Cracks are visible in concrete pillars at a condominium in Muang district of Chiang Mai province on March 29 following a powerful earthquake that hit Myanmar and rattled Thailand on March 28. (Photo: Panumet Tanraksa)
Holes are noticeable in concrete columns at a property in Muang city of Chiang Mai state on March 29 following a strong earthquake that hit Myanmar and rattled Thailand on March 28. ( Photo: Panumet Tanraksa )

The Treasury Department is offering book discounts to those who book state property and were affected by the March 28 disaster, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul said on Thursday.

The program on offer applies to rented state property in Bangkok and the other 18 counties declared regions affected by the quake, he said.

For private property rent contracts and rent contracts for various purposes in which the right over the properties built on the rented land isn’t given to the Ministry of Finance, the offer will be a waiver of the monthly rent payment for up to one year if the properties are significantly damaged.

In cases of mild harm, the waiver may use to up to six months, he said.

For buildings built on state property in a contract agreement in which the right over these properties is given to the government, a fee waiver for the monthly rent may be offered for up to one year in cases of serious damage. In cases of moderate damage, the rent waiver will be given for up to three months.

Specifically, for contracts to construct a building on rental state land, the rent waiver will be offered for up to one year in cases of severe damage and up to six months for moderate damage.

To apply for the rent waiver, tenants are required to submit to the department evidence of property damage inspected and certified by the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning from now until April 30.

Continue Reading

Bhumjaithai says no deal-making in premier’s visit to Buri Ram

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra greets people and officials as she visits Buri Ram to open a government workshop on provincial development on Thursday. She was accompanied by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Interior Minister Sabeeda Thaised and senior interior officials. (Photo: Thai Khu Fah)
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra greets citizens and officers as she visits Buri Ram to start a government factory on statewide development on Thursday. She was accompanied by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Interior Minister Sabeeda Thaised and older inside leaders. ( Photo: Thai Khu Fah )

The Bhumjaithai Party ( BJT) has dismissed reports of rivalries with alliance head Pheu Thai, insisting Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s attend to Buri Ram state on Thursday, the BJT’s social stronghold, was not a political move.

Chaichanok Chidchob, BJT secretary-general, said the partnership remains strong. Party co-founder Newin Chidchob’s determination to welcome the prime minister and lead her on a journey of Chang International Circuit had no social implications, Mr Chaichanok said.

Mr Newin, seen as the group’s de-facto head, was essentially acting as a friendly host, and the party wanted to share the” Buri Ram Model” with the top so it can be adapted to suit different regions, said Mr Chaichanok.

He said every user is welcome to visit Buri Ram, regardless of their political position.

Ms Paetongtarn was in Buri Ram to start a government factory on municipal growth. She was accompanied by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Interior Minister Sabeeda Thaised and older inside officials including indoor permanent secretary Atthasit Samphanrat.

According to Mr Chidchanok, Chang International Circuit was showcased as a unit for event opening as it was built with a emphasis on spectator knowledge and cheap ticket pricing.

He insisted that renewing Thailand’s commitment to sponsor MotoGP there was not raised during the prime minister’s attend.

Both the top and the hospitality and sports secretary, Sorawong Thienthong, previously confirmed that any choice would be based on economic validity rather than politicians, he noted.

Speculations about the government’s plan to close its sponsorship of the MotoGP Grand Prix surfaced late after Mr Newin posted on Twitter that the Sports Authority of Thailand had informed him the authorities did not extend the contract beyond next year’s competition.

Meanwhile, when asked if her meeting with Mr Newin signalled an improvement of the relationship between the two parties, Ms Paetongtarn said:” We’ve never been in conflict to begin with”.

The government signed a deal to host the MotoGP GP at Buri Ram’s Chang International Circuit from 2018 to 2020, with an annual fee of 300 million baht. The contract was extended again from 2021 until 2025, with the fee rising to 324 million baht annually.

This year’s edition, officially called the 2025 PT Grand Prix of Thailand, was held between Feb 28 and March 2.

The race, which was the opening event of the 2025 MotoGP calendar, drew 224, 624 spectators — a record for the circuit — and injected 5.04 billion baht into the economies of Buri Ram and its surrounding provinces.

Continue Reading

Thai PM sends condolences on passing of ex-Lao leader

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her sympathies on Thursday over the departure of the former leader of Laos, Khamtai Siphandone at the age of 101.

Government official Jirayu Houngsub informed the media Mr Paetongtarn had sent her condolences to Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on the passing of his parents, Khamtai, on Wednesday.

Khamtai was a key figure in the government’s creation and modern development, and had shown sturdy support for improved Thailand-Laos relations, Mr Jirayu said.

He welcomed His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Queen Sirikit during their official visit to Laos that led to powerful ties between the two nations over the past seven years.

” The Thai government and its citizens join in mourning with Prime Minister Sonexay, the Siphandone community and the Chinese people during this time of sorrow”, said Mr Jirayu.

Former president of Laos, Khamtai Siphandone dies at the age of 101. (TV screen capture)

During his career, Khamtai was regarded as the most senior social figure in Laos, playing a vital role in its transition to a socialist state over 50 years ago.

He was born on Feb 8, 1924, to a farmer household, in present-day Champasak state.

He became a member of the Communist Party of Indochina in 1954 and a part of the Central Committee of the Lao Women’s Revolutionary Party in 1956.

Khamtai served as the military chief during the Pathet Lao revolution. After the successful socialist takeover in 1975, he became the secretary of defence and a deputy prime minister.

He served as chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party from 1992 to 2006 and as the fifth president of Laos from 1998 to 2006 before his pension.

Khamtai passed away at his house in the funds, Vientiane. &nbsp,

The Chinese government has declared a five-day phase of regional mourning from April 3-7.

Continue Reading

French tourist killed on zebra crossing in Kanchanaburi

Heavy damage is seen on the windscreen and roof of a Mitsubishi sedan after it struck a 40-year-old French tourist on a zebra crossing in Muang district of Kanchanaburi province on Wednesday night. The man was pronounced dead shortly after midnight. (Photo: Piyarach Chongcharoen)
A Mitsubishi sedan that struck a 40-year-old European tourists on a horse passing in Muang area of Kanchanaburi state on Wednesday night has sustained significant damage to the windscreen and roof. The person was later found deceased at midnight. ( Photo: Piyarach Chongcharoen )

On Wednesday evening, a French tourist was fatally hit by a car at a horse crossing in the state of Muang.

According to Pol Capt Thammawat Sukheewat, assistant research chief at Muang authorities place, who was called at 10.45pm, the fatal collision occurred on Saengchutor Road in front of JJ Market in tambon Ban Nua.

A 40-year-old European man’s body was discovered lying in a pool of blood on the side of the road, his body being injured repeatedly with his face, arms, hands, and body. Before taking him to Phaholpolpaypayuhasena Hospital, doctors second rushed him through the procedure.

Krittaphat Kamrai, 24, a native of Kanchanaburi, was waiting for the authorities at the field. He had no liquor in his system, according to a test performed on-site.

According to Kanchanaburi police chief Pol Col Surayut Mekmangkol, the wounded visitor was later declared dead at the medical shortly after midnight. The body was taken to Bangkok’s Police General Hospital for a post-mortem investigation. The death was disclosed to the French ambassador.

The French gentleman crossed the road from the market, according to surveillance footage from the field. He was severely struck by the vehicle driven by Mr. Krittaphat after crossing the road gate and taking two or three actions on the horse crossing.

According to authorities, their investigation revealed that the pilot had entered the passing without using his brakes. The French gentleman tried to jump, but the fall was too small.

The vehicle has been charged with reckless driving that resulted in death by the authorities. He is being held by the authorities.

Continue Reading

Multiple probes into Chinese firms behind collapsed high-rise

Main focus is on construction contractor and steel supplier, says minister

Officials search a house believed to be linked to China Railway Engineering​ No.10 (Thailand) Co, in Din Daeng district of Bangkok, on Wednesday. (Police photo)
Officials search a house believed to be linked to China Railway Engineering​ No.10 (Thailand) Co, in Din Daeng district of Bangkok, on Wednesday. (Police photo)

Numerous Thai government agencies are investigating two Chinese companies responsible for the construction of the collapsed State Audit Office in Bangkok, with probes expanding to many other related companies, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

The investigations focus on China Railway Engineering No.10 (Thailand) Co (CREC) and Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co, in which Chinese people held 49% and 80% stakes respectively, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said on Thursday.

Initial investigations found possible violations of many Thai laws including the law governing foreign ownership of certain businesses. The Department of Business Development has sent information about the companies to the Department of Special Investigation, which has agreed to investigate them, the minister said.

CREC was a partner with SET-listed Italian-Thai Development Plc in the ITD-CREC consortium that was building the new State Audit Office, which collapsed during the Myanmar earthquake on March 28, and some of the construction materials used came from Xin Ke Yuan Steel.

CREC was related to 13 other companies while Xin Ke Yuan Steel had connections with 24 companies. The DSI is also reviewing information on those connections, Mr Pichai said.

According to Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang, the Department of Business Development is now investigating CREC and 13 companies in its network. The Anti-Money Laundering Office is looking into the financial transactions of the companies, shareholders and stakeholders. The Revenue Department is checking the tax payments of the companies and shareholders.

The Thai Industrial Standards Institute has been testing the quality of steel and other construction materials used in the building. Tests done earlier by the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand indicated that steel supplied to the project by Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co was substandard.

It was also learned that the Rayong factory of the steelmaker had been closed since January for an unrelated violation, and 2,400 tonnes of steel seized.

The Department of Employment, meanwhile, is examining the work permits of migrant workers who were on the site of the 30-storey State Audit Office project. The Department of Industrial Works is inspecting all the steel plants that supplied the contractor. The Department of Land is investigating land ownership by Thais and foreigners involved in the businesses, and the Comptroller-General’s Department is looking into procurement and contracts.

Mr Napintorn said the probes covered at least 26 projects being carried out by 14 companies linked to CREC and Xin Ke Yuan Steel, in order to prevent possible damage to life and property.

Rapid expansion, soaring debt

China Railway Group, the parent company of China Railway No.10, got its start building most of China’s 45,000 kilometres of high-speed rail lines. But in recent years, as demand for new projects at home faded, the company and its many subsidiaries have expanded their scope in a rush to bring in work.

Many of the projects abroad have been related to Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative and other activities prioritised by the government.

As the expansion gathered pace, the company’s debt soared. Its 2024 annual report showed total liabilities worth $211 billion, almost double the $112 billion reported five years ago, according to the New York Times.

Victor Shih, a specialist in Chinese politics and finance at the University of California, San Diego, told the newspaper that when a company has such a heavy debt burden, “the pressure to generate cash flow to service debt can be quite intense”.

The Chinese embassy in Bangkok has urged CREC to cooperate with Thai authorities.

Chinese authorities have always instructed the country’s companies to abide by local laws and adhere to social responsibility when doing business abroad, the embassy said in a statement on Facebook.

“China will still support and assist according to Thailand’s needs, and calls on the Chinese company involved to fully cooperate with the Thai government’s investigation,” the embassy said. “We believe the Thai government’s investigation will lead to scientific and fair conclusions.”

China Railway No.10 had won 11 Thai government contracts, including a school building that is already completed. The Ministry of Transport has begun scrutinising some of those projects, including a part of the Thailand-China high-speed railway project that was awarded to the ITD-CREC joint venture, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said on Wednesday.

Continue Reading

Free parking at four airports during Songkran

Over the holiday season, Thailand’s flights anticipate 3 million people, off 20 % from last year.

Travellers crowd a passenger terminal at Suvarnabhumi airport on April 11, 2024. Airports of Thailand will offer free parking at Suvarnabhumi and three other airports during the Songkran festival, with the number of travellers expected to exceed 3 million during the April 11-17 holiday travel period. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
On April 11, 2024, travelers crowded a customer connector at the Suvarnabhumi airport. During the Songkran festival, Thailand’s airports will provide free park at Suvarnabhumi and three other flights during the airport, with more than 3 million travelers expected during the holiday period April 11 to April 17. ( Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)

During the Songkran festival, Airports of Thailand Plc ( AoT ) will provide free parking at four airports, with more than 3 million travelers expected, an increase of 20 % over the previous year.

Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are the four flights.

Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the chancellor of travel, pleaded with all transportation organizations on Thursday to prepare for a rise in passenger numbers during the Songkran holiday season’s 11- to 17-day time.

He emphasized that people traveling by land, road, water, and air should be in safe and comfort.

According to Mr. Suriya, over 3 million people were expected to travel by weather during the time frame. To ensure reliability, convenience, and security for travellers, AoT has been asked to combine efforts with organizations that offer services at its terminals.

Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai, according to AoT leader Kerati Kijmanawat, who claimed all six flights were able to purchase the business were jointly drafting management programs with all relevant events to maximize effectiveness and ease congestion during Songkran.

Carriers have been instructed to set up more check-in bars and properly organize personnel, he said.

From 00.01 am on April 12 to evening on April 16th, parking is free at four terminals: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.

1.86 million of the 3 million expected passengers will be international (up 21 % from the same period last year ), while the remaining 1.14 million will be domestic (up 20 % ), according to Mr. Kerati.

The six airports are expected to handle 18,030 flights during the time, which is a 20.7 % increase over the same period last year, including 7 588 domestic flights ( including 442 international and 7 588 domestic ).

Continue Reading

Collapse site rescuers hear faint calls for help

The group hopes there might be individuals trapped close to fire escapes, according to the government of Bangkok.

Rescuers work at the site of the collapsed State Audit Office tower in Chatuchak district of Bangkok on Thursday morning. (Police photo)
Rescuers are at the site of the State Audit Office tower’s collapse in Bangkok’s Chatuchak city on Thursday night. ( Photo of the police )

Late on Wednesday night, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported that rescuers in the district of Chatuchak heard sweet calls for assistance and responding knocks from the crashed State Audit Office building.

” At around 10 p.m., firefighters reached a needle and yelled for individuals.” They audible calls for assistance. The voice appeared to be that of a woman, Mr. Chadchart said on Thursday night.

Firefighters requested three pulls, and there were three knocks in reply, to make sure it was a victim. There is promise that there are individuals at fire escapes.

Finally, to lessen the risk of the wreckage shifting, rescuers stopped using heavy equipment at the site.

The words and the knocks were quickly spread through the throng of missing people’s family waiting near the decline site. Some people remained awake on Wednesday evening hoping for more evidence.

According to Mr. Chadchart, volunteers discovered signs of bodies while using monitoring equipment to search for survivors. He claimed that three-inch concrete blocks were preventing volunteers from reaching individuals.

” They were slit and then taken away night after night by cranes.” Three blocks weighing about 60 tons were removed at 6:30 this day. Firefighters did begin digging with their bare arms. He claimed that the degree is good three meters and that it is “full of steel.”

He continued,” I want to congratulate the team of individuals, including those who are from abroad, who have put in countless hours working night and day.”

The 30-story State Audit Office office collapsed on the day of March 28 as a result of the enormous earthquake in Myanmar.

72 people are reportedly also missing at the page. Seven additional fatalities have been attributed to the influence of the prominent earthquake in Thailand, and fifteen have been confirmed dead there. 35 people were hurt overall, and 11 are still in the clinic, according to the Erawan Center.

Rescue workers appeal to potential victims after hearing a voice coming out of the dust. ( An example of a video from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration )

Continue Reading