{"posts":[{"id":22694,"title":"Comprehensive Strategy to Streamline Bureaucracy Amid Global Challenges","slug":"comprehensive-strategy-to-streamline-bureaucracy-amid-global-challenges","description":null,"action":"detail","value":"<p>Comprehensive Strategy to Streamline Bureaucracy Amid Global Challenges<\/p>\r\n<p>Thailand needs to urgently improve bureaucratic efficiency to cope with global challenges \u2013 such as global trade volatility, climate change, and an aging society. In the televised program \"Talk with the Anutin Cabinet\u201d on the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) on 5 September 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt outlined a comprehensive strategy to develop the public sector for greater efficiency.<\/p>\r\n<p>Another key factor is the national budget structure, where regular expenditures consume about 73 percent while capital investments account for only 20 percent. Streamlining public sector operations to reduce recurring costs could boost the investment share to 30 percent, freeing up crucial funds for national development and future challenges.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Deputy Prime Minister said, \"I am not saying we will reduce the number of government officials. This is about enhancing efficiency.\" He explained that technology should be applied to replace certain types of work rather than personnel\u2014such as using electronic document delivery instead of manual paperwork. Alongside forming mission-based task forces and tailoring staff management, upgrading public services will move toward an \"Open Government\" model with cross-agency database linking and \"One-Stop Services,\" while also exploring legal Fast Track channels and flexible laws to enhance convenience.<\/p>\r\n<p>Ultimately, the success of these reforms will be measured by tangible improvements experienced by citizens, particularly, a 20 to 30 percent reduction in service time, streamlined government transactions, increased transparency, and less paperwork, driven by system upgrades and facilitation laws.<\/p>\r\n<p>Through these efforts to improve the efficiency of the public sector, the country's competitiveness will be enhanced, ensuring that the public sector is well-prepared to tackle future global changes.<br><br><\/p>\r\n<p>Source: PR Thai Government&nbsp;<\/p><script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.flmngr.com\/widgets.js?apiKey=FLMNFLMN\" data-ts=\"1788593184343\"><\/script>","photo":"the_post_1788593187.webp","map":null,"location":null,"province":null,"contact_name":null,"contact_address":null,"contact_phone_number":null,"contact_email":null,"start_date":null,"end_date":null,"start_time":null,"end_time":null,"visitors":26,"admin_id":33,"author_id":null,"language_id":1,"master_id":22694,"type":"issue","is_comment":1,"pin_weight":0,"status":"Publish","created_at":"2026-09-05T07:26:27.763000Z","updated_at":"2026-09-05T07:26:27.763000Z"},{"id":22693,"title":"Thailand Strengthens Media Diplomacy Ahead of Asia-Pacific Media Forum 2026 in Shenzhen","slug":"thailand-strengthens-media-diplomacy-ahead-of-asia-pacific-media-forum-2026-in-shenzhen-","description":null,"action":"detail","value":"<p>Thailand Strengthens Media Diplomacy Ahead of Asia-Pacific Media Forum 2026 in Shenzhen&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Sudruetai Lertkasem, Director-General of Thailand's Government Public Relations Department, joined the Shenzhen Sub-Forum &nbsp;Shenzhen in China on 4 September 2026. The event was hosted by Xinhua News Agency and its media partners, a key warm-up event ahead of the much-anticipated Asia-Pacific Media Forum 2026 (APMF 2026).<\/p>\r\n<p>This gathering brought together leading media networks to explore the evolving role of journalism in the digital age and discuss ways to deepen media cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region.<\/p>\r\n<p>The main forum kicks off on 5 &nbsp;September under the theme: \"Building A Path to Shared Prosperity for the Asia-Pacific Community: Media Consensus and Action\"<\/p>\r\n<p>Around 200 delegates, including government officials, top media executives, international organizations, academics, and diplomats from across Asia-Pacific, will gather for high-level discussions on:&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>\u25cf Building trustworthy communication<br>\u25cf Navigating fast-changing media technology and landscapes<br>\u25cf Strengthening regional media networks<\/p>\r\n<p>This all takes place during APEC China Year 2026, setting the stage for Shenzhen to host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting this November, highlighting just how vital media collaboration is in fostering understanding and cooperation across the region.<\/p>\r\n<p>For Thailand, this is a valuable opportunity to expand international media partnerships, exchange ideas, and explore new avenues for content collaboration, all in support of a more connected and understanding Asia-Pacific community.&nbsp;<br><br><\/p>\r\n<p>Source: PR Thai Government&nbsp;<\/p>","photo":"the_post_1788590010.webp","map":null,"location":null,"province":null,"contact_name":null,"contact_address":null,"contact_phone_number":null,"contact_email":null,"start_date":null,"end_date":null,"start_time":null,"end_time":null,"visitors":38,"admin_id":33,"author_id":null,"language_id":1,"master_id":22693,"type":"issue","is_comment":1,"pin_weight":0,"status":"Publish","created_at":"2026-09-05T06:33:30.777000Z","updated_at":"2026-09-05T06:33:30.777000Z"},{"id":22689,"title":"Thai PM Sets Out Thailand's Direction to 76 Envoys\u2014 \"Open, Connected, Growing Together\"","slug":"thai-pm-sets-out-thailands-direction-to-76-envoys-open-connected-growing-together","description":null,"action":"detail","value":"<p>Thailand\u2019s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has welcomed 76 ambassadors, consuls, and heads of international organizations based in Thailand to Government House for a meeting on the government's vision and policy direction.<\/p>\r\n<p>Extending a special welcome to newly arrived ambassadors, the Prime Minister described the gathering as an opportunity to exchange views, build familiarity, and translate long-standing friendships into concrete cooperation.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u25cf Thailand at a turning point<\/p>\r\n<p>The Premier said Thailand is undergoing a significant period of transformation. The government is pursuing public sector reform alongside economic restructuring toward future industries, new technologies, and higher value-added activity, while preparing for accession to the OECD, which will elevate national standards, regulations, and institutions to international benchmarks and build long-term confidence in Thailand.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u25cf Diplomacy as a \"gateway to opportunity\"<\/p>\r\n<p>Foreign policy, he stressed, must open new doors for the country and its people. Thailand views its relationships not only in diplomatic terms but as gateways to investment, technology, knowledge, markets and human capital development.<\/p>\r\n<p>The aim is to move beyond buying and selling goods and services toward co-creating, co-investing and building new things together, particularly in the sectors shaping the future global economy:<\/p>\r\n<p>* Digital economy<\/p>\r\n<p>* Clean energy<\/p>\r\n<p>* Advanced manufacturing<\/p>\r\n<p>* Food<\/p>\r\n<p>* Health<\/p>\r\n<p>\u25cf Stable, open, and ready to work with all<\/p>\r\n<p>Amid global uncertainty, the Prime Minister affirmed that Thailand remains stable, open, and ready to work with every country, grounded in friendship, trust, and partnership. He encouraged the diplomatic corps to engage directly with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, cabinet members, and the Thai Trade Representative to explore concrete opportunities.<\/p>\r\n<p>In closing, the Prime Minister said Thailand values its relationships with all nations and stands ready to work with the international community to \"grow together,\u201d strengthening resilience, security and shared prosperity in a rapidly changing world.<\/p>\r\n<p>Source: PR Thai Government&nbsp;<\/p><script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.flmngr.com\/widgets.js?apiKey=FLMNFLMN\" data-ts=\"1788497981939\"><\/script>","photo":"the_post_1788497984.webp","map":null,"location":null,"province":null,"contact_name":null,"contact_address":null,"contact_phone_number":null,"contact_email":null,"start_date":null,"end_date":null,"start_time":null,"end_time":null,"visitors":146,"admin_id":33,"author_id":null,"language_id":1,"master_id":22689,"type":"issue","is_comment":1,"pin_weight":0,"status":"Publish","created_at":"2026-09-04T04:59:44.350000Z","updated_at":"2026-09-04T04:59:44.350000Z"},{"id":22688,"title":"Summary of the Weekly Press Briefing by the Director-General of the Department of Information and MFA Spokesperson on 3 September 2026","slug":"summary-of-the-weekly-press-briefing-by-the-director-general-of-the-department-of-information-and-mfa-spokesperson-on-3-september-2026","description":null,"action":"detail","value":"<p>Summary of the Weekly Press Briefing<br>by the Director-General of the Department of Information and MFA Spokesperson<br>on 3 September 2026 at 14:00 hrs.<br>MFA Press Conference Room<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><br>&nbsp;1. Outcomes of the official visit of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to Nigeria and Ethiopia<\/p>\r\n<p>On 25 - 28 August 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, paid an official visit to Nigeria and Ethiopia, marking his first-ever official visit to Africa since assuming office.<\/p>\r\n<p>The objectives of the visit were two-fold:<br>(1) to elevate Thailand\u2019s relations with Africa under the Thailand - Africa Initiative (TAI) across its 4 cooperation pillars - namely the political and economic cooperation pillars and in the areas of development and global strategic cooperation.<br>(2) to drive Economic Diplomacy, with the Deputy Prime Minister leading a delegation of the Thai private sector to explore economic opportunities and strengthen business networks in Nigeria and Ethiopia, both being key markets with high potential in Africa.<\/p>\r\n<p>During the visit to Nigeria in Abuja on 25 \u2013 26 August 2026, the Deputy Prime Minister paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria, met with H.E. Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, and with Mrs. Damtien Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, as well as exchanged views with academics from the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) on approaches to strengthening cooperation between Thailand and Africa.<\/p>\r\n<p>Thereafter, the Deputy Prime Minister paid a visit to Lagos on 27 August 2026, where he opened a Lunch Talk to advance development cooperation between Thailand and Nigeria and delivered opening remarks at the \u201cThailand - Nigeria Business Forum.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>During the visit to Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on 28 August 2026, the Deputy Prime Minister paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Taye Atske Selassie, President of Ethiopia, met with H.E. Mr. Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, as well as delivered a keynote address at a reception to relaunch the Thailand\u2013Africa Initiative (TAI) to members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the public, private and other sectors in Addis Ababa.<\/p>\r\n<p>Throughout the discussions across his visits to both countries, the Deputy Prime Minister advanced (1) cooperation under the 4 key pillars of the Thailand-Africa Initiative; (2) Economic diplomacy, particularly through expanding collaboration between the private sectors; and, (3) South-South Cooperation, given the significant potential and roles of Nigeria and Ethiopia in Africa. Thailand aims to strengthen these linkages and build partnerships to advance issues of shared interest in the context of the dynamic and evolving global landscape.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Deputy Prime Minister also announced plans to open a Thai Embassy in Addis Ababa, which is host to many international organizations, including the African Union (AU).<\/p>\r\n<p>Concrete outcomes of this official visit to Africa comprised 5 signed documents, including Memorandums of Understanding, which covered the promotion of technical cooperation with the Foreign Ministry of Nigeria, the promotion of development cooperation between educational institutions in Thailand and Nigeria, the establishment of a political consultation mechanism with Ethiopia, and the promotion of business cooperation between the Thai and Ethiopian Chambers of Commerce.<\/p>\r\n<p>In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister assigned H.E. Mr. Attayuth Srisamoot, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in his capacity as Special Envoy, to deliver opening remarks at the business forum \u201cThailand - Ethiopia: Building Business Bridges,\u201d aimed at promoting business networking in Ethiopia, as well as to present a contribution of 30,000 US Dollars from the Thai Government to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;2. Outcomes of the visit of the Prime Minister of Singapore to Thailand to attend the 5th Thailand - Singapore Leaders\u2019 Retreat<\/p>\r\n<p>On 2 September 2026, the Deputy Prime Minister participated in the 5th Thailand - Singapore Leaders\u2019 Retreat between H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister, and H.E. Mr. Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore. The meeting marked the first Leaders\u2019 Retreat in 11 years since 2015, and aimed to provide an opportunity for the two leaders to jointly set the direction of Thailand - Singapore cooperation in line with the rapidly changing global landscape.<\/p>\r\n<p>During the Retreat, both sides discussed the direction of a forward-looking strategic partnership in four areas, namely:<br>(1) strengthening a sustainable green partnership, particularly in promoting energy security, the ASEAN Power Grid, investment in low-carbon energy, green technology and finance, and cooperation on carbon credits;<br>(2) building a connected and resilient economy by promoting trade and investment in high-tech industries, developing Thailand\u2019s human resources to meet the needs of future industries, strengthening financial and capital market connectivity, enhancing cooperation on food security, and advancing the digital economy at both the bilateral and multilateral levels;<br>(3) enhancing defence and security cooperation, especially cybersecurity, combating online scam networks, strengthening joint military exercises, and cooperation in defence industries; and,<br>(4) closer coordination on regional strategic issues.<\/p>\r\n<p>Both sides also exchanged views on strengthening ASEAN during the consecutive ASEAN Chairships of Singapore and Thailand, with Singapore assuming the Chairship in 2027 and Thailand in 2028.<\/p>\r\n<p>Outcomes of the visit include:<br>(1) Issuance of a Joint Statement of the Thailand \u2013 Singapore \u201cForward-Looking Strategic Partnership\u201d; and,<br>(2) Exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Ministry of Social and Family Development of the Republic of Singapore.<\/p>\r\n<p>In addition, both sides announced their intention to conclude four additional cooperation documents covering (1) the digital economy, including artificial intelligence; (2) combating transnational crime and online scams; (3) food security; and, (4) supply chain resilience.<\/p>\r\n<p>On the same day, the Deputy Prime Minister hosted a working lunch in honor of H.E. Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, to discuss the future direction of Thailand - Singapore relations and cooperation within the ASEAN framework during the Chairships of Singapore and Thailand in 2027 and 2028, respectively, especially in the areas of digital economy, energy security and combatting online scams. They also exchanged views on key regional and global issues.<\/p>\r\n<p>Thailand will also host the Civil Service Exchange Programme (CSEP) and the Singapore \u2013 Thailand Enhanced Economic Relationship (STEER) Meeting to further follow up on the outcomes of this Retreat.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;3. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to pay a working visit to Malaysia<\/p>\r\n<p>The Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to pay a working visit to Malaysia on 6 \u2013 7 September 2026. The visit will follow up on and advance issues discussed by the leaders of the two countries during the Prime Minister\u2019s official visit to Malaysia on 9 \u2013 10 July 2026, particularly on border security and the joint development of border areas. He will be accompanied by Mr. Thanat Suwannanon, Director of the National Intelligence Agency and Chief of the Peace Dialogue in the southern border provinces, and will use this opportunity to introduce the Director to the Malaysian side for further cooperation.<\/p>\r\n<p>During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister will hold discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia on strengthening security along the border, while promoting economic development and connectivity, particularly through infrastructure development and enhanced road and rail connectivity, as well as the construction of additional sections of the border fence to prevent and combat illegal activity.<\/p>\r\n<p>These efforts will help strengthen security and connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia, and contribute to economic development at the border areas for the benefit of the people of both countries.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;4. Revision of Thailand\u2019s visa exemption and Visa on Arrival (VoA) schemes<\/p>\r\n<p>The related ministry has issued the necessary regulation as a result of the Cabinet\u2019s previous approval of the review of Thailand\u2019s visa measures, which has now been published in the Royal Gazette as of 31 August 2026. Once again, those measures include the following: (1) granting one visa exemption arrangement per country\/territory; (2) revoking the 60-day visa exemption scheme; (3) revising the 30-day visa exemption scheme for tourism purposes by expanding the number of eligible countries\/territories to 60; (4) introducing the new 15-day visa exemption scheme for tourism purposes for two countries\/territories; and, (5) revising the Visa on Arrival (VOA) scheme to reduce the number of eligible countries\/territories to three. These measures will therefore take effect from 15 September 2026<\/p>\r\n<p>These revisions were made based on the following criteria: (1) national security; (2) tourism and economic interests; (3) reciprocity; (4) the reduction of overlapping visa exemption privileges, which may otherwise create confusion for foreign visitors; and, (5) convenience currently being provided by the e-Visa system.<\/p>\r\n<p>As such, foreigners who are already in Thailand under the current visa exemption schemes or plan to travel to Thailand before 15 September 2026 may stay until the last date of their permitted period of stay, which is indicated on the immigration stamp on their passport. This review also covers only the 30-day and 15-day visa exemption and VoA schemes, which apply to travel for tourism purposes only, and does not affect other visa categories at this point. Foreigners who wish to enter Thailand with other purposes must refer to the relevant visa category and the applicable laws and regulations.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs<\/p><script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.flmngr.com\/widgets.js?apiKey=FLMNFLMN\" data-ts=\"1788494479289\"><\/script>","photo":"the_post_1788494482.webp","map":null,"location":null,"province":null,"contact_name":null,"contact_address":null,"contact_phone_number":null,"contact_email":null,"start_date":null,"end_date":null,"start_time":null,"end_time":null,"visitors":175,"admin_id":33,"author_id":null,"language_id":1,"master_id":22688,"type":"issue","is_comment":1,"pin_weight":0,"status":"Publish","created_at":"2026-09-04T04:01:22.687000Z","updated_at":"2026-09-04T04:01:22.687000Z"},{"id":22687,"title":"One Tuk-Tuk, Four Bangkok Landmarks \u2014 Say \"SaWaDiKa\" Like LISA","slug":"one-tuk-tuk-four-bangkok-landmarks--say-sawadika-like-lisa","description":null,"action":"detail","value":"<p>LISA's brand-new single SaWaDiKa\" just took Thailand's warmest greeting, and our most iconic ride, the tuk-tuk, to stages and screens around the world.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>\u25cf Watch the MV: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/FyS5dAywkEo\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/FyS5dAywkEo<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>So, we're inviting you to live it for real. Climb aboard a three-wheeler and roll through Bangkok from golden afternoon to neon night, four stops, four totally different moods.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u25cf The Grand Palace &amp; The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)<\/p>\r\n<p>Start your afternoon cruising through the old town of Phra Nakhon District. Glide past the palace walls and watch the golden spires and glittering chedis catch the sunlight. Pure Thai grandeur.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u25cf Giant Swing &amp; Wat Suthat<\/p>\r\n<p>Ride on with the breeze in your hair to Bangkok's most classic postcard view, the towering red Giant Swing framed by timeless Thai architecture. Come at golden hour, and every shot is a keeper.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u25cf Odeon Circle &amp; the Chalermphrakiat Gate<\/p>\r\n<p>Pause at the striking Chinese-style archway built to honor His Majesty's King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great\u2019s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary \u2014 the grand gateway to Chinatown.<\/p>\r\n<p>\u25cf Yaowarat Road (Chinatown)<\/p>\r\n<p>End your night in the Bangkok that never sleeps. Neon signs blazing overhead, street food stalls lining both sides, energy everywhere. This is the city at full volume.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Four stops. One tuk-tuk. Every side of Bangkok, regal, classic, and gloriously alive.<\/p>\r\n<p>Where would you say \"SaWaDiKa\" to Bangkok first?<\/p>\r\n<p>Source: PR Thai Government&nbsp;<\/p><script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.flmngr.com\/widgets.js?apiKey=FLMNFLMN\" data-ts=\"1788493958521\"><\/script>","photo":"the_post_1788493962.webp","map":null,"location":null,"province":null,"contact_name":null,"contact_address":null,"contact_phone_number":null,"contact_email":null,"start_date":null,"end_date":null,"start_time":null,"end_time":null,"visitors":216,"admin_id":33,"author_id":null,"language_id":1,"master_id":22687,"type":"issue","is_comment":1,"pin_weight":0,"status":"Publish","created_at":"2026-09-04T03:52:42.513000Z","updated_at":"2026-09-04T03:52:42.513000Z"}]}