View of Bangkok skyline at night with city lights and skyscrapers along the river.

Thailand: This week's top news stories – floods, trade and police reforms

2025-02-20

The Prime Minister visited Pathalung and Songkhla – floods and shrimp farming in focus

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited Thale Noi i Patthalung and the Thai Yuen Group in Songkhla. The focus was on flooding problems and the crisis in shrimp farming. The government has allocated 300 million baht for projects in Songkhla, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Pathalung, including to combat aquatic plants in Thale NoiIn addition, a proposal for an investment of 3 billion baht for a shrimp farming research center has been presented. The government is also planning a cruise terminal in Songkhla to strengthen tourism.

Talks with China about fraud centers in Myanmar

Thailand and China have held talks to crack down on fraud centers in Myanmar. China proposed an anti-fraud office in Thailand, but it was rejected. The focus is instead on trilateral cooperation with Myanmar.

Police invest in digital crime prevention

The Prime Minister has ordered the police to strengthen their digital capabilities and fight corruption, with a focus on cybercrime and the seizure of digital assets such as cryptocurrencies.

Development in southern Thailand – trade and infrastructure

The government is investing in strengthening border trade with Malaysia through the construction of Sadau Border Road, with planned completion in October 2025. The project connects Thailand with Bukit Kayu Hitam in Malaysia and will streamline border traffic. At the same time, it is developing Songkhla port to boost Thailand's rubber exports. A visit to the AAE-1 submarine cable station in Songkhla highlighted the importance of digital infrastructure to support the country's growing digital economy.

Betong Airport can reopen

Residents of Yala-the province wants the airport in Concrete opened to boost tourism and trade. The airport has been closed since 2023.

Bank of Thailand extends debt relief program

Due to low participation, the Bank of Thailand has extended the application period until April for its debt relief program. The program aims to help individuals with debt restructuring.

Renovation of Chatuchak Market

Bangkok city plans to renovate the popular Chatuchak-the market's clock tower area to improve order and create a new gathering place.

Thailand wants to become a leader in Right to Repair

A new report highlights Thailand's potential to reduce e-waste and strengthen consumer rights through Right to Repair legislation.

Other

Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay Siphandone will visit Thailand on February 20 to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between the countries.

Diplomatic Red Cross Bazaar will be held from February 27 to March 2 at Paragon Hall in Bangkok. The proceeds go to charitable projects in healthcare and disaster relief.

Source: NNT - National News Bureau of Thailand


Text: The editorial staff

Image license: Tik_Pitak, Pixabay, original image