Thailand’s ambitious one-trillion Thai baht (30 billion US dollar) land bridge project will be scrapped due to financial unviability and environmental concerns, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas disclosed on July 24.
Category: Thailand
Laos-Thailand US$5bn Mekong Hydropower Project on Track for 2030 Power Generation
The Thai-Lao joint Luang Prabang Mekong Hydropower Project is reportedly 72% complete, as broadcast by municipal television on July 18 after both sides’ representatives inspected the site to assess construction progress.
Cambodia Plays Down Delay in UNCLOS Gulf Case Against Thailand
On July 19, Cambodia confirmed that it has made an agreement with Thailand to allow additional time for the appointment of the Chairperson of the Conciliation Commission under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), playing down the delay as “modest and entirely appropriate.” Phnom Penh has staked a great deal on theUN-backed process, as it tries to compel reluctant Bangkok to join, in an attempt to resolve amaritime dispute around Koh Kut Island that the two governments do not yet agree is even about the same thing.
Bangkok Pub Fire Death Toll Reaches 32 as Investigation Continues
On July 15,The death toll from the deadly fire tore at a Bangkok pub has risen to 32 after two more victims died from their injuries, as police continue investigating whether negligence played a role in the incident.
Sadao Border Link Strengthens Thailand–Malaysia Tourism Connectivity
On July 13, Thailand officially opened a new road linking the Sadao Customs House in Songkhla Province with the Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint in Kedah, Malaysia, marking a significant step towards improving cross-border tourism, trade and regional connectivity.
Putrajaya Summit Marks the Advancement of Malaysia–Thailand Relations
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul concluded theirbilateral summit in Putrajaya from July 9-10, setting an ambitious deal breaker agreement on 30 billion US dollar in bilateral trade by 2027—a goal that coincides with the 70ᵗʰ anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year.
Thailand Slashes Oil Prices to Ease Living Cost
As of July 8, Thailand has cut oil prices, with diesel decreasing by 2.56 Thai baht (0.08 US dollar) per litre, while gasoline and gasohol dropped by 2.51 Thai baht (0.07 US dollar) per litre across all grades.
Cambodia Lodges Protest over Thai Border Encroachment
The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) issued a formal protest directed against the commander of the Royal Thai Army, who heads the Thailand contingent of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), on July 2.
Thailand’s Anutinomics: Bringing the 2000s into the 2020s
Thailand has long relied on central economic planning to foster economic growth and address major socio-economic challenges. These policies range from the emergency measures implemented during the 1997 Asian financial crisis (known locally as TomYam Kung), to Thaksin Shinawatra’s ‘Thaksinomics’ reforms in its aftermath, to Prayut Chan-o-cha’s policies aimed at stabilising Thai economy during the COVID-19 pandemic and finally to Prime Minister (PM) Anutin Charnvirakul’s emerging economic agenda.
Australia and Thailand Hold Chapel Gold Drill
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTArF) are holding the latest iteration of Exercise Chapel Gold from June 18 to June 29 at Ban Dilang, Lopburi Province, Thailand.