Economic issues top Thailand’s public wish list: KPI poll

Economic issues were identified by 38% of respondents as the top priority for the new administration, ahead of social problems at 32.3% and political issues at 29.7%.

Illustrative image (Photo: Bangkok Post)
Illustrative image (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Bangkok (VNA) – Addressing economic problems tops the public's wish list for a new government led by the Bhumjaithai Party, with measures to reduce the cost of living ranking highest among expectations, according to a recently-released KPI poll.

The survey, conducted by King Prajadhipok's Institute, polled 2,000 people aged 18 and over nationwide between January 30 and February 2. Economic issues were identified by 38% of respondents as the top priority for the new administration, ahead of social problems at 32.3% and political issues at 29.7%.

Measures to lower the cost of living, including cuts to utility bills and energy prices, were cited by 47.8% of respondents as the most urgent economic task for the new government. Household debt and loan-shark problems followed at 25.6%.

On social issues, 33.6% of respondents wanted tougher action against illicit drugs, while scams and illegal businesses ranked second at 29.4%.

Corruption topped political concerns, with 52.8% urging the government to seriously tackle the problem. Drafting a new constitution ranked second at 17.8%./.

VNA

See more

Indonesian authorities rescue 34 stranded pilot whales

Indonesian authorities rescue 34 stranded pilot whales

The agency's head Imam Fauzi said his team conducted rescue operations for a total of 55 stranded whales from March 9 night to March 10 in a coordinated effort involving local security forces, conservation agencies, officials, and residents. Twenty-one whales were declared dead after stranding.

Indonesia shipped 1.8 million tonnes of palm oil to the Middle East in 2025. (Photo: REUTERS)

Middle East conflict pushes up Indonesia’s palm oil export costs

The conflict, which intensified after coordinated strikes by the US and Israel on Iran’s capital Tehran late last month, had disrupted key maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, some cargo vessels were delayed or forced to take longer alternative routes, raising transport expenses and maritime insurance premiums.

Minister of State Apparatus Utilization and Bureaucratic Reform Rini Widyantini (Photo: beritasatu.com)

Indonesia steps up plan to relocate civil servants to new capital

A meeting to review progress and implementation mechanisms for the relocation plan focused on office capacity in Nusantara, the availability of official housing and the criteria for selecting ministries and agencies that will relocate in the initial phase.

Delegates at the press briefing (Photo: Tempo.co)

Indonesia likely to achieve 6% growth amid geopolitical uncertainty

At a press briefing in Jakarta on March 11 to release the state budget report, Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi said the Indonesian economy remained in an expansionary phase, with macroeconomic indicators staying stable. He noted that first-quarter growth was expected to exceed the 5.39% recorded in the final quarter of 2025.

Illustrative image (Photo: Nikkei)

Cambodia increases control of fuel trading

The Cambodian Ministry of Commerce requested fuel distributors and suppliers to instruct units within their networks to strictly manage fuel trading activities in accordance with technical standards, operational procedures and their internal regulations.

International visitors gather at a Vietnamese coffee stand during an event held at the United Nations headquarters. (Photo: VNA)

UN adopts resolution designating International Coffee Day

As a member of the core group promoting the initiative, Vietnam actively worked with partners to advance the proposal, helping strengthen international cooperation for the sustainable development of the global coffee value chain while promoting the image and value of Vietnamese coffee worldwide.

Participants at the WTO’s first regular meeting in 2026 in Geneva (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam pushes for consensus ahead of WTO ministerial conference

Vietnam stressed the importance of ensuring policy space for WTO members, particularly amid green and digital transitions, while calling for the full and effective restoration of the WTO’s dispute settlement system – an important pillar of the multilateral trading system.

Illustrative photo: Internet

Malaysia’s semiconductor market may reach 4.6 billion USD by 2030

Based on forecasts by LightCounting, a market research firm specialising in optical communications and photonics, the OSAT share of the datacom market in Malaysia could grow from about 1.7 billion USD in 2025 to 4.6 billion USD by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of around 22%.

BMA Governor Chadchart Sittipunt (Source: pattayamail.com)

Bangkok moves to respond to summer heat

The BMA has identified hundreds of strategic locations to help reduce the risk of heatstroke among residents. More than 600 cooling spots have been set up at parks, BMA-run schools, vocational colleges, health centres and 50 district offices. The city administration has also activated 2,806 clean drinking water stations across all 50 districts of the capital.

Illustrative Image (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thailand unveils resilience strategy to balance exports

Thailand’s exports reached 339.635 billion USD in 2025, the highest on record and up 12.9% from 2024. In January 2026, exports continued strong growth, rising 24.4% year-on-year to 31.57 billion USD, marking the 19th consecutive month of expansion.

Indonesian Deputy Chair of Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR) Alex Indra Lukman. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia’s rice reserve sufficient for nearly one year

Data from the Ministry of Agriculture showed that the country’s total rice reserve stands at nearly 28 million tonnes, including 3.76 million tonnes managed by the state logistics agency Bulog, 12.5 million tonnes held by households, and about 11.73 million tonnes of standing crop awaiting harvest.