“Ignite Thailand” vision unveiled to boost investment

Thailand recorded its highest level of investment promotion applications in a decade, with total requests reaching 1.13 trillion THB (33.6 billion USD) in 2024.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (Source: thailand.prd.go.th)
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (Source: thailand.prd.go.th)

Bangkok (NNT/VNA) – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has outlined Thailand’s economic vision under the theme "Ignite Thailand: Invest in Endless Opportunity", reaffirming the country’s commitment to attracting investment despite global economic uncertainty.

The premier highlighted plans to strengthen investor confidence by ensuring policy continuity, supporting long-term economic growth, and creating an environment conducive to new investments.

The Thai Government has identified key sectors for development, including infrastructure, advanced technology, and human capital. Major projects such as high-speed rail, dual-track railway expansion, and the Land Bridge Project are expected to enhance Thailand’s logistics network. Investments in digital industries, electric vehicle production, and semiconductor manufacturing will position the country as a hub for emerging technologies, while workforce development efforts will equip Thai workers with skills for future industries.

Thailand recorded its highest level of investment promotion applications in a decade, with total requests reaching 1.13 trillion THB (33.6 billion USD) in 2024. The PM attributed this to long-term economic planning and proactive investment strategies, which have reinforced the country’s role as a preferred manufacturing and business destination.

Paetongtarn called for greater collaboration between the Government, private sector, and citizens to create a thriving economic environment. She revealed that the Government is now working to strengthen Thailand’s position as a strategic link between global investors and major economies, ensuring sustained growth and competitiveness./.

VNA

See more

Around 18,000 units of illegal items were seized during a raid on March 21. (Photo: HSA)

Singapore seizes illegal health products

Under Singapore's law, individuals found guilty of importing, manufacturing or supplying illegal health products face a two-year jail term, a 50,000 SGD fine, or both.

Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (MTI) Gan Kim Yong. (Photo: Bernama)

Johor–Singapore SEZ set to strengthen supply chains

Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong noted that escalating tensions between the US and China have led to a volley of tit-for-tat tariffs, effectively choking off trade between the world’s two largest economies. These developments will have significant implications on businesses in Singapore and Malaysia, many of which are embedded within the production and supply chains of both the US and China.

 Indonesia urges universities to uphold local identity

Indonesia urges universities to uphold local identity

The Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) has encouraged universities to develop based on the characteristics and potential of each locality, instead of applying policies uniformly.

Illustrative image (Source: nationthailand.com)

Thailand aims to become ASEAN's clean energy hub

BoI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi revealed that there are currently 28 electric vehicle production projects by 22 companies in Thailand, with a total investment of approximately 78 billion THB and a combined production capacity of over 880,000 units.

Illustrative image (Photo: Jakarta Post)

Indonesia discovers new gas fields, eases reliance on imported energy

Djoko Siswanto, head of SKK Migas, revealed that the two fields are located offshore in the Northwest of Java and are expected to commence operations by the end of this year. With a daily production capacity of 200 tonnes at the Jambi Merang field and 180 tonnes at the ONWJ field, these are set to enhance Indonesia's energy security and reduce its reliance on imported energy sources.

Mount Marapi erupted again on April 19 (Photo: Xinhua)

Mount Marapi in Indonesia blasts ash 1,000 metres into sky

The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reported that the eruption, from the nearly 3,900-metre-high volcano, produced seismic activity with a maximum amplitude of 30.3 millimetres and lasted 42 seconds.

The scene of the collapsed building in Bangkok, Thailand, caused by the earthquake in Myanmar. (Photo: Kyodo/VNA)

Thailand detains four suspects over collapsed skyscraper in earthquake

The 30-storey skyscraper, intended to be used as government agencies' offices, was the only major construction project to collapse in Bangkok due to the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28. Thai authorities reported that 47 people were killed at the construction site, while 47 others remain missing.

Malaysia bans single-use plastic bags at public sites (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia bans single-use plastic bags at public sites

Malaysia will ban the use of single-use plastic bags in forest reserves, national and state parks, marine parks, and geological heritage sites and geosites, as part of efforts to curb environmental pollution.

Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil (Photo: The Edge)

Malaysia develops space technology

Malaysia is ramping up efforts to develop its space technology, with a particular emphasis on the deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.