Thailand’s Organic Act on Anti-Corruption (No. 2), B.E. 2568 (2025) came into effect on June 5, introducing legal provisions to protect whistleblowers from Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP)—lawsuits intended to intimidate or silence individuals for speaking out on matters of public interest.

The law authorizes the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to issue protection resolutions and provide legal assistance to individuals who report corruption, submit evidence, or express relevant opinions in good faith. Support measures include legal representation in criminal and civil proceedings, coverage of litigation costs, and intervention in disciplinary actions viewed as retaliatory.

The amendment is part of Thailand’s “Big Rock” strategy, a national reform framework prioritizing high-impact governance reforms, including transparency, public participation, and anti-corruption mechanisms. The strategy seeks to strengthen institutional safeguards and promote access to information. The updated law is aligned with constitutional obligations requiring the state to protect those engaged in anti-corruption activities. [Bangkok Post] [Thai Enquirer]

The Metropolitan Police Bureau is widening its investigation into the deadly collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building, signaling that senior officials, including former and current executives, may face criminal charges.

Authorities have already pressed charges against 17 individuals, including engineers, designers, and construction supervisors, under Sections 227 and 238 of the Criminal Code, which cover professional negligence and public danger offenses resulting in death or serious injury. Investigators uncovered forged engineering signatures, substandard materials, and violations of basic safety standards, including cement and steel that failed to meet contract specifications.

The probe has also revealed delays in contract termination, with the project’s inspection committee reporting that only 23 percent of the work was completed, far below the expected 80 percent. A resolution to cancel the contract was passed on January 15, 2025, but was delayed until March 28—the day of the collapse.

The investigation is expected to expand to senior SAO officials, with the Interior Ministry’s committee nearing completion of its three-month review. Additionally, news anchor Narakorn Tiyayon and former senator Damrong Phuttan have filed complaints against current SAO Auditor-General Montien Charoenphol and former auditor-general Prachak Boonyang for gross negligence and misconduct.

Forensic experts from Chulalongkorn University and King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang are analyzing concrete, steel, and lift shaft structures to determine whether defective materials contributed to the collapse.

Authorities are also investigating possible bid rigging and nominee involvement, as the building collapsed in just eight seconds, despite being over 1,000 kilometers away from the Myanmar earthquake epicenter, raising concerns that man-made factors played a role. [Bangkok Post]

Electric vehicle (EV) users in Thailand have filed a formal complaint with the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) against Neta Auto Thailand, citing widespread service failures linked to the financial instability of the company’s Chinese parent firm. The complaint follows months of unresolved issues affecting an estimated 25,000 Neta vehicles currently on Thai roads.

Consumers report inoperable vehicles, delayed warranty repairs, and severe spare part shortages, particularly for drivetrain components. The situation has worsened as several Neta service centers have closed, leaving remaining outlets overwhelmed or unwilling to honor warranty claims. Some customers who sought help from third-party garages were warned that doing so would void their warranties.

Key complaints also include delays in issuing white license plates under Thai law, failures to deliver agreed services such as home chargers, and a lack of compensation for customers left without functioning vehicles. Many users now face long waits without support or reimbursement, leading to calls for urgent redress.

Affected EV owners have submitted seven formal demands, including: expedited repair timelines, resolution of registration issues, compensation for service failures, a functioning national repair network, guaranteed warranty enforcement, and—if operations cease—a buyback program covering all sold vehicles.

TCC has confirmed 69 formal complaints against Neta since early 2024 and is preparing to meet with the company this week. Should the automaker fail to comply with consumer protection expectations, TCC says it will coordinate with authorities and pursue legal action, including a direct appeal to the Chinese Embassy in Thailand. [The Nation]

Auto leasing businesses in Thailand are adjusting to new Bank of Thailand regulations following an amendment to a royal decree on hire-purchase businesses. The decree, published on June 5, places car and motorcycle leasing under central bank supervision starting December 2, 2025.

While members of the Thai Hire-Purchase Association (THPA) are preparing to comply, their readiness varies. Subsidiaries of banks and captive leasing companies are generally well-prepared, covering over 50 percent of total outstanding loans. However, other operators may face challenges, including higher operating costs due to compliance requirements.

The central bank plans public hearings to ensure industry-wide preparedness. The new regulations aim to enhance service standards, ensure fair consumer treatment, and uphold financial stability. As of 2024, the sector had THB 1.6 trillion (USD 49.6 billion) in outstanding loans, with one-third of loans provided by operators not under specific regulatory oversight. [Bangkok Post]

Thailand has launched a public consultation on the draft principles for its first dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) law, aiming to balance public safety, ethical standards, and innovation. Spearheaded by the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), the initiative seeks to regulate high-risk AI applications while enhancing accountability and protecting rights in the digital age.

The draft draws on international best practices and outlines governance mechanisms for high-risk AI use cases, with an emphasis on ethical deployment, data sovereignty, and institutional roles. It also aims to reinforce Thailand’s AI readiness as part of broader efforts to transform the country into a regional leader in AI services.

According to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, AI is viewed as a key driver of economic competitiveness. The consultation period runs until June 9, and the draft will feature prominently at the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI, to be hosted in Bangkok later this month. [Bangkok Post]

Thailand’s Community Liquor Law is now in force, allowing small producers, farmers, and community enterprises to legally manufacture all types of alcohol while preventing monopolistic practices. The Ministry of Finance will update regulations to ensure fair access to production licenses, benefiting local entrepreneurs.

The Excise Act (No. 2) BE 2568, published in the Royal Gazette, amends Section 153, enabling farmer groups and small-scale businesses to apply for commercial alcohol production licenses and possess distilling equipment, provided they meet ministerial criteria. Licenses will be valid for three years.

The Craft Beer Trade Association welcomed the law, noting that it allows small-scale producers to legally craft spirits using domestic farm products, including colored liquors, rice whisky, and canned beer. However, stakeholders must wait for ministerial regulations, expected within 180 days, to clarify implementation details. [Bangkok Post]

Thailand is set to implement its first official standard for plant-based food products, developed by the Institute of Nutrition at Mahidol University in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Thai Plant-Based Standard aims to enhance consumer safety and boost the competitiveness of Thai producers in the growing global market.

The standard aligns with international guidelines, including the FAO Codex Alimentarius and ISO/DIS 8700, ensuring quality control and regulatory compliance. To support the new standard, the Institute of Nutrition will provide laboratory testing services, allowing food producers to verify product quality and safety before market launch. [Bangkok Post]

A Thai lawyer linked to the country’s telecommunications regulator is under investigation after THB 12 million (USD 366,000) in cash was discovered near a condominium garbage area, raising questions about transparency ahead of a major telecom spectrum auction scheduled for June 29.

The cash—bundled banknotes stored in a plastic box—was identified as belonging to Taweewat Sengkaew, a legal adviser who has served on multiple subcommittees of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), Thailand’s regulatory body overseeing broadcasting and telecommunications. Though not a formal NBTC employee, Taweewat claimed the money stemmed from his private legal practice and was unintentionally discarded during a cleanup after a water pipe burst. [AiR No. 23, June/2025, 2]

Authorities remain unconvinced. Investigators have flagged inconsistencies between Taweewat’s declared income and possession of such a large sum. The Central Investigation Bureau, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), and other anti-graft agencies are now coordinating to trace the funds, with scrutiny also falling on Taweewat’s wife, a senior NACC official, over whether the money was properly declared. [Bangkok Post]

The incident has drawn heightened attention because of its timing—just weeks before the NBTC’s auction of four telecom frequency bands. Critics have warned that outdated floor pricing for the auction could lead to underpriced assets and reduced competition, with the cash discovery fueling public concern over possible insider influence or misconduct.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) is developing a centralized data management system for the Anti Online Scam Operation Center (AOC) to enhance fraud prevention efforts. The AI-powered system, set to launch in Q3 2026, has a budget of THB 200 million (USD 6.2 million), with allocation expected this month.

DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong highlighted that Thailand’s anti-fraud ecosystem has significantly improved, aided by an amended emergency decree requiring banks and telecom operators to share responsibility for tech-related financial losses. The government is also upgrading the AOC into a full-fledged department to expand its accountability.

The new system will streamline real-time data management, strengthening efforts to prevent mule accounts, scams, and call center fraud. Meanwhile, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) hosted the Global ISO Conference 2025, aiming to elevate Thai digital standards and boost confidence in digital infrastructure development. [Bangkok Post]

The founder of JKN Global Group Plc (JKN), a major Thai-listed media and content conglomerate, and her sister have resigned from all executive positions following criminal complaints filed by Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC has accused Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip and Pimuma Jakrajutatip of falsifying and omitting material information in JKN’s 2023 and early 2024 financial statements.

According to the SEC, the executives conspired to fabricate creditor and debtor records, overstating revenues and liabilities and misrepresenting royalty obligations. These manipulated records were allegedly used to gain voting control in the selection of a rehabilitation planner for JKN, violating Section 312 of the Securities and Exchange Act. The complaints were formally submitted to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI)—a law enforcement agency under the Ministry of Justice tasked with handling complex and high-profile criminal cases, including financial fraud and corporate wrongdoing.

JKN, which operates digital television channels, distributes international content, and owns the Miss Universe franchise, is undergoing an independent audit to verify the authenticity of its reported liabilities. The board is expected to decide on governance measures following the resignations. [Bangkok Post]

A recent incident at Suvarnabhumi Airport has sparked controversy after a Chinese visitor posted a video claiming a "special connection" allowed foreigners to work in Thailand without a visa. The video allegedly showed an immigration officer holding onto the visitor’s passport, with a message in Chinese suggesting that connections within the Immigration Bureau were necessary for such privileges.

In response, Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee, commander of Immigration Division 2, refuted the claim, stating that the officer in the video had only assisted the visitor with filling out a digital arrival card due to delays in the process. The officer was unaware of being filmed and did not provide any special treatment beyond standard immigration procedures.

Immigration authorities are actively cracking down on individuals posing as tourists to gain entry under false pretenses, with some reportedly creating misleading situations to suggest insider influence at border control. The Chinese visitor in question is now being tracked by immigration police and faces deportation and blacklisting. [Bangkok Post]

Thailand is stepping up efforts to boost agricultural exports to China, with rice and cassava designated as top priorities, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced on June 8. The initiative builds on strong bilateral trade growth and increased Chinese demand for Thai products, particularly cassava, durian, and rice.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, cassava exports to China have already exceeded expectations following a bilateral trade agreement. Minister Pichai stated that the government aims to capitalize on this momentum by further promoting Thai cassava in the Chinese market.

Thai rice exports to China have also seen marked gains. Between January and April 2025, Thailand exported 202,889 metric tons of rice to China—a year-on-year increase of 77.7 percent—valued at THB 3.57 billion (USD 108.9 million), representing a 31.3 percent rise in value.

The announcement came during a farewell reception for outgoing Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening trade ties. Ambassador Han also voiced support for Thailand’s request to export live cattle to China and expressed optimism about rising Chinese investment and tourism in Thailand. [Bangkok Post]

B.Grimm Power Plc, a leading Thai energy producer specializing in sustainable and industrial power solutions, and Digital Edge DC, a pan-Asian data center platform backed by Stonepeak, are making a major investment in Thailand’s digital infrastructure. The two companies will jointly invest USD 1 billion to develop a 100-megawatt data center in Chon Buri province, about 100 kilometers from Bangkok, aiming to meet the surging demand for AI, cloud computing, and digital services across Southeast Asia. The facility is expected to commence commercial operations in Q4 2026.

Beyond this project, B.Grimm Power is considering an additional USD 1.6 billion investment in further data center initiatives, which would bring the total capacity to 200 megawatts.

Thailand has secured significant investment commitments from major global tech firms such as Amazon, Alphabet, ByteDance, and Alibaba, as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government provides tax incentives to position the country as a regional AI infrastructure hub. [Bangkok Post]

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has announced a four-point strategy to restore investor confidence following three consecutive years of foreign equity sell-offs, totaling THB 400 billion (USD 12.4 billion). In 2025 alone, net foreign outflows have reached THB 70.7 billion (USD 2.2 billion). Investors are calling for greater policy continuity, particularly regarding large-scale infrastructure projects like the Land Bridge initiative, and revisions to foreign ownership limits in key sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and banking to attract long-term capital.

SET Chairman Kitipong Urapeepatanapong outlined the reform plan at the Thailand Investment Forum 2025, focusing on regulatory overhaul, market development, legal modernization, and sustainability initiatives. The SET is tightening trading regulations, adjusting short-selling rules, and revising listing criteria to enhance transparency. Additionally, over 37 Thai-listed companies have repurchased shares worth THB 14 billion (USD 434 million) under the Treasury Stock scheme.

To boost market appeal, the SET is targeting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and New Economy sectors, offering capital market training and refining IPO requirements. The exchange is also developing the Thailand Individual Savings Account (TISA) to encourage long-term investment.

Legal modernization efforts include removing outdated laws, permitting dual-class share structures, and granting the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) direct investigative powers. Meanwhile, the SET is prioritizing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, including an ESG data platform in partnership with FTSE, a leading global index provider that tracks financial markets and benchmarks investment performance.

Despite these efforts, market volatility remains high, with the SET index falling 4 percent in May to 1,149.18 points, marking a 17.9 percent year-to-date decline. [Bangkok Post 1] [Bangkok Post 2] [The Nation]

Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) sector continues to expand rapidly, supported by government incentives and sustained consumer interest, yet faces mounting structural and financial challenges that cast doubt on the industry’s stability in the short term.

From January to April 2025, domestic sales of battery EVs surged by 46 percent year-on-year, outpacing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which saw a 13 percent decline. Plug-in hybrid EVs also recorded significant growth, though hybrid EVs remain the most popular overall. Despite this momentum, the market is clouded by an aggressive price war, rising insurance costs, weak auto loan approval rates, and fears about the financial solvency of certain Chinese EV makers.

The Board of Investment (BoI) remains committed to positioning Thailand as a regional EV manufacturing hub, central to its broader strategy to modernize the automotive sector. Under the country’s “30@30” policy, the government aims for EVs to make up at least 30 percent of total vehicle production by 2030, targeting annual outputs of 725,000 battery EVs, 675,000 electric motorcycles, and 34,000 electric buses and trucks. To help realize this ambition, the BoI is preparing additional investment incentive packages to attract and retain EV manufacturers, particularly as market conditions remain uncertain.

As of mid-2025, the BoI reports that over 9,600 Thai nationals have been hired by EV manufacturers operating in Thailand, with Chinese firms leading the charge. Major players include BYD, Great Wall Motor (GWM), MG, GAC Aion, and Changan—all of which have established assembly plants within the past year. Thai workers now make up 85–95 percent of the local EV industry workforce, serving in roles ranging from engineering and technical staff to mid-level and executive management. BYD alone has hired 5,900 workers and plans to expand to 8,000 employees by 2026 as part of its ongoing scale-up.

These firms are also increasing local sourcing efforts. While only 40–60 percent of EV components are currently produced domestically, manufacturers like BYD and GWM aim to raise this share to 90 percent, laying the foundation for a more resilient and integrated EV supply chain within Thailand. [Bangkok Post 1]

However, fierce price competition, especially among Chinese brands like BYD and Neta (Hozon Auto), has put smaller firms and dealers at risk. BYD’s drastic price cuts have led to a wave of matching promotions across the market, undermining resale value and raising concerns about brand reliability. Neta, in particular, is facing scrutiny amid financial instability and a pending court review of its debt repayment capability. While the company denies any bankruptcy filing and recently opened a spare parts center, confidence among Thai dealers, insurers, and consumers has been shaken. [Bangkok Post 2]

The insurance sector, meanwhile, is adjusting to the higher risks associated with EV ownership. Repair costs are 50–60 percent higher than for traditional vehicles, largely due to expensive batteries, complex electronics, and limited access to certified repair centers. As a result, Thai insurers such as Allianz Ayudhya, Bangkok Insurance (BKI), and Viriyah Insurance have begun raising premiums—sometimes by 25 to 40 percent—and tightening coverage conditions. Some insurers are now suspending or limiting policies for financially unstable brands or models with poor after-sales support.

Executives warn that insurers are struggling to balance profitability with the government’s EV transition goals. Many are now investing in their own repair networks or launching brand-certified policy packages to reduce dependency on manufacturer service chains. At the same time, broader concerns over the economic outlook and household debt—still over 88 percent of GDP—are limiting consumer purchasing power and contributing to stricter bank lending practices. [Bangkok Post 3] [Bangkok Post 4]

Thailand’s car industry is calling on the government to push banks toward loosening auto loan conditions, warning that both new and used vehicle markets are at risk of further decline if credit access remains constrained. The appeal comes as overall domestic auto sales are projected to drop below 520,000 units in 2025, down from 572,675 in 2024—already the lowest in 14 years.

Organizers of the upcoming Fast Auto Show Thailand 2025, scheduled for July 2–6 in Bangkok, say weak consumer purchasing power and persistently strict lending criteria—driven by concerns over high household debt—are suppressing demand. Car financing institutions remain cautious in the face of elevated non-performing loan risks.

The downturn is affecting both sectors of the market. Used car dealers report a significant slump, noting that internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle prices have fallen by up to 50 percent, partly due to the growing appeal of electric vehicles (EVs) and aggressive EV discounting. The narrowing price gap between new EVs and used ICE cars is further depressing second-hand sales, creating oversupply and eroding resale values.

Industry leaders caution that, without targeted credit easing or supportive fiscal measures, Thailand’s automotive sector—already under pressure from EV transition disruptions and economic stagnation—may face even deeper contraction in the second half of the year. [Bangkok Post]

Thailand’s express parcel delivery sector continues to expand, fueled by the rapid rise of e-commerce and the increasing popularity of shopping platforms like TikTok and Shoppertainment models. In 2024, the market grew 17-18 percent, with an average daily parcel volume of 7-8 million items. The total market valuation reached THB 115 billion (USD 3.57 billion).

Thailand Post remains the dominant market leader, followed by Flash Express, J&T Express, and Kerry Express (KEX). Competition is fierce, with delivery rates starting at THB 25-30 (USD 0.78-0.93) per item.

The Thai courier, express, and parcel market is projected to grow from USD 2.86 billion in 2025 to USD 4.04 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate of 7.16 percent. Growth is driven by technological advancements, including AI-powered logistics, real-time tracking, and smart parcel sorting systems.

Several delivery companies posted strong profits in 2024:

· J&T Express saw revenue rise 37 percent to THB 25.4 billion (USD 787.4 million), with a profit of THB 819 million (USD 25.4 million).

· Flash Express returned to profitability, reporting THB 24.7 billion (USD 766 million) in revenue and THB 940 million (USD 29.1 million) in profit.

· SPX Express (Thailand) posted THB 23.4 billion (USD 725.4 million) in revenue, with a 1,247 percent profit increase to THB 469 million (USD 14.5 million).

Meanwhile, KEX Express reported a THB 9.4 billion (USD 291.4 million) loss and is seeking voluntary delisting. Lazada Express saw revenue decline 14 percent to THB 14 billion (USD 433 million) but remained profitable at THB 1.7 billion (USD 52.7 million). [Bangkok Post]

Thailand’s Transport Ministry is fast-tracking key infrastructure projects and speeding up the disbursement of the THB 212.21 billion (USD 6.16 billion) investment budget for the 2025 fiscal year. As of May, THB 93 billion (USD 2.7 billion) had already been spent, with over 300 procurement contracts now in various stages of execution.

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit emphasized progress on the high-speed rail project linking Bangkok to Nong Khai. Phase 1 (Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima) is 43.79 percent complete in civil works, though systems installation and staff training have barely started. Preparations for Phase 2, a 357.12-kilometer extension to Nong Khai with an estimated budget of THB 341.35 billion (USD 9.9 billion), are ongoing, with bidding documents nearly finalized.

Additional projects awaiting cabinet approval include the Phuket Expressway (Kathu–Patong section), valued at THB 16.76 billion (USD 487 million), and the lease of 1,520 electric buses for THB 15.36 billion (USD 447 million) to modernize public transport. The ministry is also proposing a merged procurement plan for Red and Light Red Line commuter rail extensions from Taling Chan, aimed at streamlining development and procurement processes. [Bangkok Post]

Thailand is experiencing a major uptick in infrastructure investment and foreign interest in its Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with combined developments in transport and industry signaling renewed momentum for the country’s flagship economic zone. Covering Chonburi, Rayong, and Chachoengsao provinces, the EEC is central to Thailand’s strategy to attract advanced industries and promote regional integration through land, sea, and air connectivity.

As part of a broader THB 157 billion (USD 4.55 billion) stimulus package approved in May 2025, the Ministry of Transport has proposed THB 56.66 billion (USD 1.64 billion) in infrastructure upgrades. These include more than 7,700 small- to medium-scale projects by the Department of Highways and the Department of Rural Roads, focused on road safety and connectivity enhancements. If approved by the cabinet later this month, bidding and construction could begin as early as July.

A centerpiece of the initiative is the THB 2.44 billion (USD 68.74 million) extension of Motorway No. 7 to U-Tapao International Airport, funded by a loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The project, part of the Eastern Economic Corridor Road Network Development Project for Climate Resilience, includes an elevated four-lane extension and road widening in Rayong Province, reducing the travel distance to U-Tapao to under 2 kilometers and improving access to Sukhumvit Road.

These developments directly support U-Tapao’s transformation into Thailand’s third major international airport and are closely tied to the THB 224 billion (USD 7 billion) high-speed rail project linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. Delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the rail project is set to resume following a revised agreement expected in July between the government and Asia Era One, a consortium led by the Charoen Pokphand Group. Under new terms, the state will retain ownership of civil works while the consortium provides THB 160 billion (USD 4.64 billion) in financial guarantees to complete construction within five years. [The Nation 1] [The Nation 2] [Bangkok Post 1]

These connectivity upgrades come amid a surge in foreign investment in the EEC. In the first four months of 2025, foreign investment in the corridor rose 40 percent year-on-year to THB 31.3 billion (USD 907 million), representing 54 percent of total foreign investment in Thailand. Japan led with 32 investors contributing THB 10 billion, followed by China, Singapore, and others.

Nationwide, 363 foreign investors gained approval under the Foreign Business Act between January and April—up 43 percent from the same period last year—totaling THB 57.8 billion (USD 1.68 billion). Key sectors include manufacturing, retail, data centers, and clean energy, with Japan again leading in value. [Bangkok Post 2]