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- Trump Starts Global Tariff Wall, Thailand Hit with 36% Tax
Livestream screenshot via Youtube
Donald Trump has announced retaliatory tariffs on countries with which the U.S. has a trade deficit. The new tariffs, starting at 10%, affect a wide range of countries, with Thailand facing a 36% tariff.
On 2nd April 2025, President Trump held a press conference at the White House announcing the implementation of tariffs on nearly all imported goods into the US, beginning at 10%. However, certain countries, including Thailand, will face much harsher tariffs due to significant trade deficits with the US.
Under this new system, tariffs will vary across countries. While the UK, Brazil, and several others begin at 10%, Thailand faces a steep 36% tariff. Other nations are also heavily impacted, with Vietnam at 46% and Cambodia at 49%.
During his announcement in the White House Rose Garden, Trump boldly declared, "The US has been plundered and stolen from by many nations, both ally and adversary." He touted the measure as a liberation for American industry, stating, "This will be remembered as the day American industry was reborn and America’s destiny reclaimed."
Trump underscored this as a beginning of a new golden era for the US economy, also taking the opportunity to criticise previous trade relations with Canada and Mexico, both already subjected to a 25% tariff.
Highlighting his strategy, Trump added, "This tariff is a partial response. We haven’t hit back fully as it would be burdensome for many nations, a step we wish to avoid." Moreover, the tariffs will extend to foreign-manufactured cars imported into the US, enforcing a 25% rate from midnight on 2nd April.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 2, 2025
Based on a story by Thai Rath, BBC, CNN
-- 2025-04-03
2 April 02 20251356617 - Thailand Braces for Impact of Potential US Tariffs Amidst Tense Trade Talks
File photo for reference only
Thailand could face a significant economic setback, losing up to $8 billion if the US imposes reciprocal tariffs on Thai goods. Senior officials revealed this concern today, April 2, amidst looming trade tensions with the United States.
Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, a high-ranking commerce ministry official, indicated that Thai semiconductor exports could be subjected to a steep 25 percent tariff under new trade barriers expected from US President Donald Trump. Currently, Thailand imposes tariffs around 11 percent higher than the US on agricultural and industrial goods, and aligning these could result in substantial financial losses between $7 billion to $8 billion.
To offset potential US tariffs, Thailand is strategising to increase imports of commodities like corn, soybeans, crude oil, and ethane, aiming to decrease its trade surplus. Notably, exports are vital to Thailand's economy, the second-largest in Southeast Asia.
Commerce ministry statistics reveal Thailand's $35.4 billion trade surplus with the US last year. However, the US reports a larger deficit, pegging it at $45.6 billion.
Amid these developments, Sirilak Niyom from the foreign ministry affirmed Thailand's readiness for trade negotiations. Highlighting the country's significant investment in the US, Sirilak pointed out that Thai companies have infused $17 billion across various sectors, including food, real estate, and auto parts, generating employment for 11,000 Americans.
As the situation evolves, Thailand's focus remains on diplomatic strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of upcoming US trade measures, emphasising its economic contributions and cooperative spirit in international trade relations, reported Thai Newsroom.
-- 2025-04-02
2 April 02 20251356560 - Thailand Introduces 'Retirement Lottery' to Boost Savings
Pictures courtesy of iStock
Thailand’s Parliament unanimously approved a new initiative to boost retirement savings through a unique lottery scheme. The bill amending the National Savings Fund (NSF) Act 2011 was passed on April 2, during a session led by Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangpan.
Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul highlighted the growing concern over Thailand’s ageing population, which outpaces neighboring countries. Many elderly Thais face financial difficulties due to inadequate savings. To address this, the government proposed a "retirement lottery" to encourage saving habits among citizens.
Recognizing the popularity of lotteries in Thailand, the government aims to steer gambling enthusiasm towards savings. Under the plan, citizens can buy NSF lottery tickets for 50 baht each through a mobile app, with weekly draws conducted by the Government Lottery Office (GLO). Winners receive cash prizes directly into their bank accounts, while non-winning participants accumulate savings. Once they reach 60 years old, participants can access their initial investment along with any returns.
The government plans to allocate 700 million baht for annual lottery prizes. The initiative is expected to generate 13 billion baht in savings each year for the next decade. MPs suggested enhancing the scheme by allowing early access to funds for medical expenses and increasing prize amounts to attract more participants. Concerns were raised about ensuring a guaranteed minimum return on investments, reported The Thaiger.
-- 2025-04-03
3 April 03 20251356674 - Chinese Firm in Government Projects Under Investigation for Proxy Shareholdings
Picture courtesy of Daily News
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has launched a probe into China Railway No.10 Engineering Co (CREC) after suspicions arose about Thai nominees holding proxy shares in the company.
This development follows the collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok last Friday. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong revealed on Wednesday that the company, which should be majority-owned by Thais under law, might be using nominees to skirt ownership regulations.
Aside from the State Audit Office fiasco, CREC is involved in several key government projects. These include a new passenger terminal at Narathiwat airport, a housing project in Phuket, and various infrastructure developments around Bangkok.
The construction sector is keenly watching the unfolding investigation, which now also questions whether the firm's materials met industrial standards.
DSI's investigation will extend to other projects handled by CREC and its Chinese engineers. These include a number of major government contracts from 2019 to 2022 such as a school building at Wat Amarintararam in Bangkok, a dormitory at Phuket Rajabhat University, and a provincial government complex in Phrae.
The outcome could impact future collaborations and trust in foreign companies.
On Wednesday, immigration police raided a property in the Din Daeng district, believed to be linked to CREC. They discovered two Chinese nationals, eight Thais, and a Toyota vehicle associated with the company in the sparsely furnished house.
As the case unfolds, it raises questions about business ethics and compliance in Thailand's construction industry.
Following the State Audit Office collapse, the ITD-CREC consortium insisted their construction materials adhered to all standards.
They assured that procurement and building processes met project requirements, relevant laws, and engineering guidelines. Meanwhile, the Office of the Judiciary confirmed that construction for the Court of Appeal Region 9 and Min Buri’s civil and criminal courts followed respective standards.
The DSI's findings will reveal the extent of any compliance breaches, impacting future project alignment and foreign partnerships in Thailand’s construction landscape.
Based on a story by Bangkok Post
-- 2025-04-03
3 April 03 20251356602 - Thailand’s Earthquake Damage: 34 Buildings Deemed Unsafe After National Checks
A traffic policeman manages the traffic after it opens for public at the site of an under-construction high-rise building that collapsed after an earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
In the wake of a recent earthquake, inspectors have flagged 34 buildings across Thailand as severely damaged, rendering them off-limits for safety reasons.
A sweeping national inspection was carried out by the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning (DPT) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), covering an impressive 3,375 buildings. Thankfully, a vast majority of 3,130 structures passed the safety checks, while an additional 211 showed moderate damage.
Checks spanned from March 28 to April 1, sorting buildings into three key categories. The first group focused on government structures like public hospitals, schools, and offices in Bangkok, scrutinised by the DPT, Council of Engineers, and volunteer experts.
Meanwhile, the private sector’s towering high-rises, hotels, condos, and bustling shopping malls fell into the second group, each independently required to run their own post-quake checks.
Residences, commercial spaces, and other general buildings in Bangkok comprised the third category under direct oversight by the BMA. In the provinces affected by the temblor, the DPT marshaled local engineers and volunteer inspectors to assess the situations. With 2,600 certified inspectors registered online, public consultation was urged to ensure thorough safety checks.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has enacted powers under the Building Control Act of 1979, necessitating all building owners to undergo inspections.
The BMA has proactively reached out to 11,000 private proprietors, urging them to follow through—112 have completed these checks so far. And, as concerns mount, Traffy Fondue, BMA’s complaint system, reveals a surge of 15,514 safety reports, with a commendable 13,612 resolved.
For ongoing concerns, the DPT has initiated a 24-hour hotline as a lifeline for safety updates, available 24 hours a day at 1531, 02-299-4191 and 02-299-4312.
Based on a story by Bangkok Post
-- 2025-04-03
3 April 03 20251356605 - Thailand at Risk of More Unpredictable Earthquakes, Experts Warn
File photo for reference only
At a recent seminar, academics highlighted Thailand's ongoing vulnerability to earthquakes, emphasising the unpredictability of when and where they might occur. This discussion took place during the 32nd "Chula the Impact" seminar at Chulalongkorn University.
Santi Pailoplee, a noted geology professor, explained that while scientists can identify areas at risk, predicting exact times and places remains impossible, dismissing any premature warnings as fake news. Aftershocks typically decrease in strength, but their occurrence is directly linked to the magnitude of the initial quake, he noted. An example cited was Indonesia's devastating earthquake, which resulted in approximately 500 aftershocks.
Notably, aftershocks from last Friday's quake no longer threaten Thailand, Santi reassured. However, Panya Jarusiri, another geology expert, pointed to the active Sagaing Fault and Thailand's 16 active fault lines as ongoing concerns. Risks from undetected faults like those in Phitsanulok and Kanchanaburi warrant caution, he added.
On building safety, civil engineering lecturer Chatpan Chintanapakdee recognised improvements in construction standards post-2007 but called for stringent inspections to ensure new buildings are designed to be earthquake-resistant. Furthermore, Angkanawadee Pinkaeo, a law academic, stressed reviewing insurance policies to ensure comprehensive coverage and address liability issues, particularly in light of the new State Audit Office building collapse.
With these discussions, experts aim to better prepare Thailand for future seismic events, combining research insights with construction safety measures, reported Bangkok Post.
-- 2025-04-02
2 April 02 20251356556 - Thailand's Seismic Activity: 59 Earthquakes Place Country in Global Top 100
Paramedics take a relative of a missing person who fell unconscious while waiting at the site of an under-construction high-rise building that collapsed after Friday's earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
In a startling revelation, Thailand has been ranked 59th out of the top 100 countries experiencing earthquakes, recording 59 seismic events this year.
The strongest quake registered a magnitude of 4.9. Although not in the top 10, Thailand's position highlights the country's significant vulnerability to tectonic activity.
Data supplied by earthquakelist.org, sourced from the US Geological Survey and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, updates daily based on magnitude 4.0 or higher quakes within 300 kilometres of a country's borders.
The list showcases Indonesia leading with an eye-popping 517 quakes and a top magnitude of 6.1, with Mexico following at 483 quakes peaking at 6.2. Greece and Türkiye also rank high with 413 and 403 quakes, illustrating notable seismic action.
Additional seismic giants in the top 10 include China (324 quakes, 7.1 magnitude), Ethiopia (241 quakes, 5.9 magnitude), Chile (225 quakes, 6.1 magnitude), Japan (222 quakes, 6.8 magnitude), India (197 quakes, 7.1 magnitude), and the Philippines (196 quakes, 5.7 magnitude).
Their high activity is due to their positions along the dynamic tectonic plate boundaries where earthquakes are fiercely common.
Rich in natural beauty, Thailand's place on the list may garner concern for residents and visitors. Despite being less dramatically affected than countries like Japan and Indonesia, the persistent tremors serve as a reminder of the underlying geological forces at play.
With its location near active tectonic plates, being informed and prepared remains essential for those residing or travelling in Thailand, where the ground is far from still.
Based on a story by The Thaiger
-- 2025-04-03
3 April 03 20251356596 - Thai Cabinet Gives Green Light to Electricity Cost Cut
File photo
In a move to ease financial strain, Thailand's cabinet has greenlit a reduction in electricity charges from 4.15 baht to 3.99 baht per kilowatt-hour. This decision, targeting the billing period from May 1 to August 31, aims to lessen the financial burden on households and businesses.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, announcing the decision, stressed that this cut reflects the cabinet's commitment to aiding consumers without the need for state subsidies.
A final nod, however, is pending from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). The Pheu Thai Party, leading the coalition government, has been a staunch advocate for driving electricity costs below the critical threshold of 4 baht per unit.
Energy regulators, though, find their hands somewhat tied, as a segment of the tariff is earmarked for reimbursing the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) and other entities for past subsidies.
Earlier this year, ERC voiced its readiness to cut charges by 0.17 baht per unit, conditional on the government's reduction in spending for renewable energy investment programmes.
Power tariffs undergo a review every four months, factoring in fluctuating costs such as fuel prices and exchange rates. The ERC's projections for the upcoming period indicated possible rates ranging from 4.15 to 5.16 baht per unit, contingent on reimbursement allocations for Egat.
An interesting backdrop to the decision is an ambitious agenda set by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, aimed at slashing the electricity tariff to approximately 2.70 baht per unit. Details on how this could be achieved remain unclear.
Notably, a considerable hurdle in reducing costs stems from Egat's binding long-term power-purchase agreements, leading to an electricity surplus of around 30%—a figure significantly higher than global norms.
Despite these challenges, the cabinet's current decision underscores a significant policy direction, oriented towards providing immediate consumer relief. The impending announcement from the ERC will solidify the lower rate, pending further strategic deliberations.
Based on a story by Bangkok Post
-- 2025-04-02
1 April 01 20251356477 - Thai Health Ministry Issues Advice for "Earthquake Drunk" Symptoms
Picture of people outside their buildings in Laksi district yesterday courtesy of Bangkok Post
In response to the unusual phenomenon of "earthquake drunk" symptoms affecting residents, Thailand's Ministry of Public Health has introduced expert guidelines to help those feeling unsteady post-quake. Reports of dizziness and disorientation have become common as people's balance systems grapple with seismic after-effects.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukul Prueksanusak shared practical tips for alleviating these symptoms. Breathing slowly and deeply, staying hydrated with water or ginger tea, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine top the list of recommendations. Reducing screen time, focusing on distant objects, and lying down can also help regain equilibrium.
While these symptoms are often short-lived, they can extend for individuals prone to anxiety or migraines. The ministry recommends steering clear of stress-inducing news and considering motion sickness medication for additional relief.
Anukul emphasised the government’s dedication to public well-being, offering reassurances that support is available for those whose daily lives are significantly impacted by stress. Though earthquake drunk isn’t life-threatening on its own, it raises the risk for falls and injuries in unstable environments.
Looking at past earthquakes, such as Japan's Tōhoku disaster in 2011 and the 1995 Kobe earthquake, disorientation delayed evacuations and contributed to poor decision-making, exacerbating risk.
Thai residents are encouraged to seek mental health support through avenues like here2healproject.com for consultations. Persistent symptoms should prompt a call to the emergency helpline at 1669 or the mental health hotline at 1323, ensuring help is always within reach, reported The Thaiger.
-- 2025-04-01
1 April 01 20251356441 - Paetongtarn's asset woes: Scandal plagues PM with new allegations
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra finds herself embroiled in another scandal as allegations surface concerning her spouse’s reported failure to declare all assets.
The controversy centres on the failure to report a hefty 1.6 million baht cash profit from corporate shares sold by husband Pitaka Suksawat. This omission could lead to possible legal actions and has already sparked intense media scrutiny.
The potential fallout could be severe. A formal petition might soon be lodged with the Constitutional Court to impeach Paetongtarn if these allegations hold water.
This echoes the fate of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, who was dethroned due to similar indiscretions. Being the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, her political ties invite additional attention to her administration and its moral standing.
Further complicating matters, Paetongtarn faces questioning over an eye-watering 218 million baht in allegedly evaded tax. This figure relates to 4.4 billion baht in corporate share profits supposedly linked to promissory transactions with her family.
People’s MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn has urged Thailand's Revenue Department to dive deeper, considering accusations of potential tax evasion strategies attributed to her leadership.
As the dust settles, the saga around Paetongtarn’s alleged asset concealments could have larger implications for her political career and public perception.
Whether these charges materialise into formal sanctions remains to be seen, yet the ripple effect has undeniably intensified scrutiny over her and her administration. How this impacts her premiership and future leadership credibility will be closely observed by political analysts and the public alike.
Based on a story by Thai Newsroom
-- 2025-04-01
1 April 01 20251356367
