“Jai yen yen” does not work now : ex-JFCCT chairman

14 Sept 07:45 Key points summarised by AI

Former JFCCT chairman Stanley Kang asserts Thailand's traditional "Jai yen yen" (calm down) approach is no longer effective for regional competitiveness, urging immediate government action on digitalization, AI, and smart manufacturing.
Kang criticizes the proposed minimum wage hike, advocating instead for policies focused on reskilling the workforce, accelerating digital transformation, and streamlining regulations to enhance national competitiveness.
He emphasizes the need for long-term strategies to prepare Thailand for the digital era, urging support for SMEs through technology and deregulation, and calling for Thailand to offer efficiency and skilled labor for new investments.
To counter challenges like potential tariffs and cheap imports, Kang advises strengthening supply chains with ESG principles and adding value to Thai products through digitalization and innovation.

Nationwide crackdown launched on illegal nominee shareholders and land holdings

Yesterday 15:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal Thai nominee shareholders in foreign-run businesses and land holdings to safeguard national interests.
The government will integrate efforts across all relevant agencies to target illicit foreign operations, forced sales of illegally acquired property, and high-risk land ownership schemes.
Key strategies include auditing suspect land and building holdings, establishing a long-term monitoring system, and cross-referencing data from various authorities to trace ultimate beneficial owners.
Prime Minister Anutin emphasized that no influential figures or corrupt officials are above the law, promising straightforward prosecution, asset seizures, and protection for enforcing officers.
Beyond land ownership, the integrated crackdown will also extend to tackle transnational crimes, including drug and human trafficking.