PM Anutin urged to expedite ratification of non-EU European FTA

13 Sept 08:31 Key points summarised by AI

The Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce (JFCCT) urges PM Anutin Charnvirakul to expedite the ratification of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, to boost mutual trade, stressing Thailand must ratify first.
JFCCT also calls on the Thai government to simplify complex business and trade laws through a 'regulatory guillotine' and enhance digitalization to attract future investment.
Thailand is advised to adopt a more proactive approach in concluding its FTA with the EU, noting that ASEAN peers like Indonesia have already finalized their agreements.
The vice chair emphasizes the critical importance of providing liquidity and easier access to soft loans for Thai SMEs, which are vulnerable amid regional competition and supply chain disruptions.

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.