The Thai government is likely to shelve a plan to allow foreigners to own land for housing after the proposal drew fierce criticism. (Photo: thaipbsworld)
Bangkok (VNA) – The Thai government is likely to shelve a planto allow foreigners to own land for housing after the proposal drewfierce criticism.
Chayawut Chanthorn, Director of the Departmentof Land, said that Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon hadapproved the withdrawal of the Interior Ministry's draft regulation on landownership by foreigners.
The draft regulation, which was approved inprinciple by the cabinet in October, allows four groups of well-to-doforeigners with a long-term resident visa to buy up to one rai of land forresidential purposes, if they invest at least 40 million baht (over 1 million USD) in the countryfor at least three years.
However, the policy, which is aimed at attractingmore foreign investments to the country, has drawn flak from critics who are concerned about manyconsequences, especially the risk of property speculation.
Chayawut said the Ministry of Interior submitteda petition to Prawit last week seeking to withdraw the proposal, and that Prawit endorsed the request on November 7 before it was forwarded to thecabinet's secretariat.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy MinisterSupattanapong Punmeechaow said if the public disagrees withthe policy, the government will listen to their concerns./.
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Vietnam’s pavilion notably displayed traditional crafts from the centuries-old lacquerware village of Ha Thai and Chu Dau ceramics. The atmosphere was further enriched by delegations wearing their countries’ traditional costumes, including the elegant ao dai and the graceful ao tu than of Vietnamese women.
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Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
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Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
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The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
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Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
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Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The Thai government is likely to shelve a plan to allow foreigners to own land for housing after the proposal drew fierce criticism. (Photo: thaipbsworld) 
