The Office of Fiscal Policy, headed by Winit Wisetsuwannaphum, revealed that Thailand's economic and fiscal conditions in March 2025 are being supported by continuous export growth marking the 21st consecutive month of expansion, coinciding with improved private consumption in durable goods, though the tourism sector has slowed from the previous month. Authorities are monitoring oil prices and geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, which could impact Thai manufacturing supply chains.

Private consumption indicators show improvement compared to the same period last year, particularly in durable goods consumption. New car registrations increased 16.6% year-on-year and 17.5% month-on-month after seasonal adjustment, while motorcycle registrations rose 6.8% year-on-year and 2.0% month-on-month after seasonal adjustment. However, consumer confidence declined to 51.8 from 53.7 the previous month, pressured by concerns over geopolitical tensions, particularly between the US, Israel, and Iran, as well as rising global oil prices that threaten household living costs. Farmers' real income fell by 4.1%.

Private investment indicators improved from the previous month, with private sector investment in machinery and equipment reflected in capital goods imports increasing 23.2% year-on-year and 0.6% month-on-month after seasonal adjustment.

Export values expanded year-on-year, reaching $35,157.1 million in March, marking the 21st consecutive month of growth at 18.7%. Excluding oil and gold-related products, exports grew 19.3%, driven by electronics expanding 43.8%, minerals and fuels up 26.6%, and electrical appliances up 14.3%. By market, exports to India surged 140.6%, Australia grew 56.2%, the US expanded 41.9%, and ASEAN (5) increased 25.0%, though Middle Eastern markets declined 57.1% and China fell 1.1%.

On the supply side, tourism from foreign visitors grew at a decelerating rate, with 2.78 million international arrivals, up 2.0% year-on-year but down 5.2% month-on-month after seasonal adjustment. Domestic tourism recorded 22.6 million visitors, increasing 0.4% year-on-year but declining 1.6% month-on-month after seasonal adjustment. The agricultural sector, reflected in the agricultural output index, expanded 0.8% year-on-year and 1.2% month-on-month after seasonal adjustment, driven by increases in rubber, corn, palm oil, and fruit production, though rice and cassava output fell.

Scientists have long debated whether Thailand's black chin tilapia outbreak originated from a single source, and new DNA research from Chulalongkorn University's Department of Marine Science and Aquatic Resources Research Institute has provided definitive answers. Research published in the international journal Aquaculture Reports analyzed fish samples from every Thai province and compared their genetic profiles with West African origins, revealing 19 different genetic patterns—with three dominant patterns appearing in Samut Songkhram, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Surat Thani provinces.

The genetic diversity strongly indicates multiple separate importations. Fish from Samut Songkhram matched at least two countries including Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, while Surat Thani fish were genetically closest to specimens from Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi fish showed yet different genetic signatures. The research confirmed that at least two genetic codes don't match fish from Samut Songkhram, meaning the province likely isn't the sole source of the national outbreak.

Human activity has clearly accelerated the spread, as genetically identical fish from Samut Songkhram have been found in distant provinces including Trat, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Southern Thailand locations like Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Songkhla—distances impossible for natural fish migration. Beyond the legally permitted 2010 research importation, scientific evidence now confirms multiple illegal smuggling operations brought the fish into Thailand at different times. Key questions remain unanswered: who conducted these illegal imports, how many times did it occur, and what connections exist to the growing ornamental fish export business that shipped fish to 17 countries before the severe outbreak in 2017?

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Suthermpanth revealed that she presided as witness to the MOU signing ceremony on April 29 to prevent and suppress the use of Thai nationals as nominees (Nominee). The ceremony was attended by Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiyachon Chidchob, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Panyacharoen, and Public Health Minister Pattana Promphant at the Santitham Building, Government House. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul assigned Supachee as witness to the MOU signing, executed under the concept of "erasing economic divisions and defeating nominees." This marks a significant moment in Thai history as 23 public and private organizations committed to establishing mechanisms for monitoring, prevention, prosecution, and legal action against those engaged in nominee schemes and money laundering. The MOU signing today is not merely symbolic but a joint declaration of intent to safeguard the nation's economy.

"Nominees and shell companies have long been problems causing severe damage to security, society, commerce, and investment dimensions," Supachee stated. The MOU aims to "create opportunities for Thai people" and "reduce inequality" through three primary missions: 1) Integrating databases by linking financial trails, land and property ownership across public and private agencies systematically; 2) Creating surveillance mechanisms to jointly prevent, suppress, and prosecute offenders seriously and thoroughly, eliminating patterns of arrest avoidance or case dismissals; 3) Building confidence among Thai and international citizens that Thailand seriously suppresses wrongdoing while supporting legitimate businesses, encouraging honest entrepreneurs to thrive while the state stands ready to eliminate unscrupulous operators using strict legal enforcement. This mechanism will establish credibility for the investment sector and provide a foundation for foreign investors to choose Thailand as their investment base, transforming incorrect trade and investment practices into correct ones, and converting concealment into transparency.

Supachee emphasized that the mission requires cooperation from all 23 organizations including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, National Police Office, Anti-Money Laundering Office, Bank of Thailand, Board of Investment, Internal Security Command, Department of Business Development, Revenue Department, Customs Department, Special Investigation Bureau, Department of Land, Department of Tourism, Department of Employment, Department of Industrial Works, Department of National Parks, Department of Agricultural Extension, Office of the Trade Competition Commission, Office of the Food and Drug Administration, and the Industrial Product Standards Office.

Kulaya Tantitamit has submitted her resignation as Commissioner of the Revenue Department, effective May 1, denying reports of Bank of Thailand or monetary policy committee appointments while discussing her post-retirement plans.

On April 29, Ms. Kulaya revealed that she has decided to submit her resignation from government service, which has been approved by the Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary, taking effect from May 1. She has also resigned from all board positions, including Thai Airways Public Company Limited, SCB Ex Public Company Limited (SCBX), and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB).

Ms. Kulaya described her decision as a conscious choice to rest after dedicating herself to hard work for many years, characterizing it as early retirement (early retirement) while approximately 54 years old.

"Life still has many other aspects to explore, and I want to take time to rest before embarking on new endeavors," Ms. Kulaya said.

She stated that she has no intention of returning to full-time work in the future, preferring to focus on other life priorities, but plans instead to serve as director or consultant for various private sector organizations.

Ms. Kulaya denied reports about taking a position with the Bank of Thailand or serving on the monetary policy committee, which had been circulated earlier.

Reports indicate that Deputy Revenue Commissioner Phanuwat Luangwilai is expected to assume acting commissioner duties following Ms. Kulaya's departure. Policy circles anticipate a new permanent commissioner will be appointed soon to carry forward important initiatives, as significant matters still require handover to new leadership, particularly items for Cabinet submission such as revenue collection, tax reduction measures, and withholding tax issues related to e-Withholding Tax, as well as foundation-related matters.

It was reported that on April 3, Ms. Kulaya had previously submitted a resignation letter, but it was held back by Lawaron Saengsnit, Permanent Secretary of the Finance Ministry, who asked her to reconsider. She has now resubmitted her resignation.

Daily headaches aside, many have previously confused singer Petch Saharat's appearance with Ben Chalalatith. For soft-voiced singer Win Vekin Simavora, owner of the touching song "Not Number One," who recently stepped back from performing to guest on MV TV's drama "Golden Branch Changes Color (2)," a surprise has left him utterly bewildered when a netizen commented with harsh accusations about singing in Cambodia and changing careers.

The singer had to quickly step forward to clarify, as it appeared the commenter had made a serious case of mistaken identity—apparently confusing Win with "Tao Un," a Cambodian boy band member who had previously caused controversy.

Win Vekin revealed that while shocked by the harsh message, upon reflection he realized it was a misunderstanding. He wanted to clarify to the public that he is 100% a Thai singer, not a Cambodian artist as accused. "I'd appreciate if you'd compare photos carefully—we're completely different people. Please don't jump to conclusions like that. But I'm still grateful that you took the time to comment on my work."

Nong Nooch Pattaya, led by President Kampon Tansatcha, is extending a special Labour Day promotion to thank tourists and workers with a chance to relax and rejuvenate in a beautiful natural setting. From May 1-4, 2025, Thai walk-in visitors born in May will enjoy free entry to celebrate their birthday month during the extended holiday period, perfect for families and friend groups seeking a memorable getaway.

The event features an array of entertainment including live musical performances, elegant Thai cultural shows, and the popular elephant performance that brings smiles to guests of all ages. Nong Nooch Pattaya welcomes visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and offers an ideal destination for creating cherished holiday memories. For more information, visit www.nongnoochpattaya.com