Politics Thaksin Unveils Vision to Transform Thailand into ASEAN Powerhouse

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Billet de France

 

Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra has returned to the public sphere with a grand plan to position Thailand as a leader in aviation, electric vehicles, and green energy. Describing this as a "golden opportunity" for national transformation, Thaksin outlined strategies that could redefine the country's economic landscape.

 

Central to his proposal is making Thailand the premier aviation hub of ASEAN. Despite Thailand's geographical advantage, he argued that current policies hinder progress. He zeroed in on the Passenger Service Charge (PSC), presently set at 735 baht, significantly lower than Singapore’s 1,500 baht.

 

"Increase it by 100 baht, and Airports of Thailand (AOT) could see an additional 14 billion baht annually," he stated. A rise of 300 baht could generate 40 billion baht, enabling crucial airport upgrades, he suggested.

 

Beyond infrastructure, Thaksin highlighted restrictive policies like airport smoking bans and inadequate transit services as stumbling blocks for travellers. He advocated for increased investment in regional airports such as Chiang Mai and Phuket, and for acquiring assets like Krabi Airport to bolster Thailand’s aviation credentials.

 

However, aviation is just one part of Thaksin's vision. He also emphasised the need for a decisive shift towards electric vehicles and green energy. He urged the government to levy excise taxes on imported cars lacking Thai-made components, thereby boosting local assembly and welcoming foreign partnerships.

 

Citing a Thai-designed electric tuk tuk priced at around 200,000 baht as a benchmark, Thaksin envisioned a future driven by innovative, eco-friendly technology.

 

Thaksin also placed energy at the heart of his digital transformation agenda. He proposed developing solar farms across 1.4 million rai in the northeast, aiming to generate 40,000 MW of clean energy for emerging industries.

 

“Green electricity is the passport to attracting global data centres,” he declared, suggesting that Thailand's power costs could be cut to just 3 baht per unit, thereby transforming the country into a global high-tech hub.

 

His ultimate ambition is a "Green EGAT," featuring HVDC lines supplying constant, low-cost renewable energy to the data centres of tomorrow.

 

Thaksin’s bold proposals, if realised, offer a roadmap for Thailand to redefine its economic stance and assert itself as a formidable regional power, poised to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving global landscape.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-18

 

 

[blaze master]

Who's country is it ? 

[ikke1959]

a hub again.... maybe the best hub is to get rid of the Shin clan....Higher fares he is proposing for PSC, as the 300 THB is on hold now.. but what will the traveler notice to pay more for nothing?? Thailand is not Singapore, look at their airport and compare that with the boring airport of Thailand, besides that the living standards in Singapore are not the same as in Thailand.. He can compare the same fares with Paris too, The man is getting senile, or crrazy.. Time to get rid of this whole family asap

[RethairedJarhead]

30 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra

“Former”…