In a pivotal meeting on March 27, 2025, Prime Minister Phaethongthan Shinawatra presided over a Cabinet meeting that focused on several crucial legislative matters, including a draft law concerning comprehensive entertainment venues and a royal decree aimed at enhancing the powers of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The session was initially scheduled for March 25 but was postponed due to the Prime Minister's participation in a no-confidence debate under Article 151.
The Cabinet's agenda included a variety of significant issues, with particular attention on confidential matters and various legislative proposals. The Ministry of Finance proposed a "secret agenda" regarding amendments to the Securities and Exchange Act, a bill concerning comprehensive entertainment business operations, and a royal decree related to tax exemptions intended to support the commercial use of large electric vehicles.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Commerce presented a proposal aimed at promoting Thai royalty and local products, which is part of a broader strategy to alleviate the cost of living for citizens. This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Education's efforts to enhance vocational education, thereby improving vocational skills and generating income for students.
Among the notable proposals was the SEC's draft amendment, which seeks to empower its officials with investigative authority, allowing them to conduct inquiries into certain market misconducts without relying solely on police action. This new measure, termed "supervision and examination by officials," is designed to streamline the SEC's ability to address issues like insider trading and market manipulation.
According to reports, the SEC has expressed concerns that the current lack of direct investigative authority has hindered its effectiveness in gathering evidence and conducting thorough audits. The proposed legislation aims to rectify these shortcomings by granting SEC officials the power to investigate specific offenses directly, enhancing the agency's overall efficiency.
Additionally, the Ministry of Commerce's proposal to establish a committee overseeing state enterprises aims to facilitate better management of state budgets and resources. This move is seen as a necessary step to improve governance and accountability within state enterprises.
The Cabinet also reviewed several other proposals, including a draft national cultural master plan for 2023-2027 and a recommendation to UNESCO for the inclusion of the "Loy Krathong" festival in Thailand as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. These initiatives reflect the government's commitment to cultural preservation and promotion.
In a related development, the national electric vehicle policy committee presented its resolutions from its recent meeting, highlighting the government's focus on sustainable transportation solutions. The committee's recommendations are expected to play a crucial role in shaping Thailand's automotive industry and reducing carbon emissions.
Moreover, the Ministry of Public Health sought approval for budget extensions to support the construction of a new outpatient and emergency building at Trang Hospital. This project aims to enhance healthcare services in the region, addressing the growing demand for medical facilities.
The Ministry of Culture also introduced a draft bill on film regulation, emphasizing the need for updated legislation to reflect the evolving media landscape. This proposal aims to support the film industry while ensuring that cultural values are upheld.
As the Cabinet meeting concluded, the Prime Minister reiterated the importance of these legislative efforts in promoting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for Thai citizens. The government's proactive approach in addressing these issues reflects a commitment to fostering a more sustainable and equitable society.
With these developments, Thailand's government is positioning itself to navigate the complexities of modern governance, balancing economic growth with social responsibility. The proposals discussed in this Cabinet meeting are expected to be presented to the National Assembly for further deliberation and approval in the coming weeks.
