Thailand Fast-Tracks Overhaul of 100+ Laws to Boost Competition

Deputy Prime Minister Pokphand Nilpraphan has revealed progress on legislative reforms aimed at enhancing Thailand's competitive capacity. The government is currently collaborating with three major private sector institutions through a public-private committee to identify laws that hinder business operations. The private sector has proposed approximately 100 laws for amendment, with most suggestions coming from the Federation of Thai Industries and Thai Chamber of Commerce. Rather than developing a comprehensive masterplan—which would be time-consuming and slow to adapt—the government is requesting that the private sector clearly specify which laws are problematic and which phrases require revision. Once draft amendments are finalized, they will immediately be opened for stakeholder feedback before being submitted to the Cabinet for approval and assignment to relevant agencies.

The government will prioritize law reforms according to the "7 Leading Thailand" strategy, particularly focusing on industries that directly impact competitiveness, such as tourism and manufacturing. Business representatives have emphasized that high operating costs make Thailand increasingly uncompetitive against other nations. Pokphand noted that while initially estimated to take two months, significant progress has already been made, with clearer outcomes expected within another one to two months. However, he cautioned that competitiveness challenges extend beyond legal frameworks; structural costs—particularly high energy prices—also require simultaneous attention alongside legislative reforms.