Thailand Overhauls 100+ Laws to Boost Business Competitiveness

Bangkok — Thailand's government is reviewing more than 100 laws identified by the private sector as obstacles to doing business, with the aim of cutting costs and improving the country's competitiveness, Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs Pakorn Nilprapunt said.

Pakorn said the government had begun working with the private sector's three main institutions through the Joint Public-Private Sector Consultative Committee to review laws and regulations that hinder business operations.

The latest proposals from the private sector involve more than 100 laws, with most recommendations coming from the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

The proposals will first be grouped and prioritised to identify which laws have the greatest impact on the economy and national competitiveness, he said.

Pakorn said the government would not create a large-scale master plan, which could take too long and risk falling behind changing circumstances.

Instead, private-sector groups have been asked to clearly identify what is wrong with each law and which specific wording needs to be amended. Once clear draft amendments are prepared, the government will immediately seek feedback from relevant stakeholders.

After consultations and agreement are reached, the principles will be submitted to the Cabinet, which will assign the relevant agencies to amend the laws through the established process.

The government will prioritise measures that can be implemented quickly and deliver tangible benefits to businesses.

The legal reforms will be prioritised under the government's seven Leading Thailand strategies, particularly sectors that directly affect the country's competitiveness, including tourism and industry.

Private businesses have repeatedly warned that Thailand will struggle to compete with other countries if operating costs remain high.

Pakorn said his team had already held preliminary discussions with the private sector to determine which proposals would be beneficial and practical.

A system has also been developed to allow private-sector representatives to submit issues and track progress on each proposal, he said.

However, Pakorn stressed that competitiveness was not solely a legal issue. Structural costs, particularly high energy prices, also remain a major burden for businesses across the economy.

"Even if we reform the laws, it may not be enough if these issues are not addressed at the same time," he said.

Pakorn said the government initially expected the process to take around two months but had already made significant progress.

"We expect to have a clearer picture within the next one to two months. We have to move quickly because time is running out, the government's term is moving fast, and the country needs tangible change," he said.