Srettha Thavisin

Srettha Thavisin (Thai: เศรษฐา ทวีสิน, Settha Thawisin, Thai pronunciation: [sèːt.tʰǎː tʰā.wīː.sǐn] ; born 15 February 1962), nicknamed Nid (Thai: นิด, Nit, pronounced [nít]), is a Thai businessman and politician serving as the prime minister of Thailand since 22 August 2023. He was previously the chief executive and president of Sansiri.

Srettha, originally from Bangkok, pursued a degree in Civil Engineering after high school. He furthered his education in the United States, where he obtained Master's degree in business administration. Following his academic pursuits, he embarked on a professional journey that started with a four-year tenure as an assistant product manager. In 1998, he co-founded Sansiri, a venture that propelled him to become a billionaire and a leading real estate tycoon in his country. Under his leadership, Sansiri experienced growth, even during challenging periods such as the pandemic. This growth phase of his business career came to a close when he decided to transition into politics, a move that involved transferring all his shares in the company. This decision marked a significant shift from his business endeavors to a focus on political engagement.

Prior to the 2014 coup, Srettha had connections with two Thai Prime Ministers from the Shinawatra family. In late 2022, he announced his intention to join the Pheu Thai Party and was subsequently considered one of its prime ministerial candidates. He played a pivotal role in leading the party to form a coalition government, following an unsuccessful attempt by the Move Forward Party. Consequently, the parliament elected him as the Prime Minister. Notably, his coalition government included two parties that were linked to the coup in 2014.

Srettha's tenure as Prime Minister has encompassed a range of domestic and international initiatives. On the domestic front, his administration has prioritized agricultural productivity, stimulating economic recovery, developing infrastructure, revitalizing tourism, education reforms, and implementing a digital wallet scheme that has sparked debate. Additionally, the government has actively engaged in the electric vehicle sector, the regulation of cannabis, and gun control measures. In the realm of international relations, Srettha's approach has been proactive in attracting foreign investments. This includes exploratory discussions with prominent business figures like Elon Musk regarding Tesla's potential involvement in Thailand's electric vehicle industry. His foreign policy strategy also involves navigating Thailand's stance in global conflicts and actively participating in international platforms such as the United Nations Human Rights Council. Under his leadership, Thailand has demonstrated a dedication to sustainable development and addressing climate change challenges. During his premiership, he was criticised by media and the opposition as a "puppet prime minister", under the control of the power behind the throne such as Thaksin Shinawatra, the military, and Pheu Thai Party.

Srettha Thavisin, born on February 15, 1962, in Bangkok, Thailand, is the son of Captain Amnuay Thavisin and Chodchoi Jutrakul. His family's lineage connects to five notable Thai Chinese business dynasties: Yip in Tsoi, Chakkapak, Jutrakul, Lamsam, and Buranasiri. Srettha's educational journey began at the Prasarnmit Demonstration School of Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok. Pursuing higher education, he first obtained a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Chulalongkorn University, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He further advanced his academic credentials by earning a Master of Business Administration, specializing in Finance, from Claremont Graduate University.

Srettha began his professional journey at Procter & Gamble as an assistant product manager, a role he held for four years after graduating from Claremont Graduate University in 1986. His entrepreneurial venture took off in 1988 when he co-founded Sansiri, which emerged as one of Thailand's premier real estate developers. His leadership steered the company to successfully develop over 400 residential projects.

The year 2013 marked a notable event in Thailand's economic development with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra inaugurating the Thailand 2020: Thailand’s New Step to the World Expo at the Chaeng Watthana government complex on March 12. The expo showcased the government's proposed investments totaling 2 trillion baht. Srettha, having inspected a nearby residential project, visited the expo and recommended his Sansiri colleagues to do the same, recognising its potential influence on the real estate sector. Despite public concerns about the project's financing and potential debt implications, Srettha expressed his support. In early 2019, he wrote favourably about the 2020 Expo, which paralleled his advocacy for a digital wallet scheme during his tenure as Prime Minister.

Srettha's leadership at Sansiri contributed to the company's growth even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, notable developments included his acquisition of a land parcel at the corner of Sarasin road near Lumphini Park in Bangkok. This purchase, costing ฿3.9 million per square wah (approximately 4m²), stands as one of the most expensive land purchases in Thai history. Additionally, in the same year, Srettha acquired a 15% stake in XSpring Capital Public Company Limited.

Due to regulations in Thai electoral laws prohibiting elected officials from owning or holding shares in companies, Srettha transferred all his shares to his daughter, Chanada Thavisin, on 8 March 2023. This transfer included his shares in Sansiri, representing 4.4% of the company.

In a separate development on August 17, 2023, Chuwit Kamolvisit filed a complaint with the deputy commissioner-general of police, Surachate Hakparn, seeking an investigation into Srettha's 2019 land purchase in Bangkok. Chuwit accused Srettha and Sansiri of tax evasion. In response to these allegations, Srettha filed a defamation lawsuit for ฿500 million against Chuwit, specifically regarding comments made during a press conference on 3 August.

Srettha maintained political connections with Thaksin Shinawatra and Yingluck Shinawatra, who have both served as Prime Ministers of Thailand. In the 2023 Thai general election, he was amongst the prime ministerial candidates for the Pheu Thai Party. The other candidates from the party included Thaksin's youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former Attorney General of Thailand.

The 2013–2014 Thai political crisis was a period of significant political unrest in Thailand. During this time, Srettha expressed opposition to the People's Democratic Reform Committee. Following the 2014 coup, he complied with a summons from the National Council for Peace and Order, reporting to the Royal Thai Army auditorium.

2023 election

In November 2022, Srettha announced his intention to join the Pheu Thai Party. During the 2023 Thai general elections, he was named one of the party's three prime ministerial candidates on April 5, 2023. Throughout the campaign, polls frequently showed him trailing behind Paetongtarn in the race for the preferred prime ministerial choice. Srettha launched his campaign in Bangkok's Khlong Toei district and delivered his inaugural campaign speech in Phichit province. Later, during a speech in Loei province in mid-April, he stated that Pheu Thai would not consider forming a coalition with Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation, citing their roles in the 2014 coup.

Following the election on 14 May, Pheu Thai emerged as the party with the second-highest number of seats, trailing behind the Move Forward Party. The party then formed a coalition with Move Forward and six other parties. However, in the first round of parliamentary voting on 13 July, Pita Limjaroenrat failed to secure enough votes. Subsequently, Pita's second nomination for prime minister was blocked on 19 July on procedural grounds.

After Move Forward failed to form a government, Pheu Thai was given the opportunity to attempt to lead the formation. This coalition initially only excluded the Move Forward Party, but underwent expansion on 7 August to include the Bhumjaithai Party. In a notable shift from their earlier election stance, the coalition further expanded to incorporate the Palang Pracharath Party and United Thai Nation Party. Srettha described this expansion, which contradicted earlier election promises, as a necessary strategic move.

Subsequently, the Constitutional Court dismissed a petition by the ombudsman questioning the constitutionality of Parliament's rejection of Pita Limjaroenrat. A new round of parliamentary voting was scheduled for August 22. During this session, Srettha delivered a speech to Parliament, outlining his vision and goals should he become Prime Minister, and also responded to questions from MPs and senators. His candidacy received support from Thaksin Shinawatra.

Srettha was elected as the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand, following a nomination by the Pheu Thai Party. In a special joint sitting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, he secured 482 votes out of 728.

Government formation

Srettha was elected as Thailand's next Prime Minister by a joint sitting of parliament on 22 August 2023. His immediate responsibilities included the formation of a cabinet and the presentation of his policies for the forthcoming four years to parliament. The following day, King Vajiralongkorn officially appointed Srettha as the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand.After the appointment, Srettha delivered his inaugural address as Prime Minister.

On 5 September, Srettha was sworn in as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance by the King. The ceremony took place at the Amphon Sathan Residential Hall in Dusit Palace, Bangkok. The new cabinet formed by Srettha is composed of 34 ministers representing six parties within the governing coalition. This includes several ministers who had served under the previous administration of Prayut Chan-o-cha. Following the swearing-in ceremony, Srettha affirmed his commitment to commencing work with his cabinet immediately.

Domestic affairs

On 8 September, Srettha undertook visits to the northeastern provinces of Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai. These provinces are known strongholds of support for the Pheu Thai Party. Accompanied by several ministers, his visit mirrored the approach previously taken by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. During his tour, Srettha engaged in discussions with local residents to address regional issues.

In Khon Kaen, his visit included the Ubol Ratana Dam, a site experiencing drought conditions. Srettha communicated to the media that agriculture was a key priority for his government, emphasising plans to enhance agricultural productivity in the region, with a specific goal of increasing farmers' yields by 50%. In Nong Khai, his discussions centered on shipping relations between Thailand and China.

Economy

On 11 September, Srettha presented the cabinet's policy statement to Parliament. The statement outlined the government's strategies to address national issues, focusing on the economic sector. Despite high expectations from various economic, labour, and business groups, the statement faced critical analysis from opposition parties and media outlets. Sirikanya Tansakun, deputy leader and chief economist of the Move Forward Party, criticised the policy for its perceived lack of specificity and actionable goals. Sirikanya remarked on the absence of clear indicators and timeframes, comparing it to an earlier draft version that was leaked, and expressing concern over its potential effectiveness in guiding the country's economic direction.

In 2023, Thailand's economy was in a phase of gradual recovery, but it didn't meet anticipated targets. Srettha described the economy as being in a "crisis." He highlighted that the highest interest rates in a decade were detrimental to businesses and advocated for the Bank of Thailand to reduce these rates.

Contrastingly, the Governor of the Bank of Thailand held a different view. He disagreed with the characterisation of the economic state as a crisis. Furthermore, he expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the government's short-term stimulus measures. He argued that these measures would not address the underlying economic challenges, emphasising that structural issues were the main impediments to growth.

Srettha advocated for a 25-basis point interest rate cut from the BoT's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). However, the MPC, in a 5-2 decision, maintained the one-day repurchase rate at 2.50%, the highest in over a decade. The central bank attributed the decision to slower-than-expected economic growth, emphasising reliance on domestic demand. Structural impediments, particularly declining competitiveness, were identified as factors hampering growth. The BoT acknowledged lower-than-forecast headline inflation, mainly concentrated in sectors like food and energy, while assuring it wasn't indicative of low demand. Despite Srettha's disagreement, he advocated for collaborative fiscal and monetary policies, emphasising his lack of authority to interfere with the central bank's decisions. BoT senior officers expressed readiness to cut rates if a significant decline in consumption occurs.

Infrastructure

The government has shown renewed interest in enhancing transportation through the Strait of Malacca via the Kra Isthmus. The concept of constructing a canal in what is now known as Thailand can be traced back to 1677. It was during this time that King Narai the Great proposed the idea of creating a maritime silk road. The administration's plan involves the development of a land bridge, which includes constructing deep-sea ports in Chumphon and Ranong, linked by rail and road networks. The project, with an estimated cost of ฿1 trillion, forms part of the Southern Economic Corridor. It is designed to be completed in two phases, with the first phase expected to conclude around 2030 and the second by 2039. Upon completion, the project aims to facilitate the handling of up to 20 million cargo containers annually.

This infrastructure project received cabinet approval on 16 October. During his subsequent visits to the United States for the APEC summit and the 2023 Belt and Road Forum, Prime Minister Srettha sought investment from both American and Chinese entities to support the development.

The land bridge project elicited significant concerns and criticism from the local population. Srettha acknowledged that the government's communication with international investors about the project's economic potential could have been more effective. He also noted that the government had not succeeded in gaining the trust of the Thai people regarding this ambitious project, highlighting a disconnect between the project's intentions and public perception.

Tourism

Srettha has been actively working on revitalising Thailand's tourism sector. On 25 September, tourists from China and Kazakhstan were exempt from tourist visas, aligning this policy change with the Golden Week and Chinese New Year holidays. Together with the Chinese ambassador, Han Zhiqiang, Srettha welcomed the first flight from Shanghai to Suvarnabhumi Airport since the implementation of this exemption. This visa exemption policy is planned to remain in effect until 29 February 2024 for Kazakhs. For Chinese tourists the visa exemption will be extended, as both Thailand and China have signed a visa exemption agreement which will take effect on 4 March 2024. The tourism sector faced a setback following a shooting incident at Siam Paragon, leading to a decline in confidence among Chinese tourists. Government spokeswoman Chai Wacharonke reported that although 650,000 Chinese visitors had initially registered to visit Thailand, the number decreased to 590,000 in the aftermath of the incident.

On 17 October, the cabinet approved an extension of the visa-free stay for Russian tourists from 30 to 90 days. This decision was timed with the onset of the Russian winter season and coincided with the peak tourism period in Thailand. Russia ranks as the fifth highest in terms of visitor numbers to Thailand, and the highest from Europe. The extended visa policy for Russians is set to begin in November and last until April 2024. This extension was announced in conjunction with a meeting between Srettha and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Further extending Thailand's visa exemption policy, Indian and Taiwanese travelers were also granted visa-free entry from 10 November 2023 to 10 May 2024. India is the fourth largest source of tourists to Thailand.

As a culmination of these visa exemptions and the gradual opening of borders post-pandemic, flight arrivals for the high season had recovered to more than 80% of the levels seen in 2019.

On 16 February at the iBusiness Forum in Bangkok, Srettha was informed by the Anschutz Entertainment Group that the reason Taylor Swift wasn't going to perform in Thailand was because of a deal with Singapore where she wouldn't do any Eras Tour concert in ASEAN except in Singapore. In response, he has pledged to support making Thailand a regional hub for concerts.

Strengthening the Thai passport

Srettha has prioritised strengthening the Thai passport, ranked 52nd most powerful by The Passport Index in 2024. In discussions with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo in Switzerland, he explored the potential for easier entry to Europe for Thai passport holders. During German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's January 2024 visit to Thailand, Srettha appealed for support in securing visa exemptions for Thai passport holders from Schengen area member states. Additionally, Thailand aims to extend the current 30-day visa exemptions for Schengen nations. On 14 February, Australian Governor-General David Hurley agreed to consider the possibility of a mutual visa exemption scheme between Thailand and Australia during his visit.

To gain leverage in negotiation, Thailand is planning to collaborate with Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia to hold talks with the European Union (EU).

Digital wallet scheme

In the lead-up to the 2023 election, the Pheu Thai party campaigned for a digital wallet initiative. This plan, aimed at Thai citizens over 16 years of age, involved distributing a government-funded handout of ฿10,000 per individual. The stipulation was that the funds must be spent within a 4 km radius of the recipient's address and within six months. To encompass the 54.8 million eligible citizens, the proposal would require an allocation of ฿560 billion from the government. Srettha, following his election, has maintained support for this policy and acknowledged its controversy. Pheu Thai has described the initiative as vital for jumpstarting the Thai economy, with a commitment from Srettha's government to consider public feedback on the policy.

Concerns have been raised by various economic experts, including those from the Bank of Thailand. These criticisms focus on the potential long-term consequences for Thailand's economic future. Korn Chatikavanij, a former Finance Minister under Abhisit Vejjajiva's administration during the Great Recession, has also expressed skepticism about the plan, particularly noting its lack of specific details.

An ad-hoc committee has been established to flesh out the scheme. During a visit to Phitsanulok province on 15 October 2023, Srettha announced the intention to start implementing this scheme in February 2024. However, the launch of the digital wallet scheme was postponed to May 2024. Since September, Srettha had been advocating for a reduction in electricity and fuel costs within his cabinet.

In terms of public reception, a survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) indicated mixed responses. As of October 2023, the survey showed that the efforts of the Prime Minister's cabinet had "somewhat satisfied" 55% of respondents, while 40% expressed dissatisfaction.

On 10 November 2023, Srettha announced plans to borrow ฿500 billion to support the digital wallet scheme. This decision marked a significant shift from the government's initial strategy, which involved funding the program through the annual budget or loans from the Government Savings Bank. The announcement was met with widespread criticism, highlighting a departure from previously stated financial approaches.

In January 2024, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat indicated that the implementation of the scheme might be postponed beyond May. Despite ongoing skepticism about the program, Srettha maintained that the government had sufficient data to demonstrate the program's effectiveness and value. Srettha had expressed his intention to expedite discussions with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.

Electric vehicle industry

On 21 September 2023, Srettha engaged in discussions with Elon Musk about potential Tesla investments in the Thai electric vehicle industry. This meeting was part of Srettha's broader strategy to attract larger investments from companies like Tesla to bolster Thailand's electric vehicle sector. Srettha plans to continue these discussions in November. Additionally, following a visit to Malaysia on 11 October, Srettha indicated that Proton along with its Chinese partner Geely, were considering the establishment of electric vehicle plants in Thailand. Additionally, Thailand was collaborating with Toyota to jointly develop the domestic electric vehicle industry.

Since the beginning of the Srettha government, the electric vehicle market in Thailand has experienced significant growth. This progress led to the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) setting up its regional automaking hub in Thailand. Additionally, in January 2024, Thailand identified two major lithium deposits in Phang Nga with a high concentration of lithium. Experts from Chulalongkorn University have assessed that the average lithium content in these deposits, approximately 0.4%, is higher than similar deposits found globally. Nevertheless, there has been some debate among scientists and government officials regarding the potential impact of this discovery, particularly due to variations between the types of mineral resources present, including lepidolite, a lithium-containing mineral, and the actual lithium content in these deposits.

Cannabis

Srettha has indicated a shift in the government's policy on cannabis, proposing to restrict its use solely to medical purposes. This approach marks a change from the previous policy under Prayut Chan-o-cha, who decriminalised cannabis on 9 June 2022. In the 2023 election campaign, Pheu Thai ran on an anti-drug platform. In a September 2023 interview with Bloomberg in New York, Srettha expressed his government's intention to overhaul the existing cannabis policy, including the regulation of dispensaries, within a six-month timeframe.

Bhumjaithai proposed legislation for stricter monitoring of the cannabis industry. However, this proposal stops short of reclassifying cannabis as a drug. Srettha has acknowledged that there is a consensus within the coalition on the need to revise the cannabis policy.

In January 2024, following the failure of a previous draft bill in November, the health ministry introduced a new draft bill focusing on restricting cannabis and its products exclusively for medical and health purposes. This proposal includes provisions for substantial fines and prison sentences of up to one year for violations. Srettha has committed to amending cannabis laws, consistently expressing opposition to recreational cannabis use due to concerns about drug abuse. Although marijuana consumption remained illegal after its decriminalisation in 2022, this new bill seeks to further limit advertising and marketing of cannabis products.

Former Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a proponent of legalisation in the previous government, stated that the original intent of legalisation was never to permit public recreational use. The shift in policy direction has led to disappointment among those advocating for broader cannabis legislation, raising questions about the economic implications and the future of businesses in the cannabis industry.

Guns

In response to the shooting incident at Siam Paragon in Bangkok on 3 October, Srettha observed a minute of silence at the same location on the following day. During this event, he emphasised the importance of prevention, stating, "Let this be the only time this happens. My government insists we will give priority to preventive measures." Srettha contacted the Chinese ambassador to assure him of the enhanced safety measures for tourists, before contacting other ambassadors of the home countries of the victims who died in the shooting.

Following these events, a comprehensive national crackdown was undertaken. By 12 October, this operation resulted in the seizure of over 2,000 illegal firearms, approximately 75,000 rounds of ammunition, and led to 1,593 arrests. Additionally, the Interior Minister suspended the trade and importation of firearms, including suspending the issuance of new firearm permits.

Military

On 30 October 2023, the Minister of Defence, Sutin Klungsang, announced plans to lift the emergency decree in the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. This decree, in place since 2005, was originally implemented due to a separatist insurgency in these regions.

Regarding Thailand's military procurement, there have been ongoing discussions since 2017 under the administration of Prayut Chan-o-cha to purchase a Yuan-class submarine from China. However, complications arose when Germany was unable to export the engines intended for use in these submarines, forcing Thailand to consider alternative options. As a result, the focus shifted to acquiring a frigate. Sutin clarified that the submarine deal has not been cancelled but is currently on hold.

Srettha once answered a question from the press regarding the military reformation policy of the Pheu Thai party, saying that he did not want to call it "reform" but a "joint development" between the civilian leadership and the military.

Following the sinking of the Thai corvette HTMS Sukhothai on 18 December 2022, the Joint United States Military Advisory Group Thailand (JUSMAGTHAI) reached out to the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to express its concerns. However, there was no response from Thailand to this communication. On December 1 of the same year, JUSMAGTHAI sent a second letter in response to reports that a Thai contractor, who was collaborating with China, had been chosen to salvage the vessel. Despite the bid from the winning company still awaiting approval, RTN Chief Admiral Adung Phan-iam expressed concerns about potential delays beyond April if the U.S. became involved. In response to two warnings from the U.S., and in an effort to comply with their agreement, the RTN cancelled the tender that was to be awarded to a firm using equipment from China.

The salvage operation for the corvette was scheduled to take place during the Cobra Gold 2024 event, which was held from 27 February to 10 March 2024. This operation was planned as a joint limited recovery mission with the aim of honouring the missing sailors and providing closure to their families and friends. The mission's scope included collecting underwater evidence for further investigation, permanently disabling US armaments installed on the ship, and salvaging certain equipment and armaments. Leaving the wreck in place as a memorial was proposed as a cost-saving measure. The mission was led by Thailand, with support from the United States.

Environment

The government before Srettha faced challenges in addressing PM 2.5 air pollution and in supporting resource-based communities. The environmental policies of Srettha's government were categorised under mid to long-term plans in their policy presentation to Parliament.

On October 6, 2023, Srettha attended the ESG (Environmental-Social-Governance) Symposium 2023: Accelerating Changes towards a Low Carbon Society at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Here, he shared his vision for a sustainable economy, emphasising grassroots participation, human rights, equality, and climate change initiatives.

Srettha also participated in the Sustainability Forum 2024 in Bangkok, where he discussed Thailand's role in sustainable development globally. He expressed a commitment to reducing electricity costs and highlighted the importance of household solar initiatives.

On 29 November 2023, he led a meeting in Chiang Mai focusing on the region's environmental issues, including forest fires, smog, and PM 2.5 pollution. Later, on 11 January 2024, during another visit to Chiang Mai, he endorsed the Clean Air bill. He noted an improvement in the air quality in Chiang Mai compared to the previous year.

However, the Chiang Mai Administrative Court ruled against the Prime Minister and the National Environment Board. The court's decision centered on their failure to adequately address the PM 2.5 haze issue in the North the previous year. Srettha would convene a meeting of government officials to comply with the court order.

Education

Thailand's education system has been declining over the past 10–20 years. Since the country first participation in Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2001, Thailand scored lowest in its history in its recent assessment. According to Asst Prof Athapol Anunthavorasakul of Chulalongkorn University, the Education Ministry's failure to address the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in lower scores. Additionally, Thailand was among countries whose PISA was already deteriorating even before the pandemic. To tackle Thailand's declining educational performance, a concern Srettha had pledged to reform, he committed to resolving these educational challenges.

Before becoming Prime Minister, Srettha was an advocate for reducing educational inequality. He aimed to nurture knowledgeable and morally responsible young individuals who understand the importance of collaboration in building a better society and nation. His administration has also been dedicated to creating Thailand's first comprehensive database on school dropouts. Srettha has expressed a commitment to eliminating barriers to education for Thai children, setting a goal to reduce the number of children without educational opportunities to zero. Additionally, he emphasized the need to develop the skills of young people and highlighted the significance of investing in education as a means to enhance quality of life and civic responsibilities.

Foreign affairs

On September 21, Srettha conducted a virtual meeting with Elon Musk in New York City. The focus of this meeting was on the electric vehicle industry and potential Tesla investments in Thailand. Additionally, Srettha engaged with representatives from major corporations such as Estee Lauder, Google, and Microsoft. The aim of these discussions was to enhance foreign investment in Thailand. During these meetings, Srettha remarked on Thailand's position in comparison to Vietnam in terms of free trade agreements. On September 24, Srettha announced expectations of receiving approximately $5 billion in investments from Google, Microsoft, and Tesla. This statement was made in the context of his efforts to boost foreign investment in Thailand.

Srettha also made his debut speech at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22. His speech emphasized Thailand's desire to collaborate with other nations and to strengthen its democracy. On the same day, he met with executives from the New York Stock Exchange, discussing the economic policies of his government. He concluded his visit by participating in the traditional bell-ringing ceremony to commence the trading session.

Furthermore, Srettha has been actively leading Thailand's effort to become the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) candidate for the 2025 to 2027 term on the United Nations Human Rights Council.

On 9 October, he began his visit to Hong Kong where he met with John Lee Ka-chiu, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. His trip to Hong Kong is part of a tour to encourage investment in Thailand. Then on 10 October, Srettha visited Brunei and was received by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at the Istana Nurul Iman palace, and both spoke of closer Brunei-Thailand relations. They also spoke of the two countries' cooperation in food security, where Thailand plans to increase its food exports to Brunei. He then flew to Kuala Lumpur to hold bilateral talks with Malaysia, where he discussed bilaterial relations on investment, trade, food, tourism and security with Prime-minister Anwar Ibrahim, as well as securing Thai hostages taken by Hamas. On 12 October, he then visited Singapore where he discussed renewable energy, investment and food security with Prime-minister Lee Hsien Loong. Srettha visited China from 16 to 19 October, where he attended the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing. On the sidelines of the forum on 17 October, he met with the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. Together they discussed boosting trade and cultural ties between Russia and Thailand. Srettha then invited Putin to visit Thailand in 2024, saying "President Putin likes Phuket, I understand he travels often." According to the Bangkok Post, the invitation was accepted by Putin.Thailand is not a ratified signatory of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and is not obliged to arrest Putin following the arrest warrant issued by the ICC on 17 March 2023.

During his visit to Laos on 29 October, Srettha participated in discussions focused on enhancing bilateral trade between Laos and Thailand, with an objective to reach US$11 billion by 2025. In addition to trade, a significant aspect of this collaboration involves infrastructure development, particularly in transportation. A key project is the construction of a new railway across the Mekong River, anticipated to be completed by at least 2026. Complementing this endeavor, Srettha and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone inaugurated the Khamsavath station, a crucial component of a new railway line extending to Nong Khai. This new line is expected to be operational by 2024, further facilitating cross-border connectivity. In line with Srettha's administration's strategy to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation with Laos, a memorandum of understanding was signed focusing on technical assistance for the development of Laos' railway system. Alongside this, Srettha indicated an interest in increasing the purchase of clean energy from Laos. Furthermore, the two countries agreed to construct a sixth friendship bridge, further solidifying their collaborative efforts.

During his official visit to Japan from December 14 to 18, Srettha participated in the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit. To boost business relations, he temporarily waived visa requirements for Japanese business travelers. Discussions with the Japanese Government included a focus on strengthening cooperation between Thailand and Japan. Srettha expressed support for initiatives like the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) and the Strategic Programme for ASEAN Climate and Environment. He also conveyed Thailand's readiness to play a leading role in ensuring peace in Myanmar, considering its geographical proximity. In a separate meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the dialogue centered around potential collaboration in the electric vehicle sector. This discussion was a continuation of both leaders' previous expressions of intent to deepen bilateral ties, as stated during their meeting a month earlier in San Francisco.

During the 2024 World Economic Forum conference held from January 15 to 19 in Davos, Switzerland, Srettha represented his government to promote the land bridge mega project. He was joined by Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara. On January 17, Srettha introduced the concept of 'Seamless ASEAN', envisioning it as a unified tourist destination achievable within the next 5 to 10 years. Srettha's engagements in Davos included a discussion with the Adani Group, during which he shared on social media that the group showed significant interest in the project. Additionally, he held a separate meeting with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, where they explored the possibility of establishing a Microsoft data center in Thailand. Another notable meeting was with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the chairman and CEO of Dubai Ports World (DP World). Srettha reported that the CEO of DP World expressed a keen interest in the land bridge project and committed to sending representatives to Thailand for further discussions and location scouting. Upon returning to Thailand, Srettha described the meetings and interactions at the conference as successful, indicating positive international response to his government's initiatives.

On January 25, 2024, Srettha welcomed the head of a foreign government, marking a significant occasion in his administration. This visit was notable as it was the first time in 22 years that the German President visited Thailand. The visit, spanning from January 24 to 26, focused on key issues such as trade, investment, climate change, and vocational education. During this visit, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier commended the Thai civilian government for its efforts in bolstering the democratic process in Thailand. He acknowledged that while substantial changes could not be expected so soon into the administration, the initial developments were promising. Furthermore, President Steinmeier expressed a commitment to enhancing investments in Thailand's electric vehicle industry, suggesting that Thailand could become a regional hub for this sector.

Srettha participated in the Independence Day celebrations at Galle Face Green in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on February 4, 2024. The visit was a response to Sri Lanka seeking Thailand's assistance in revitalizing its economy amid a challenging period. The state visit culminated when the two nations signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). As a guest of honor alongside Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, they finalized a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at fostering economic cooperation. The FTA, replacing a prior agreement from 1950, focuses on reducing trade barriers and fostering collaboration in air services. Anticipated benefits for Thailand include enhanced exports of automotive parts, textiles, electrical appliances, machinery, steel products, paper, processed food, and animal feed. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to facilitate collaboration between the National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Thailand and The Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute of Sri Lanka. Upon returning to Thailand, Srettha held discussions with the CEO and board chairman of PTT, encouraging their support for Thai startups and investment in Sri Lanka's floating solar farm.

On 7 February 2024, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet visited Thailand for official discussions encompassing transport, trade, investment, and the long-stalled joint development of natural resources within their disputed maritime boundary. This marked Hun Manet's inaugural visit as the country's leader, aiming to strengthen the longstanding ties between the two nations. Srettha actively engaged in the bilateral talks, emphasising Thailand's commitment to ensuring fair treatment and an adequate economic safety net for Cambodian workers in the country. Notably, recent events revealed the detention of Cambodian opposition figures and government critics in Bangkok, who had sought refuge in Thailand to evade arrest under Hun Sen's government, potentially indicating efforts to prevent protests against Hun Manet. Manet expressed gratitude to Srettha for preventing Thailand from being used as a base for external interference in his country's affairs. In a joint press conference, both Srettha and Manet announced their shared objective to increase bilateral trade value from 8 billion baht in 2023 to 15 billion baht by the following year. Given Thailand's reliance on imported energy, there was a keen interest in negotiating a deal with Cambodia to develop a disputed zone in the Gulf of Thailand, believed to harbor significant natural gas and oil deposits totaling around 11 trillion cubic feet. In addition, Hun Manet planned to meet with King Maha Vajiralongkorn and participate in a Thailand-Cambodia business forum. Thailand and Cambodia signed five Memoranda of Understanding.

Foreign policy

2023 Israel-Hamas war

In response to the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, Srettha denounced the actions of Hamas, as well as the kidnapping of Thai citizens by Hamas. In response, he ordered the Royal Thai Air Force to begin evacuations of Thai citizens with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The first evacuated group, which consists of 15 Thais, arrived back in Thailand on 12 October.

During the United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-10/21 on 27 October, Thailand voted in favour of a ceasefire.

Thailand has also been working with Jordan, Egypt and Malaysia for the release of Thais taken by Hamas. The conflict has resulted in the death of 24 Thai nationals.

Myanmar civil war

On 15 October 2023, on the eighth anniversary of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement signed in 2015 between the government of Myanmar and ethnic insurgent groups, Thailand reaffirmed its support to the ceasefire that was broken by the Myanmar military junta in 2021.

Thailand was set to hold the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) on 30 November, but has since postponed the event, as well as suspending Min Aung Hlaing's invitation.

Following recent developments in Operation 1027, Srettha's government is considering sending humanitarian aid to Myanmar through the Asean Five-Point Consensus.

Social issues

Srettha has been known for his support of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was removed from office in 2006. This support was notably demonstrated in 2010 when Srettha wore a red shirt featuring Thaksin's face, coinciding with his appointment as the head of the Royal Bangkok Polo club's football team. Srettha's political stance has also been evident in his criticism of then-Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. Additionally, he has shown support for the pro-democracy protests that occurred from 2020 to 2021, calling on UNICEF to urge the government to avoid violence against protesters. During his 2023 election campaign, Srettha publicly stated his reluctance to form a coalition government with United Thai Nation and Palang Pracharat. However, upon his swearing-in as Prime Minister, the coalition cabinet included members from these parties.

In terms of social issues, Srettha is identified as a liberal. He has expressed opposition to conscriptionand has been an advocate for environmental sustainability and LGBTQ rights. Despite these progressive stances, Srettha has shown reluctance to propose changes to the lèse-majestélaws, a decision attributed to maintaining support within the coalition government formed by Pheu Thai with other parties.

Economics

In a 2023 interview with FAROSE, Srettha clarified his positions on economic issues. He stated that he believes in "capitalism with empathy". As an ex-CEO and businessman who recently entered politics, he believes that capitalism and empathy for the poor can go hand in hand. He stated that "The various problems that come with economic disparity and social inequality should be discussed with empathy and understanding." With Pheu Thai, he has pledged to stimulate the economy and combat poverty through raising the minimum wage and implementing a ฿10,000 'digital wallet' scheme.

He is married to Pakpilai Thavisin, a businesswoman. They have two sons, Napat Thavisin and Warat Thavisin, and one daughter, Chananda Thavisin. He is a collector of classic travel trunks, such as those made by Louis Vuitton. Srettha also is a supporter of Liverpool F.C., and also contributes to Sansiri Academy which trains football players in Thailand.

Srettha stands 1.92 metres (6 ft 4 in) tall, making him the tallest leader within ASEAN and the third tallest in the world behind the Prime minister of Albania, Edi Rama who stands at 2.01 metres (6 ft 7 in) and the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, who stands at 1.98 metres (6 ft 6 in).

Srettha frequently uses social media, especially on X where he actively uses his account to post updates.

On 28 December 2023, the National Anti-Corruption Commission revealed that he had a wealth valued around ฿‎659 million, and that he owns a 1963 Aston Martin DB5 worth ฿50 million. His yearly earnings was around ฿‎153 million.