Thailand Plans $737M Stimulus, Approves Border Conflict Compensation

Thailand plans to spend 18.5 billion baht on economic stimulus measures to support competitiveness and student loans as it prepares for the impact of U.S. tariffs set at 19%, a reduction from the initially proposed 36%. The government still has about 25 billion baht reserved for broader tariff mitigation and relief efforts, and discussions are ongoing with the U.S. to finalize a joint statement on tariffs and trade. Economic growth forecasts have been revised downward, with the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce projecting 1.7% growth in 2025, below the Finance Ministry's 2.2% forecast and last year's 2.5%. The Cabinet approved compensation payments for families affected by the July border conflict with Cambodia, allocating 10 million baht to families of government officials and soldiers who died, and 8 million baht to families of civilian victims, with additional payments for the injured. The conflict, which resulted in the deaths of 15 soldiers and 17 civilians, has de-escalated, and diplomatic talks are ongoing with participation from regional and international observers. Additionally, Thailand is establishing a special committee to monitor and counter misinformation on social media related to national security and the border conflict.