Thai Industry Groups Warn New Bills Could Hurt Investment

Thailand’s main business lobby has urged lawmakers to reconsider three draft bills on labour protection, clean air and factory operations, warning they could raise costs and erode competitiveness amid a sluggish economy. The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) said the measures, though well-intentioned, risk undermining investor confidence and should undergo a full regulatory impact assessment. Federation of Thai Industries chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul argued that the clean air bill overlaps existing laws and imposes “excessive” penalties of up to 50m baht (USD1.36m) and possible jail terms for negligent violations, while a factory bill would tighten inspections and reinstate time-limited licences. Industry leaders warn the proposals could deter new projects and slow foreign direct investment.