Thailand Warns of 4 Economic Threats as Minister Reports 12.5% Tariff Hit and AI Scam
Updated
Updated · Thai Examiner · Aug 16
Thailand Warns of 4 Economic Threats as Minister Reports 12.5% Tariff Hit and AI Scam
2 articles · Updated · Thai Examiner · Aug 16
Summary
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said Thailand is being squeezed by four forces—US-China rivalry, rapid AI disruption, volatile energy costs and a shrinking workforce—during a lecture on the economy and justice system.
A 12.5% US import tariff increase tied to forced-labour allegations shows how geopolitical splits are already hitting Thai trade, prompting Ekniti to urge neutrality while screening for reputable foreign investors.
AI is reshaping business and crime at once: Ekniti said a deepfake investment scheme fooled him personally and led him to file a police report, underscoring tougher demands on police, prosecutors and judges.
Thailand also remains exposed to energy shocks because it imports 65% of its electricity—mainly from imported natural gas—while an ageing population and negative birth rate are forcing greater reliance on foreign labour.
Those pressures will bring more cross-border and technology-heavy disputes, Ekniti said, pushing judges to become more tech-savvy and use AI tools as Thailand adapts its economy and legal system.