## Thailand Cabinet Meeting Agenda (January 7, 2025): Focus on 2026 Budget Framework After Approval from 4 Economic Agencies
**Source - Prachachat Business Website**
**Tuesday, January 07, 2025 08:10**
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will chair the first Cabinet meeting of 2025. Prior to the meeting, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin will lead a presentation on "Just Playing with Children... the World Changes" for Children's Day 2025. Education Minister Pol. Gen. Permpoon Chidchob will also present orchids to the Prime Minister to promote the 69th National Teachers' Day.
**Key agenda items for the Cabinet meeting include:**
* **Ministry of Finance:**
* Review of principles and guidelines for issuing charity lottery tickets.
* Draft Royal Decree on Income Tax Exemption (No. ...) B.E. .... (Income tax exemption for subsidies under the project to upgrade large plots with modern agriculture and market linkages).
* **Ministry of Transport:**
* Review of the Cabinet's resolution and request to adjust the budget for the Red Line Commuter Train Project, Rangsit - Thammasat University Rangsit Center section.
* Ministerial regulations prescribing the speed of vehicles on toll highways, B.E. ....
* **State Enterprise Policy Committee:** Proposal to improve the incentive system for monetary compensation based on the performance evaluation system of state enterprises.
* **Office of the Cabinet Secretariat:** Proposal on the criteria for submitting matters to the Cabinet Screening Committee.
* **National Economic and Social Development Council:** Request to extend the project cooperation period between the Royal Thai Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in operating the Bangkok Regional Innovation Center - UNDP or the Thailand Policy Lab.
**Budget Framework for 2026:**
The meeting will also discuss the 2026 budget framework after it was approved by four economic agencies: the Ministry of Finance, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the Bank of Thailand (BOT), and the Bureau of the Budget. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Pichit Choonhawachira chaired the meeting that approved a budget framework of 3.78 trillion baht with a deficit of 860 billion baht.
**Other agenda items:**
The meeting will also address land expropriation for a project in Ubon Ratchathani Province, regulations on administrative enforcement by government agencies, labor regulations related to compensation payments, reports from the National Savings Fund and the Office of the Auditor General, and various other reports and proposals from different ministries.
**Possible late additions:**
It is also anticipated that the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society may submit an agenda item for consideration.
การตั้งชื่อสถานีรถไฟฟ้า ปรับเปลี่ยนได้ แต่ต้องมีเหตุผล และความจำเป็นจริงๆ สำหรับหลักการตั้งชื่อสถานีรถไฟฟ้าขนส่งมวลชน ของ สนข. อ้างอิงจาก Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority(2012) Station Naming Policy (WMATA) และ Metrolinx (2015) Station and Stop Name Station and Stop Names ดังนี้
"Bangkok University" Station Name Deemed Appropriate, But Could Change if Public Objects
Source: Daily News Website
Friday, January 10, 2025 10:16
Naming the station "Bangkok University" on the Red Line extension (Rangsit-Thammasat University) is not against the naming principles and is deemed suitable for the surrounding area. However, the name could be changed if there are objections, similar to the case of "Sri Pathum Station."
The "Daily News Transportation Innovation News Team" reported that followers of the "Daily News Transportation Innovation News" Facebook page, as well as the general public, have expressed opinions on the appropriateness of naming the station "Bangkok University." Some are concerned that using the name of a private institution might lead to objections, similar to the case of "Sri Pathum Station" on the Green Line extension (Mo Chit-Saphan Mai-Khu Khot). However, many others believe that using "Bangkok University" is acceptable as it is already a familiar name.
"Bangkok University Station" is one of the four stations on the 8.84 km Red Line extension from Rangsit to Thammasat University, Rangsit Center, with a budget of 6,473.98 million baht (the other stations are Khlong Nueng, Chiang Rak, and Thammasat University Rangsit Center). The Cabinet approved the review of the previous Cabinet resolution and adjusted the budget for the project on January 7, 2025. According to the plan, construction will begin at the end of 2025, and the service will open in January 2028.
Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that "Bangkok University" can be used as the station name. The name has been in use since the project's study phase and is included in the Master Plan for the Development of the Main and Secondary Mass Transit Network in Bangkok and Vicinity (M-MAP). According to the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), the name does not violate any naming principles unless there are objections, similar to the case of Sri Pathum Station.
In the case of "Sri Pathum Station," there were calls from the community and residents to change the name back to "Bang Bua Station," as originally planned. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) considered the matter and concluded that "Bang Bua Station" should be used, in line with the community's location and the familiar name of the area, which includes Khlong Bang Bua, Bang Bua Community, and Wat Bang Bua. In the case of "Bangkok University Station," the station is located behind the university, and there are no other prominent landmarks in the surrounding area. Bangkok University is also well-known to the general public, and using its name is not considered favoring a private entity.
Station names can be changed, but there must be valid reasons and genuine necessity. The OTP's principles for naming mass transit stations are based on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Station Naming Policy (2012) and Metrolinx (2015) Station and Stop Names, as follows:
1. Easy to remember
2. Short and concise: The Thai name should not exceed 5 syllables, and the English name should not exceed 15 letters.
3. Sustainable: The name should be usable for the duration of the station's operation.
4. Clearly identifies the location: The name should enable passengers to identify the station's location and should be relevant to the area.
5. Specific: The name must not be duplicated or cause confusion for passengers.
6. Connected: The name should facilitate travel planning, especially for interchange stations. The same name should be used in both Thai and English, with route differences indicated by station codes.
Free Train Rides on First Day See 34% Jump in Red Line Passengers
Source - Bangkok Biz News Online
Saturday, January 25, 2025 17:58
The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) reported a significant increase in passengers, particularly on the Red Line, on the first day of the free train travel initiative. This measure, implemented by the Ministry of Transport, waives fares for all rail mass transit lines from January 25th to 31st, 2025, to encourage public transport use and reduce PM2.5 air pollution.
The Red Line saw a 34% rise in passengers compared to the same period last week, with a total of 11,949 passengers recorded between 5:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Of these, 11,300 used the northern section and 959 traveled on the western section.
This free travel initiative applies to all MRT lines (Blue, Purple, Yellow, Pink) and the Red Line commuter train. It aims to promote public transportation, decrease car usage, and mitigate air pollution.
The DRT emphasized that this measure enhances public access to state-provided services, offering safe, clean, punctual, and environmentally friendly travel. It also helps reduce travel costs and time, minimizes accident risks, and improves overall well-being. Furthermore, it contributes to reducing traffic congestion, fuel consumption, and air pollution in Bangkok and surrounding areas.
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