KUALA LUMPUR - The Thai government has agreed with a Senate proposal to remove barriers facing local industries and will speed up legal reforms, strengthen support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and improve workforce skills to boost long-term competitiveness, a government spokesperson said.

Deputy Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Lalida Periswiwatthana said the Ministry of Industry had submitted a study titled ‘Factors Hindering and Guidelines to Address Obstacles to the Development of Thai Industry’, based on a report by the Senate Committee on Commerce and Industry, for policy review.

She said the report found that although Thai industry remains a key contributor to economic growth, jobs and national income, it still faces serious challenges such as outdated laws, limited access to funding, slow technology adoption and a shortage of skilled workers.

“These challenges have undermined international competitiveness and sustainable growth,” she said in a statement after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Tuesday.

Lalida said agencies agreed to tackle the issues through a three-phase plan covering short-, medium- and long-term measures to deliver clear results.

In the urgent phase, the government will update and enforce laws, simplify procedures, shorten approval times, cut costs and improve transparency.

She said priority will also be given to helping SMEs through better access to working capital, financial guidance, advisory services and support to adopt digital tools, data and artificial intelligence in production.

Lalida added that the government will also strengthen protection for Thai businesses against unfair competition and address debt problems faced by SMEs.

She added implementation involved close coordination with several ministries, including higher education, interior, digital economy, commerce, education and labour, as well as the National Economic and Social Development Council.

The aim, she noted, is to ensure policies are aligned, reduce overlap between agencies and improve the efficiency of the public sector.

Lalida said that the findings would be submitted to the Cabinet for acknowledgement and later reported to the Senate, in line with established procedures.