Bangkok: Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand, has proposed measures to bolster confidence in the Thai stock market by encouraging listed companies to repurchase shares. He also emphasized the need for Thailand to renegotiate a tax deal with the United States to ensure mutual benefits. According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Thaksin delivered a special speech at the 'Unlocking Thailand's Future' seminar organized by MCOT. He highlighted that a survey of Thai citizens revealed that 62 percent are seeking hope amid concerns about job security and income. With the Thai stock market's decline from 1,600 points to 1,200 points, Dr. Thaksin urged the government to shift from reliance on exports, tourism, and domestic production, advocating for new investment opportunities. Dr. Thaksin called on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Stock Exchange of Thailand to implement mechanisms that promote share buybacks by listed companies. He argued that when companies have potential and high value, they should demonstrate confidence by repurchasing their own shares, thereby instilling trust among retail and general investors. Regarding tariff negotiations with the United States, Dr. Thaksin stressed the importance of securing a mutually beneficial deal. He noted that while Thailand exports products to the US and serves as a production base for American products, sectors like agriculture, SMEs, and gems could be adversely affected. Dr. Thaksin emphasized the necessity of further negotiations, particularly in light of Thailand's GDP being under its potential. Dr. Thaksin also advocated for positioning Thailand as an aviation hub by increasing the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) to boost Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited's profits. He suggested reinvesting these funds into airport expansion and other projects. Additionally, he proposed reclaiming Krabi Airport under AOT's management and expanding regional airports. To enhance tourism, Dr. Thaksin recommended transforming tourist cities i nto smart cities, improving safety with AI-equipped CCTV cameras, and offering more insurance options for tourists. He expressed readiness to visit China to assure tourists of their safety in Thailand. Furthermore, he suggested organizing Formula 1 races and major events like Bangkok Fashion Week to attract international tourists, with special pricing strategies to encourage local attendance. Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra is overseeing these initiatives.