1. Phuket welcomed >6m int’l tourists during 5M23, with Russians the biggest group among them.
2. Highway 12 expansion completed: The final phase of the expansion of Highway 12 – which links Thailand with Myanmar and Laos in Tak and Mukdahan, respectively – has been completed, which the government hopes will boost cross-border economic activities between the three countries. Bangkok Post
3. Chinese interest is a boon for fledgling EV industry, says govt: Three China-based global manufacturers of batteries for electric vehicles (EV) have expressed interest in investing in Thailand, which would spur growth in the EV industry here, according to the government. Bangkok Post
4. Government made change to key conditions in U-Tapao airport and Eastern Airport City development project, as covid and Russia/Ukraine war affects tourist projection, by reducing rental fee and rev contribution and only collect full payment when passenger number reach 5.6m/year, in exchange for the BTS led consortium to increase its investment to Bt40b from Bt4.5b previously.
5. Inflation declines to 21-month low: Fuel and electricity costs continue dip. The country’s rate of inflation last month plunged to a 21-month low attributed to decreasing fuel prices and electricity bills as well as a high price base in May last year, with the rate expected to continue easing in June. Bangkok Post
6. Alarm over weather-related threats: Damage to economy could reach B36bn. Drought, floods and other extreme weather exacerbated by climate change could cause damage worth 36 billion baht to the Thai economy this year, says the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB). Bangkok Post
7. State banks raise deposit, loan rates after BoT hike: State banks are increasing their interest rates following the Bank of Thailand’s policy rate hike. Bangkok Post
8. Authorities to drive ahead with oil plan: Energy authorities are continuing their push for the National Oil Plan, aiming to generate 170 billion baht for the Thai economy through a range of projects, including further development of cleaner energy, says the Department of Energy Business. Bangkok Post
9. TAT sets out plans for Thai tourism growth: Budget seeks better tourist dispersal. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled its direction for fiscal 2024 with a budget of 5 billion baht aiming to grow off-peak customers, increase spending per trip by 7%, and distribute income to a greater variety of destinations. Bangkok Post
10. A closer look: Streaming companies would pay extra fees. The chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is considering the possible supervision of over-the-top (OTT) platforms in Thailand. Although major foreign OTT platform providers have already established their operations offices in Thailand and comply with the value-added tax (VAT) payment rules, the regulator is mulling whether these platform operators should pay additional fees to benefit the country’s economy. Bangkok Post
11. Stark case puts spotlight on mutual fund managers: The Association of Investment Management Companies (AIMC) tried to assure investors yesterday about the selection process of mutual funds that held shares in Stark Corporation (STARK), saying the funds follow international standards when making investment decisions. Bangkok Post

Note: Just needed this +1 🙂