1. Most people believe government’s Bt10K digital cash handout should be extended to all Thais regardless of their income or savings, according to the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida).
2. Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) mulls lifting Ft for electricity sells during Jan-Apr 24 if war drag on to incorporate with higher LNG cost, will make decision before Dec 1.
3. Govt sees visa policy lifting flights to 1.3m next year: Thailand expects to see over 1.3 million flights next year, following the government’s recent announcement of a visa-free policy for Chinese, Kazakh, Indian and Taiwanese tourists, said Deputy Minister of Transport Surapong Piyachote. Bangkok Post
4. Bureau sounds alarm on bad loans: The National Credit Bureau (NCB) said there is unease regarding rising non-performing loans (NPLs) and special mention (SM) loans in the housing and auto segments as living costs and interest rates are elevated. Bangkok Post
5. Fuel usage on the rise amid economic uptick: Thailand’s fuel consumption rose by 2.3% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2023 to 154 million litres per day (MLD) on average, in line with the country’s economic growth, says the Department of Energy Business. Bangkok Post
6. Forming a cavity: Sugar producers and cane farmers are casting a wary eye on regulators following a cabinet ruling to control prices. Sugar manufacturers are warning the government against violating the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) rules for free competition in the sugar trade, following its controversial decision to block a sugar price hike in the domestic market. Sugar cane farmers demanded a meeting with the commerce minister regarding the move, while smuggling to other countries to sell at higher prices is a possibility, said a sugar factory operator who requested anonymity. Bangkok Post
7. New daily minimum wage won’t go above 400 baht: The minimum daily wage will be raised by the end of next month to a rate below the 400 baht earlier promised by the government, according to Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn. Bangkok Post
8. Headline inflation declines: Prices of certain food items, including fresh vegetables, are lower than last year. Headline inflation declined for the first time in 25 months in October, largely attributed to lower energy prices and several government support measures. The Commerce Ministry reported yesterday headline inflation, gauged by the consumer price index, decreased by 0.31% year-on-year in October, compared with a 0.3% year-on-year uptick in September. Bangkok Post
9. Government plans to implement loosened monetary and fiscal policies to boost economic growth and safeguard against deflation and higher unemployment rate. Cash injection is needed to revive economic, as analysts are expressing concerns over first yoy decline in inflation in 25 months, reflects growing risks of an economic slowdown and deflation.
10. Tourism Min reports 22.6m foreign tourists YTD, with 4Q arrivals buoyed by travelers from Europe and East Asia. Overall Malaysian ranked #1, followed by Chinese and S Korean.

Bonus 5:

1. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is keeping an eye on the government’s plan to allow farmers to convert their Sor Por Kor 4-01 papers into land title deeds.
2. Cabinet endorses B55bn rice support measures: The cabinet yesterday approved measures worth 55 billion baht to stabilise rice prices for the 2023/24 harvest. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the measures approved involve loans to farmers to delay the sale of paddy rice with a moisture level of 25% for a period of five months, along with loans to agricultural cooperatives to intervene in the market to buy paddy rice until prices become more favourable. Bangkok Post
3. Visa exemptions yet to make a splash: Despite the offer of visa exemptions, the Chinese, Taiwanese and Indian markets have yet to record a quick recovery because of several economic factors, say tourism operators. Bangkok Post
4. BOI said value of investment applications rose 22% yoy to Bt516.8b during 9M23, mostly Electronics and EVs related, full year target Bt600b.
5. Robust consumption: The IMF increased its outlook for Thai growth in 2024 to 3.6% from 3.2% as external demand improves. The IMF projects Thailand’s economy to grow 2.7% this year and 3.6% next year. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its forecast for Thai GDP growth in 2024 based on robust private consumption gains and improving external demand. Thailand’s economy is projected to grow 2.7% this year and 3.6% next year, amid a highly uncertain global environment, the IMF said on Wednesday. Bangkok Post