Central bank readies rejig of fees : Guidance covers 300 items and services. The Bank of Thailand plans to implement practice guidelines to regulate financial institutions’ fee charge calculation for products and services in the third quarter as part of a push for a fairer fee structure, a senior official says. Bangkok Post
Deliveries from China delayed : Local e-commerce and logistics operators have confirmed that the coronavirus outbreak has hampered parcel deliveries from China, while working to ensure access and rein in the prices of disease-prevention accessories such as face masks and hand sanitiser. Bangkok Post
Less-than-impressive scorecard : Representatives of the private sector have reservations about the government’s six-month performance. A perfect storm is set for the second Prayut Chan-o-cha government as it braces for a censure debate near the end of this month amid a host of downside risks at home and abroad Bangkok Post
Consortium ready to start work on high-speed rail : Eastern High-Speed Rail Linking Three Airports Co Ltd, a consortium led by Charoen Pokphand Group, is ready to start the construction of high-speed rail, take over the operation of the Airport Rail Link (ARL) and train new staff for future service. Bangkok Post
Nation tackles worst drought in 40 years : Thailand has been hit with what may be its worst drought in 40 years, pummelling sugar production in one of the world’s biggest exporters of the sweetener. Bangkok Post
State readies fresh stimulus : Village Funds to get additional budget. The government vows to continue introducing additional measures to improve the economy in the first and second quarters. Bangkok Post
Thailand risks slipping to third place in rice shipments : Thailand is at risk of losing its place as the world’s second-biggest rice exporter this year, due to weaker competitiveness and a lack of rice varieties to cater to changing market demand. Bangkok Post
Ministry halts mask exports : The Commerce Ministry has put the brakes on face mask exports to ensure sufficient domestic supply, just three working days after exporters asked to ship as many as 18 million pieces. Bangkok Post
Budget bill passes in re-vote : The budget bill sailed through the House yesterday after a fresh vote ordered by the court, despite a boycott by the opposition. Bangkok Post
Officials mull visa-free entry for China market : Move aims to revive battered industry. Tourism officials are again proposing visa-free entry for Chinese citizens as part of a tourism revival scheme, following an estimation by the central bank that the economy may grow by less than 2% this year as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Bangkok Post
