40 MPs poised to join BJT: House dissolution prospects widen. About 40 MPs from various parties are expected to announce their allegiance to the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) later this week in a move seen as bolstering its leader Anutin Charnvirakul’s chance of becoming the next prime minister. Bangkok Post
Pheu Thai Party names ‘Ung-ing’ as PM candidate: Nakhon Si Thammarat: The Pheu Thai Party yesterday announced that Paetongtarn “Ung-ing” Shinawatra, the head of Pheu Thai Family group, would be one of the party’s prime ministerial candidates in the next election. Bangkok Post
Energy demand poised to grow 3.2%: Energy consumption is expected to grow by 3.2% next year, driven by economic growth estimated in a range of 3-4%, says the Energy Policy and Planning Office (Eppo). Bangkok Post
Cabinet signed off 81km motorway project (M82) under Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) scheme, 30 years concession, Dept of highway to open auction mid-FY23, target cod FY25.
Cabinet okays latest national logistics plan: The cabinet yesterday approved the new national logistics development plan (2023-27), aiming to reduce logistics costs to 5% of the country’s GDP from 13.8% in 2021. Bangkok Post
Banks are expected to shift rate higher as FIDF contribution fees will shift back to 0.46% of deposit from current 0.23% after BOT’s rescue package expire at end of year, tabloid.
EV producers cheered by bookings at motor show: An electric vehicle is on display at the Thailand International Motor Expo, which took place during Dec 1-12 at Challenger 1-3, Impact Muang Thong Thani. Bookings for 5,800 electric vehicles (EVs) at the Thailand International Motor Expo are providing fuel for the government’s ongoing efforts to develop the domestic EV industry. Bangkok Post
World Bank eyes slower Thai growth: Dip in investment, trade the culprits. The Thai economy is projected to recover faster than expected this year, but will face slower growth in 2023 because of global headwinds, according to the World Bank. Bangkok Post
Greater Bangkok condo launches decline in Q3: New condo supply launched in Greater Bangkok in the third quarter dropped consecutively from the first and second quarters as inflation and rising interest rates affected development costs. Bangkok Post
Companies hit with 20% power hike: Household bills are not increasing. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has decided to maintain the power tariff at 4.72 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit), keeping electricity bills for households unchanged for the first four months next year, but it plans to increase the tariff imposed on businesses. Bangkok Post
