New Year price slash for B10, E20 : Energy Ministry wants to get motorists in the habit of fueling with biodiesel . The Energy Ministry plans to cut retail prices for biodiesel B10 and gasohol E20 by another one baht per litre during the New Year period to reduce fuel costs for Thais during the long holiday. Bangkok Post
MRTA set to splurge on electric rail, new tollways : The government is committed to spend about 640 billion baht next year on major public transport projects, including new electric rail routes in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima, says the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). Bangkok Post
On the verge of a new beginning : The replacement property tax is nearing reality after years of tinkering and false starts. 2020 is the year in which the long overdue land and building tax takes effect, making landlords and homeowners subject to tax payment based on appraised value if their properties fall under the stipulated conditions. Bangkok Post
Refinancing scheme to start in Q1 : BoT programme next phase of Debt Clinic . The Bank of Thailand expects its refinancing scheme targeting consumer and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) loans will begin in the first quarter next year, says a senior official at the central bank. Bangkok Post
Pheu Thai takes aim : Targets 4 ministers with censure motion . The opposition Pheu Thai Party will table a no-confidence motion against the government in parliament next month, with four cabinet ministers in the cross-hairs, Pheu Thai heavyweight Chalerm Ubumrung announced yesterday. Bangkok Post
Foreigners record higher transfer of condo units : Despite the stronger baht, foreigners recorded a higher transfer of condo units nationwide in the first nine months this year. Bangkok Post
Committee agrees to end online shopping exemption : A tax reform committee has agreed to revoke the value-added tax (VAT) exemption for online purchases of goods worth up to 1,500 baht from vendors outside of Thailand that are shipped by mail, aiming to provide a level playing field with local operators. Bangkok Post
BoT slashes GDP view on export woes : MPC unanimous on steady policy rate . The Bank of Thailand left the policy rate unchanged at a record low but offered a grim outlook by cutting forecasts for economic growth to 2.5% for this year and 2.8% the next as the US-China trade spat continues to hurt exports. Bangkok Post
Thailand Central Bank Holds Rate as Growth Forecasts Lowered : The Bank of Thailand held its benchmark interest rate steady at an all-time low and cut its forecasts for economic growth, saying it was gauging whether further efforts were needed to restrain the local currency. The central bank kept its policy rate at 1.25% on Wednesday in a unanimous decision. All 23 economists in a Bloomberg survey predicted a hold after two rate cuts earlier this year. Bloomberg
DES Ministry backs TOT, CAT 5G bids : The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has spurned calls by major mobile operators to omit TOT and CAT Telecom from participating in the 5G licence auctions, arguing that the two state enterprises could help leverage the spectrum ranges for public benefit. Bangkok Post
