SET to push for LTF tax break to be revived, once the new govt has sworn in, hoping to see Bt60b inflows to the SET.
Tourism Ministry reported 460k daily avg international travelers during Songkran festive Apr 10-16.
Changan Automobile to invest Bt9.8b in EV production base in Thailand to produce right hand drive EVs capacity 100k units/year for global exports, Reuters.
Government’s net revenue rose to Bt1.16trn in 1st 6M of 2022-2023 fiscal year yoy with higher corporate, personal income tax, VAT collections.
StanChart sees more stability post-election: Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) expects the new administration is likely to have greater stability and unity than the current government thanks to a stronger political base. A new coalition government is projected to be formed by several major political parties, resulting in greater stability in terms of economic policies when compared with the incumbent administration comprising around 20 parties including smaller ones based on a calculation formula of party lists, said Tim Leelahaphan, an economist at Standard Chartered Bank. Bangkok Post
Tourism fee to take effect in months: Minister vows it will start by September. The tourism and sports minister has confirmed that collection of the 300-baht tourism fee will not be delayed beyond September, while the ministry plans to ask provincial police to support the tourism police in its operations to clear out “zero-dollar tours” and illegal tours. Bangkok Post
Low-rise index declines in Q1: Attributed to price drop for single homes. Mr Vichai says the price index of single detached houses in Bangkok dropped 1.2% quarter-on-quarter and 2.5% year-on-year. The price index of new low-rise houses in Greater Bangkok declined in the first quarter of 2023 as developers aimed to boost sales from their inventories of single detached houses that were built earlier at a cheaper cost. Vichai Viratkapan, acting directorgeneral of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), said the quarter-onquarter drop was primarily driven by decreasing prices of single detached houses priced over 10 million baht. Bangkok Post
‘No alliance’ with coup makers: Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra, a Pheu Thai Party prime ministerial candidate, said the party would not work with anyone involved in the two previous coups. Bangkok Post
A taste of populism: Pheu Thai’s 10k ‘digital wallet’ scheme draws a mixed reaction. The Pheu Thai Party’s “digital wallet” policy, designed to woo voters ahead of the May 14 general election, has drawn a mixed reaction from politicians and the public alike. Bangkok Post
BoT to aid new govt on economic policies: The Bank of Thailand (BoT) will work with the new government on coordinating fiscal and monetary policies to boost the economy after the Finance Ministry and central bank reduced economic stimulus measures amid signs of recovery. Bangkok Post
