Co-pay scheme generates B70bn: Goal of the scheme is to stimulate consumer spending. Capital worth 70 billion baht circulated in the economy during the 3 1/2 months of the co-payment subsidy scheme, says the Finance Ministry. Bangkok Post
Exports above expectations: Exports fared better than expected for the full year of 2020, contracting 6.1% from the previous year, driven by an unexpected rise in December, ending a seven-month decline. Bangkok Post
PDMO bonds at B60bn imminent: Funds to be used for state rehab projects. The Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) will issue government savings bonds worth 60 billion baht early next month, aiming to use the funds raised to finance government projects that will mitigate the pandemic’s impact and rehabilitate the economy. Bangkok Post
Data shows surge in trading volume on local exchanges: Trading in cryptocurrency in Thailand reached 14.8 billion baht during the period Jan 1, 2020 to Jan 24 of this year on seven exchanges, according to data disclosed publicly for the first time by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Three of the exchanges included in this figure only began their operations at the weekend. Bangkok Post
B205bn health budget agreed: The cabinet yesterday approved an increase in the universal healthcare budget for 2022 to 205 billion baht, 4.4% higher than this year. Bangkok Post
S&P said Banking system NPL remained a concern, and may rise to 6% in 2 years, from current 3.3%.
Govt eyes B4,000 aid handouts: Private firm staff may get help at long last. A 4,000-baht financial relief package could be approved soon for employees under the social security system who have had to bear the brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin. Bangkok Post
Plenty of risks on the Thai horizon: GDP may tumble to 2.5% growth in 2022. Thailand’s economy is expected to endure greater risks next year because of higher limitations on fiscal and monetary stimulus, says Standard Chartered Bank (Thai). Bangkok Post
FPO slashes growth forecast to 2.8% on low tourism figures: The Finance Ministry’s Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has slashed Thailand’s economic growth forecast to less than 3% this year as projected foreign tourist arrivals are substantially lower given the second wave of the pandemic. Bangkok Post
‘Rising star’ categories projected for 2021 success: The Commerce Ministry has tipped 12 business categories, including online and related businesses, logistics and packaging, and healthcare and technology as having promising growth prospects this year. Bangkok Post
