FPO: Indications of GDP shrink diminishing in Q3 : Recovery momentum spotted in key areas. Economic recovery momentum during July and August suggests the economy could contract less in the third quarter than the previous period, says the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO). Bangkok Post
EVAT aims for EV outlet ubiquity : The Electrical Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) vows to make charging outlets for electric vehicles (EVs) more widespread, similar to ATMs, to help the government reach its goal to increase EV production to 30% of total automotive output in the country by 2030. Bangkok Post
Headwinds cause major B4.9tn loss : Uncertainties in domestic politics, economic policies and the external front over the past 14 years led to losses to Thailand’s GDP worth 4.9 trillion baht, according to a research paper. Bangkok Post
World Bank sees 10.4% contraction : Drought, floods add to economic woes. Thailand’s economy could contract by as much as 10.4% this year as trade and tourism are severely dampened by Covid-19, with the ongoing drought and floods adding to the woes, says the World Bank. Bangkok Post
THA tells hotels to lighten up : Hoteliers have to accept feedback, the Thai Hotels Association (THA) says with regard to the conflict involving an expatriate being sued by a resort in Koh Chang. Bangkok Post
Potjaman calls Pheu Thai shots : Thaksin’s ex-wife to be de facto leader. Khunying Potjaman na Pombejra, ex-wife of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is consolidating her power as Pheu Thai’s de facto leader in charge of the party’s decision-making, say party sources. Bangkok Post
Prospect of another charter rewrite delay raised by PPRP : A senior member of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) is proposing a new step be taken that could see the charter amendment process drag on even longer. Bangkok Post
BoT predicts growth in upcoming Q2 : Low-base effect from 2020 helps with optics. Thailand’s economy is expected to return to growth in the second quarter next year, supported by government stimulus measures and a low-base effect, says the Bank of Thailand. Bangkok Post
TCT says 10% of firms have closed : The tourism index plunged for two consecutive quarters, with 10% of operators already throwing in the towel and 537,280 employees laid off, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT). Bangkok Post
Airlines want answers on soft loans : Patience wearing thin after six months. Airlines want the government to announce a definitive decision on whether they will receive soft loans, which they requested six months ago, after a deputy prime minister hinted they might not receive the aid package. Bangkok Post
