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BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has confirmed that key interest rates will continue to rise until the economy grows at its full potential and inflation returns to target, with gradual policy normalization still appropriate. The central bank said in a statement issued for an analysts’ meeting that monetary tightening globally has had a limited impact on the nation’s financial conditions. The outlook for Thailand’s economy and inflation have been in line with expectations, but the BOT said it is ready to adjust the pace of further rate hikes if the outlook shifts. BOT Assistant Governor Piti Disyatat told the meeting that the economy is expected to fully recover in the second half of 2023, when inflation should also return to within the target range of 1-3%. He added that the rate committee would decide the terminal rate based on the economy in the second half of 2023. The BOT has raised its key rate by a total of 75 basis points in three meetings since August, from a record low of 0.5%. It will next review policy on January 25, when economists expect a further hike. The assistant governor also noted that slowing global economic growth should not have a big impact on foreign tourist numbers as most of them are from Asia, where economies are still doing well. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221221002522133 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-21 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Government to Roll Out Slew of New Year’s Gifts BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has said it will roll out new campaigns as "New Year’s gifts" to stimulate public consumption and the economy in 2023. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281243-government-to-roll-out-slew-of-new-year’s-gifts/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has said it will roll out new campaigns as "New Year’s gifts" to stimulate public consumption and the economy in 2023. Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said the stimulus measures include the Shop Dee Mee Khuen tax rebate program, under which consumers can claim income tax rebates on up to 40,000 baht of purchases made between January 1 and February 15 of next year, with paper or electronic invoices as proof. Purchases that will not qualify for the rebates include alcoholic beverages, tobacco, automobiles, motorcycles, boats, newspapers, magazines, tour guide fees, hotel accommodations, public utilities, tap water and electricity fees, internet services, and long-term service fees as well as non-life insurance ordered outside of January 1 through February 15, 2023. In addition, Rachada said the Cabinet slashed the land and building tax by 15%, decreased property transfer fees from 2% to 1%, and reduced mortgage registration fees from 1% to 0.01% for the following year. The reduction in transfer and pledge registration fees will apply to amounts less than 3 million baht only for new and pre-owned residential properties. The deputy government spokesperson added that a proposal has also been approved to reduce the excise tax on jet fuel for domestic flights from 4.72 baht per liter to 0.2 baht per liter from January 1 to June 30, 2023, to encourage tourism and aid the post-pandemic recovery of the airline industry. In addition, license payments for dealers of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and playing cards will be eliminated for the entire year for all existing vendors. Various banking institutions and other government bodies have also announced their intention to roll out new incentives for the general public, with additional information to be released in the coming days. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221221105756224 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-21 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thailand Scores 5-0 Win in ASEAN Championship BANGKOK (NNT) - Three late goals ensured that Thailand made a strong start to its defense of the Asean Championship on Tuesday (20 Dec), as Mano Polking’s side notched up a 5-0 win over Brunei in Kuala Lumpur. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281242-thailand-scores-5-0-win-in-asean-championship/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Three late goals ensured that Thailand made a strong start to its defense of the Asean Championship on Tuesday (20 Dec), as Mano Polking’s side notched up a 5-0 win over Brunei in Kuala Lumpur. Peeradon Chamrasamee scored twice in injury time to boost the reigning champions’ goal difference following earlier efforts from Bordin Phala and Teerasil Danga, as well as an 88th-minute own goal from Yura Yunos. Teerasil’s ball back across goal set up Bordin to open the scoring from close range in the 19th minute, before Teerasil headed in the second a minute from the end of the first half following a cross from the left by Theerathorn Bunmathan. Yura could do little about his own goal, the ball thumping him on the chest at close range and crossing the line after Haimie Nyaring’s attempt to hack clear. Peeradon converted from the penalty spot in the 91st minute to add Thailand’s fourth and then completed the scoring two minutes later with a fine strike from distance. Thailand leads Group A as a result of the win, where they are joined on three points by Cambodia after their 3-2 victory over the Philippines. The opening phase of the Asean Championship, which brings together 10 nations from across Southeast Asia, will continue until January 3, with the top two teams in each group advancing to the last four. The semi-finals will be played on a home-and-away basis on January 6 and 9, with the final to be held on January 13 and 16. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221221105356219 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-21 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thai Navy plans to salvage the sunken HTMS Sukhothai A Royal Thai Navy (RTN) mine sweeper is scheduled to leave port in Samut Prakan Province today (Wednesday), destined for the seas off Bang Saphan district of Prachuap Khiri Khan, to conduct an undersea survey of the sunken HTMS Sukhothai, in preparation for a salvage operation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281241-thai-navy-plans-to-salvage-the-sunken-htms-sukhothai/

A Royal Thai Navy (RTN) mine sweeper is scheduled to leave port in Samut Prakan Province today (Wednesday), destined for the seas off Bang Saphan district of Prachuap Khiri Khan, to conduct an undersea survey of the sunken HTMS Sukhothai, in preparation for a salvage operation. Informed naval sources said that Admiral Choengchai Chomchoengpaet, commander-in-chief of the RTN, has ordered the Bang Rachan 631 mine sweeper, equipped with a submersible, to be sent to the site where the HTMS Sukhothai sank. The vessel is due to arrive there tomorrow. According to the Hydrographic Department, the wind speed at sea, off Bang Saphan district, has reduced from level 3-4 to level 2-3, but it remains to be seen whether the weather conditions will be suitable for the deployment of the submersible. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-navy-plans-to-salvage-the-sunken-htms-sukhothai/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-12-21 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thai Army on standby to support HTMS Sukhothai search and rescue operations The Thai Army has placed its helicopters on standby to support the Thai Navy in the search and rescue operations for the 23 crew members from HTMS Sukhothai who are still missing. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281240-thai-army-on-standby-to-support-htms-sukhothai-search-and-rescue-operations/

The Thai Army has placed its helicopters on standby to support the Thai Navy in the search and rescue operations for the 23 crew members from HTMS Sukhothai who are still missing. Army Commander-in-Chief General Narongpan Jitkaewtae said Wednesday that, although most of the army choppers are not suitable for air-sea rescue operations, he has placed the Army’s air ambulance, troop carrier and transport aircraft on standby, in case there is a request for help from the Navy. To date, the Royal Thai Air Force has sent a fixed-wing plane and a helicopter to support the Navy’s search and rescue operations. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-army-on-standby-to-support-htms-sukhothai-search-and-rescue-operations/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-12-21 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Cold weather brings brisk business to some Pattaya clothing vendors To many Thai and expat residents of Pattaya the last several days of cooler weather have brought chills for those not used to lower temperatures, even as many tourists from colder climates continue to wear shorts and singlets. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281168-cold-weather-brings-brisk-business-to-some-pattaya-clothing-vendors/

To many Thai and expat residents of Pattaya the last several days of cooler weather have brought chills for those not used to lower temperatures, even as many tourists from colder climates continue to wear shorts and singlets. Meanwhile, despite many residents posting on social media about being cold and unhappy and missing warmer weather, at least one group of people in Pattaya have been excited-clothing vendors specializing in sweaters, coats, and hoodies. Pattaya News reporters visited Grand Hall Market in South Pattaya, a well known second-hand market, and found many customers perusing coats and sweaters and other cold weather gear. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/12/20/cold-weather-brings-brisk-business-to-some-pattaya-clothing-vendors/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-12-20 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Eleven foreign tourists injured in tour bus accident in Phetchaburi Eleven foreign nationals, who were not identified by authorities, were injured this morning in Phetchaburi, Thailand when the tour bus they were riding in crashed into a power pole in Khao Yoi. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281166-eleven-foreign-tourists-injured-in-tour-bus-accident-in-phetchaburi/

Eleven foreign nationals, who were not identified by authorities, were injured this morning in Phetchaburi, Thailand when the tour bus they were riding in crashed into a power pole in Khao Yoi. The accident happened around 4:00 A.M. on the Phetkasem Highway when, according to passengers, two drivers were switching turns at the wheel without stopping the bus first. A total of nineteen passengers were on the bus at the time of the accident, all foreigners, including a child. Luckily, according to police, none of the tourists were seriously injured. The vehicle lost control while the drivers were swapping places and careened into a ditch and then a power pole. Neither driver was injured. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/12/20/eleven-foreign-tourists-injured-in-tour-bus-accident-in-phetchaburi/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-12-20 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

4 AM Closing Time for Nightspots in Tourism Areas Postponed Indefinitely The proposal to allow nightspots in tourism areas to stay open until 4 AM has been postponed indefinitely, revealed the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Tuesday, December 20th. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281165-4-am-closing-time-for-nightspots-in-tourism-areas-postponed-indefinitely/

The proposal to allow nightspots in tourism areas to stay open until 4 AM has been postponed indefinitely, revealed the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Tuesday, December 20th. The Cabinet has indefinitely postponed the proposed extension of nightlife venues’ legal closing time to 4 AM from 2 AM, according to Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, who told reporters after today’s Cabinet meeting. He added that the Cabinet said this time was not an appropriate time to do such a thing given the current situation, without giving further details. This not-so-shocking move came after Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared on Monday, December 19th, that his ministry was firmly opposed to the proposal. Anutin, who is the main supporter of cannabis legalization, gave his assurance to about 50 representatives of various civic groups that he prioritized the public’s well-being and safety more than the divisive extension. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/12/20/4-am-closing-time-for-nightspots-in-tourism-areas-postponed-indefinitely-says-thai-minister-of-tourism-and-sports/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-12-20 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Shoppers’ Rebates, Property Tax Cut as New Year Gifts BANGKOK, Dec 20 (TNA) – The cabinet approved its “2023 New Year Gifts” as proposed by the Finance Ministry and they include rebates for shoppers and reduction in property tax and transfer fees. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281164-shoppers’-rebates-property-tax-cut-as-new-year-gifts/

BANGKOK, Dec 20 (TNA) – The cabinet approved its “2023 New Year Gifts” as proposed by the Finance Ministry and they include rebates for shoppers and reduction in property tax and transfer fees. Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said that people who make purchases between Jan 1 and Feb 15, 2023, can receive personal income tax rebates worth up to 40,000 baht. The rebate measure should have about 56 billion baht circulated in the economic system, the spokeswoman said. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1079813 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-12-20 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Health minister confident COVID infections over New Year are controllable Thailand’s Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is confident that COVID-19 infections during the New Year celebrations will be kept under control, as the Public Health Ministry is fully equipped with manpower and medical supplies to cope with the situation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281163-health-minister-confident-covid-infections-over-new-year-are-controllable/

Thailand’s Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is confident that COVID-19 infections during the New Year celebrations will be kept under control, as the Public Health Ministry is fully equipped with manpower and medical supplies to cope with the situation. He did, however, express concern over those who are over 60, have kidney or heart diseases or cancer, saying that it is imperative that they get vaccinated or are fully vaccinated, to reduce the risk of severe symptoms. He said that everyone should receive at least four doses of vaccine, which will enhance their ability to avoid serious illness if they become infected, adding that he has been informed that more people have recently been turning up for inoculation. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/health-minister-confident-covid-infections-over-new-year-are-controllable/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-12-20 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Image: Google MANILA, Philippines — Former TV host Daphne Oseña-Paez began serving Tuesday in Malacañang as its “press briefer” who will relay news and information about the activities and programs of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “She’s not new to the industry because she has been a reporter who was also assigned to cover Malacañang,” Office of the Press Secretary officer-in-charge Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said in Filipino of Oseña-Paez’ appointment. It is not clear what Oseña-Paez’ exact designation is. Asked whether she should be called an undersecretary or an assistant secretary, she replied: “You can just call me Daphne.” Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/20/2232086/former-tv-host-daphne-osea-paez-malacaang-press-briefer -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-20

Shoppers flock to Divisoria, Manila to purchase holiday gifts on December 18, 2022. STAR / Edd Gumban MANILA, Philippines — A majority of Filipino adults will be facing the coming year with hope, according to a Pulse Asia survey. The survey released yesterday found only 8 percent were ambivalent or could not say if they were hopeful or not for 2023, while only 0.1 percent said they were hopeless for the new year. “Virtually all Filipino adults (92 percent) will face the year ahead with hope, a sentiment echoed by 89 percent to 99 percent across geographic areas and by 86 percent to 94 percent in the various socio-economic classes,” Pulse Asia said. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/20/2231943/most-pinoys-facing-new-year-hope-pulse -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-20

Market vendors sell their wares at a market in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on December 15, 2022. Philstar.com, file MANILA, Philippines — Extending reduced import duties for another year will not help consumers and local food producers as the government hopes, peasant women and rice watch groups said. President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has extended the Duterte-era Executive Order 171 to reduce tariffs on imported agricultural products until December 2023 amid "supply shortages" and high inflation rates. Tariffs are imposed to give locally-produced goods a price advantage over imports. "The extension of tariff cuts on pork, rice, corn and coal is another year of local production destruction and bankruptcy of local food producers," said Amihan secretary general Cathy Estavillo on Tuesday. Estavillo is also spokesperson for Bantay Bigas. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/20/2232076/peasant-group-wary-slashed-import-tariffs-will-hurt-local-farmers-consumers -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-20

This handout video grab taken on April 27, 2021 and received from the Philippine Coastguard on May 5, 2021 shows the Philippine coastguard ship BRP Cabra (front) monitoring Chinese vessels at Sabina Shoal, a South China Sea outcrop claimed by Manila located about 135 kilometres (73 nautical miles) west of the Philippine island of Palawan. Handout / Philippine Coastguard / AFP MANILA, Philippines — The United States on Tuesday expressed support for the Philippines amid reports Chinese vessels are swarming near Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands. “The reported escalating swarms of PRC vessels in the vicinity of Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands interfere with the livelihoods of Philippine fishing communities, and also reflect continuing disregard for other South China Sea claimants and states lawfully operating in the region,” US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said. Price said Washington backs the Philippines’ calls for China to respect international law in the South China Sea, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 ruling of a Hague-based arbitral tribunal that voided Beijing’s sweeping claims over the disputed waters. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/20/2232035/us-backs-philippines-amid-reported-swarming-chinese-vessels-spratlys -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-20

This undated photo shows Malcolm Hall, the main building of the UP College of Law at UP Diliman UP College of Law website MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Raffy Tulfo has filed a bill that seeks to make attending law school in state universities and colleges free, but those who graduate and eventually become lawyers must work in government for two years. “One of the reasons for lack of access to justice in the Philippines is the shortage of practicing lawyers,” Tulfo said in his explanatory note for Senate Bill No. 1610. “This measure seeks to ensure that law students will have access to legal education in the SUCs and at the same time increase the workforce of the legal profession.” Filipino students taking up the Juris Doctor program in state universities and colleges will be qualified for free legal education should the bill pass into law in its current form. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/20/2232094/tulfo-seeks-free-legal-education-exchange-two-year-govt-service -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-20

People get in line for customs check at Tan Son Nhat airport as they leave HCMC for their hometown for Tet, January 27, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat airport is expecting 10% more travelers this Tet than it did in 2019 before the pandemic began. Vietnam's largest airport is expected to receive 130,000 passengers a day during the Lunar New Year holiday, said Tan Son Nhat deputy director Nguyen Tam Tien. That's some 3.8 million travelers over the period. Some 90,000 of the passengers are expected to be domestic travelers, a number 15-20% higher than 2019's festival season, when the Covid-19 pandemic had yet to cancel nearly all travel for almost two years. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnam-s-largest-airport-expects-tet-numbers-to-exceed-pre-pandemic-levels-4550273.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-12-20