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BoT Hikes Policy Rate Amid Economic Expansion BANGKOK (NNT) - Despite mounting pressure from an anticipated global economic slowdown, the Bank of Thailand has decided to raise its policy rate by a quarter point. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279413-bot-hikes-policy-rate-amid-economic-expansion/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Despite mounting pressure from an anticipated global economic slowdown, the Bank of Thailand has decided to raise its policy rate by a quarter point. Piti Disyatat, the secretary of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), reported that the MPC voted unanimously to raise the policy rate by another 25 basis points, from 1% to 1.25 percent, effective immediately. The increase occurs as the Thai economy recovers, primarily due to tourism and domestic consumption. Piti forecasts that the Thai economy will expand by 3.2% in 2022, 3.7% in 2023, and 3.9% in 2024. However, the central bank lowered its growth forecast for the two years from 3.3% and 3.8% to 3.2% and 3.6%, respectively. Piti stated that the downgrade was primarily due to the possibility of a global economic slowdown, which could be more severe than previously anticipated. In addition, improving economic activities and a broad-based recovery in employment and labor income have supported private consumption. The MPC stated that the trajectory of Thai economic growth for 2023 and 2024 remains largely unchanged, as the strength of the tourism sector and private consumption will help mitigate the impact of the global slowdown on the Thai export sector. The central bank increased its projections for foreign tourist arrivals in 2022 from 9.5 million to 10.5 million and in 2023 from 21 million to 22 million. As a result of the increase in electricity rates, the MPC committee anticipates that the headline inflation rate for 2023 will be higher than the 2.6% previously estimated. By the third quarter of 2023, however, headline inflation is anticipated to return to the target range of 1% to 3%. The central bank projects core inflation of 2.6% in 2022, 2.5% in 2023, and 2% in 2024, close to its previous forecast of 2.6%, 2.5%, and 2%. The MPC said it will continue to monitor inflation risks, particularly a possible increase in cost pass-through and domestic prices, which are still uncertain. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221201140920149 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-01 - 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!

Private and Public Sectors Urged to Jointly Tackle Tourism Challenges in 2023 BANGKOK (NNT) - The public and private sectors are being urged to work together to prepare for uncertainty in the tourism industry next year, which may pose hurdles for Thailand’s ability to maintain its competitive edge. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279412-private-and-public-sectors-urged-to-jointly-tackle-tourism-challenges-in-2023/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The public and private sectors are being urged to work together to prepare for uncertainty in the tourism industry next year, which may pose hurdles for Thailand’s ability to maintain its competitive edge. Bhumikitti Ruktaengam, advisory chairman of the Phuket Tourist Association, stated that more integration is needed between the public and private sectors, especially regarding tourism policies. The cooperation will be crucial as the Thai tourism industry braces for uncertainties and increased competition in 2023. Bhumikitti said domestic factors such as political tension for the upcoming general election next year would pose concerns for tourists visiting the country. Soaring energy prices and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis are affecting tourist expenditures and making it harder for authorities to raise expenditures per trip. Another source of uncertainty is the mass demonstrations against the Covid-19 curb in China, which create ambiguity in travel regulations and may impact the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand in the future. The advisory chairman warned that increased competition is a challenge for the Thai tourism industry, noting that some tourist groups have already switched their winter destinations from Thailand to neighboring countries. He emphasized that the country may lose more tourists to competitors unless cooperation and new methods are implemented to retain its competitiveness. Meanwhile, Krod Rojanastien, president of the Thai Spa Association, suggested that Thailand focus on potential tourism products the country already has, which could tap high-spending travelers. He believes the country has strong potential in the health and wellness sector and urged the government to strengthen education programs related to these services to address the crucial problem of personnel shortages. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221201131833128 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-01 - 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!

Point system to curb traffic violations to be enforced from January 9th Starting January 9th, the Royal Thai Police and the Land Transport Department will enforce a demerit point system to curb traffic violations and dangerous driving, in the hope increasing drivers’ discipline on Thailand’s infamous roads. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279411-point-system-to-curb-traffic-violations-to-be-enforced-from-january-9th/

Starting January 9th, the Royal Thai Police and the Land Transport Department will enforce a demerit point system to curb traffic violations and dangerous driving, in the hope increasing drivers’ discipline on Thailand’s infamous roads. Each driving license holder will be given 12 points and they will be deducted for each violation they are caught committing. Point deductions are divided into four levels, depending on the severity of the violation. One point will be deducted for using a cell phone while driving, not wearing a crash helmet on a motorcycle, not fastening the seatbelt, exceeding the speed limit, riding motorcycles on the pavement, failing to stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings, not giving way to emergency vehicles, reckless driving, driving without a license plate or with the license plate covered and not showing road tax sign. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/point-system-to-curb-traffic-violations-to-be-enforced-from-january-9th/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-12-01 - 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 actress “Pinky” expected to be released on bail Wednesday evening Former actress Savika Chaiyadej, aka “Pinky”, is expected to leave the Central Women’s Correctional Institution tonight, after the Criminal Court granted her temporary release on five-million baht bail. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279342-thai-actress-“pinky”-expected-to-be-released-on-bail-wednesday-evening/

Former actress Savika Chaiyadej, aka “Pinky”, is expected to leave the Central Women’s Correctional Institution tonight, after the Criminal Court granted her temporary release on five-million baht bail. The conditions on the bail include a ban on travelling abroad, reporting to the court every month and notifying the court seven days before changing her place of residence. The former actress has previously applied for bail on several occasions, since being held on remand in August, but the court refused to grant it over concerns that she might try to escape. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-actress-pinky-expected-to-be-released-on-bail-wednesday-evening/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-11-30 - 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!

Chinese Man Tony Arrested during Raids at 33 Places in Provinces BANGKOK, Nov 30 (TNA) – Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn arrested a Chinese man identified as Tony who is one of five Chinese people suspected of involvement with illicit business, during police raids at 33 locations in nine provinces. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279334-chinese-man-tony-arrested-during-raids-at-33-places-in-provinces/

BANGKOK, Nov 30 (TNA) – Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn arrested a Chinese man identified as Tony who is one of five Chinese people suspected of involvement with illicit business, during police raids at 33 locations in nine provinces. Tony (Chen Zhaohui) was arrested at one of three companies searched in Huai Khwang district, Bangkok. He was charged with supporting or participating in foreigners’ business that is actually reserved by law for Thai people. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1067810 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-11-30 - 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 Charter Court rules MP election bill is constitutional The Constitutional Court ruled today (Wednesday) that using 100, instead of 500, as the divider in the formula for the calculation of party-list House seat allocation, as stipulated in the MP election bill, is not unconstitutional. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279333-thai-charter-court-rules-mp-election-bill-is-constitutional/

The Constitutional Court ruled today (Wednesday) that using 100, instead of 500, as the divider in the formula for the calculation of party-list House seat allocation, as stipulated in the MP election bill, is not unconstitutional. Today, the court considered a petition, submitted by 105 MPs and senators, seeking a ruling on whether Sections 25 and 26 of the bill covering the election of House representatives contravene Sections 93 and 94 of the Constitution. The court ruled by 9:0 that the bill was drafted in accordance with Section 132 of the Constitution and that Section 25 of the bill is not unconstitutional. The court also ruled, by 7:2, that Section 26 of the bill does not contravene Section 93 or 94 of the Constitution. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-charter-court-rules-mp-election-bill-is-constitutional/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-11-30 - 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!

Three new ministers to join Thailand’s cabinet The appointments of three new cabinet ministers have been published in the Royal Gazette today (Wednesday). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279332-three-new-ministers-to-join-thailand’s-cabinet/

The appointments of three new cabinet ministers have been published in the Royal Gazette today (Wednesday). Under Royal Command, former Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana is appointed Minister of Prime Minister’s Office, Naris Khamnurak, a Democrat MP for Phatthalung Province, is the new Deputy Interior Minister and Palang Pracharath MP Sunthorn Pansaengthong is the new Deputy Agriculture Minister. Naris succeeds Nipon Boonyamanee, of the Democrat Party, who resigned on September 5th, facing a charge of malfeasance in office for allegedly refusing to pay 51 million baht for the purchase of two multi-purpose trucks by the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organisation back in 2013. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/three-new-ministers-to-join-thailands-cabinet/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-11-30 - 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!

Aerial view of a residential area in Tay Ho District near the Red River in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh The urban system of the Red River Delta needs to be interconnected in a smart and sustainable way, allowing its population to have high incomes, General Party Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong said Tuesday. At a conference on socio-economic development and national security and defense at the Red River Delta until 2030, with vision until 2045, Trong said the delta has always had a strategic importance regarding politics, economy, culture, society, defense and security. It is a gateway for Vietnam and ASEAN to develop the economy and trade with China, as well as having coordinated traffic infrastructures, he added. However, the region's socio-economic development has yet to match its potentials, with a small scale economy, low percentages of modern technological manufacturing industry and worsening pollution. Meanwhile, a resolution aims for the Red River Delta, until 2030, to quickly and sustainably develop, focusing on industry, modern services and agriculture, with a coordinated socio-economic infrastructure. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/red-river-delta-should-be-sustainable-interconnected-party-chief-4542117.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-11-30

Captain Nguyen Van No in Quang Ngai Province, November 28, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Pham Linh After strong waves capsized their vessel off Vietnam's central coast, nine fishermen drifted to an islet and were stuck there for five days. From Binh Chau Commune in the central Quang Ngai Province, captain Nguyen Van No, 26, and 10 fishermen went fishing on the night of Nov. 1. When their vessel was around 20 kilometers from Son Ca, an island of the Spratly Archipelago off central Khanh Hoa Province, it was hit by strong waves and turned over. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/nine-stranded-fishermen-survive-on-1-5-liters-of-water-in-five-days-4541896.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-11-30

Huynh Bui Hau Anh (R) at a police station in Da Nang. Photo by VnExpress/Nam Em A karaoke parlor manager in Da Nang was arrested for allowing customers and employees to throw a drug party inside the parlor. Huynh Bui Hau Anh, 29, was detained on Tuesday by police of Thanh Khe District to be investigated for concealing drug use. Anh, who managed a karaoke parlor on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, allowed his employees to close the doors and turn down the lights when throwing a drug party in order to evade police’s detection, authorities said. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/da-nang-karaoke-parlor-manager-arrested-for-allowing-drug-party-4542082.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-11-30

People look at job postings at the Thang Long industrial park in Hanoi's Dong Anh District. Photo by VnExpress/Pham Chieu Thousands of contracted workers have lost their jobs, mostly since the middle of this year, and hundreds of thousands of others have reduced working hours amid a demand slump. The Vietnam General Confederation of Labor said Monday those in labor-intensive businesses like textile, leather, wood, and seafood processing have been affected. Many businesses have been seeing orders plummet as demand falls in markets like the U.S., Europe and Japan, and also face huge difficulties sourcing raw materials and from rising costs. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/41-500-workers-lose-jobs-over-manufacturing-difficulties-labor-confederation-4542134.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-11-30

Three men stand trial in Quang Tri Province for transporting meth, November 29, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Quang Ha A court in the central Quang Tri Province sentenced three men to death Tuesday for sending three kilograms of methamphetamine through an express delivery company. Le Ngoc Anh, 34, Nguyen Ba Chung, 27, and Nguyen Huu Loc, 25, of Dong Ha Town were found guilty of "illegal transportation of narcotic substances," by the Quang Tri People's Court. In August last year Anh had been hired over phone by an unidentified person to receive, pack and deliver the meth to nearby Quang Nam Province. He would be paid VND40 million (US$1,600). Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/3-men-sentenced-to-death-for-transporting-3kg-of-meth-4542159.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-11-30

In a 13-page decision promulgated on Oct. 7 but released only on Monday night, the Comelec stated that the partial motion for reconsideration filed by Pudno Nga Ilocano was denied as it did not raise new matters or issues that would convince the poll body to reconsider its decision. Philstar.com / AJ Bolando, file MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections said it will reopen its voter registration services beginning December 12, ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to be held in October 2023, on top of other dates for the Bulacan plebiscite and Cavite special elections. Registration will be open until the end of January. Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said the poll body will accept the following applications: First-time SK election voters and regular voters Transfer of voter registration record Reactivation of voting status Correction/change of entries in the voter registration record Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/11/30/2227537/comelec-announces-dates-voter-registration-plebiscite-special-polls -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-11-30

Pedestrians walk past a mural of Philippine revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio on a wall of a building in Manila on Nov. 29, 2022. The country is set to commemorate the 159th birth anniversary of Bonifacio who is considered one of the founders of a secret society of revolutionaries commonly known as the Katipunan. The STAR / Miguel de Guzman MANILA, Philippines (Updated 12:44 p.m.) — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. commemorated the 159th birth anniversary of Philippine national hero Andres Bonifacio, hoping the public will be inspired by his service for the country. Bonifacio founded the Katipunan, who led the rebellion against former colonizer, Spain. He is called the “Father of the Philippine revolution.” “May his life serve as a reminder that each one of us may be a hero in our own ways,” Marcos said in a speech on Wednesday. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/11/30/2227531/marcos-hopes-filipinos-be-inspired-andres-bonifacios-heroism -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-11-30

Passengers queue at the various gates of the NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City on October 29, 2022. STAR / Miguel De Guzman MANILA, Philippines — Following the Senate hearing on trafficked overseas Filipino workers in Myanmar, the Manila International Airport Authority vowed an investigation into the supposed fake access pass used to slip through its security measures to traffic OFWs into joining a Chinese cryptocurrency scam operation. The MIAA maintains the terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. At Tuesday's hearing of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, Sen. Risa Hontiveros and two survivors of the human trafficking operation alleged that personnel of the Bureau of Immigration were involved in the scam and were responsible for the entry of the operation's agents into the country. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/11/30/2227540/miaa-vows-probe-fake-access-pass-used-traffic-pinoys-chinese-crypto-scam -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-11-30

MANILA, Philippines — Workers' groups and their allies marked Bonifacio Day on Wednesday by calling for higher wages, job security and better working conditions and their right to organize unions to push for these. Nagkaisa Labor Coalition, an alliance of labor groups that last protested together in 2020, said that not much has changed for workers since Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. became president and that there have been no major policy announcements for them. "Inflation is rising, wages are shrinking and the kinds of jobs that are being created as we open up our economy leave much to be desired," Josua Mata, secretary general of trade alliance SENTRO, said in Filipino in a briefing on Tuesday. He said underemployment — part-time workers and those looking for additional work — has also been increasing, which contributes to a lack of job security for many workers. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/11/30/2227542/bonifacio-day-workers-stand-higher-wages-and-right-organize -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-11-30

Photo show of Land Transportation Office. Philstar.com / Irish Lising MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office on Wednesday warned doctors and medical clinics it has accredited for license transactions that those caught selling medical certificates and "no-show" examinations may be suspended or clsoed down. This came after the office received reports that certain medical clinics and doctors issue medical certificates to driver’s license applicants without any actual physical examination. "My marching orders to all regional and district offices nationwide was to weed out corruption not only in LTO offices themselves but also those in accredited partners like medical clinics, whose services are part of the process for securing driver’s licenses," LTO chief Jay Art Tugade said in a statement sent to reporters Wednesday morning. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/11/30/2227554/lto-warns-clinics-sell-no-show-and-fake-medical-certificates -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-11-30

This December 19, 2011 photo from Wikimedia Commons shows Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. Jiru27 / CC BY-SA (https: / / creativecommons.org / licenses / by-sa / 3.0) MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED 5:46 p.m.) — The Senate majority bloc is still undecided on the administration's push to construct nuclear power plants around the country, pointing again to safety and funding concerns in one of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr's pet projects. To recall, the US Embassy in Manila said earlier that among the key outcomes of Vice President Kamala Harris' visit to the Philippines was the announcement of the launch of the 123 Agreement for negotiations for civil nuclear energy cooperation to help increase the Philippines’ energy security. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva told reporters Wednesday that he has his own reservations on it. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/11/30/2227558/senate-majority-split-possible-nuclear-power-plant-construction-deals -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-11-30