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by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - 6 large water pumps are now being deployed in certain areas of Bangkok to drain excess water from the capital city. The environment minister expects the pumps to help lower water levels in Bangkok once they are operating at full capacity. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Warawut Silpa-archa revealed Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt called him to ask for support in the form of water pumps. He thus ordered the Department of Water Resources to install six 30-inch water pumps at certain locations. One of the pumps was making its way to Phra Khanong pumping station and another was being installed in the Srinagarindra-Bang Na area. The minister said running 3-4 of the large, 30-inch pumps at full capacity will be able to help reduce water levels in Bangkok. Mr. Warawut also spoke of an impending influx of water from north of Bangkok. He said he needs to discuss the potential for drainage of each canal in Bangkok with the city’s governor. Periods of high sea level will also make water discharge difficult and necessitate the use of more water pumps. Nonetheless, the minister said the Department of Water Resources will gladly provide support to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220914085418232 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-09-14 - 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!

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday September 14 2022 Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271780-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-september-14-2022/

Listen to the news: Police raided 25 locations across the country and seized Assets worth some 309 million baht, following a case where police were defrauded out of savings and credit cooperatives, losses amounted to 1.48 billion baht. A series of raids last month were also successful in seizing assets from a network that appears to have been in operation for more than 20 years, Police have so far prosecuted 12 managers and officials of the cooperatives, nine police officers and five others. Doctors at Ramathi-bodi Hospital in Bangkok have confirmed a case of a highly contagious, new strain of Covid-19. It’s understood the new variant likely started several months ago in India. Doctors here advised to prepare for a possible new wave of Omicron infections. Thailand is in talks with Cambodia to research 26 thousand square kilometers off the coast that they believe may hold some 500 million barrels of oil and gas deposits. The initial challenge will be to settle a territorial dispute over the waters. Thirteen Myanmar workers filed a complaint with police, accusing a woman from Myanmar of swindling them each out 10,000 baht for promised identification cards and visa extensions, after waiting they asked her for their ID cards but the woman fled with the money. Thailand's Supreme Court has instructed officials press ahead with environmental recovery work on Maya beach at Phi phi island, which it claims was damaged following the production of the movie THE BEACH starring Leonardo DiCaprio more than 20 years ago. Areas north of Bangkok have been warned to expect further flooding after the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat increases the amount of water it releases from today. Region: Japans oldest man has died at the age of 112, Mr Mikizo Ueda lived in Nara City, Japan has one of the world's highest life expectancies, and was home to the worlds oldest person woman, Madam Kane Tanaka, who reached 119 years old when she died in April this year. Chiang Mai: cloudy with thunderstorms 30C Bangkok: Bright, partly Cloudy thunderstorms 31C Pattaya and SE: Bright, Cloudy 29C. Phuket: sunny partly cloudy DRY 29 C. Hua Hin: a fine day clouding over with rain this afternoon 31 C Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com. Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 2022-09-14 - 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!

Potjaman Prefers Daughter Not Run For PM: Thaksin By Thai Newsroom Reporters POTJAMAN NA Pombejra, former spouse of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, strongly prefers that their youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, not run for head of a post-election government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271779-potjaman-prefers-daughter-not-run-for-pm-thaksin/

By Thai Newsroom Reporters POTJAMAN NA Pombejra, former spouse of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, strongly prefers that their youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, not run for head of a post-election government. During yesterday’s Care Clubhouse live podcast, Thaksin said his ex-spouse preferred that Paetongtarn only perform as head of “Pheu Thai Family” and spearhead electoral campaigns of Pheu Thai Party without practically offering herself as candidate for head of government in the next election. “Ing (Paetongtarn’s nickname) will have to win the heart of her mother who strongly preferred she not run for head of government,” said Thaksin, also known as Tony Woodsome. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/09/14/potjaman-prefers-daughter-not-run-for-pm-thaksin/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-09-14 - 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!

World Sports News - Wednesday 14 September by Chili Radio Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271773-world-sports-news-wednesday-14-september-by-chili-radio/

Listen to the news: Football -English Premier League footballer Benjamin Mendy has been found not guilty of one count of rape on the direction of the judge at his trial.Mr Mendy, who plays for Manchester City, was cleared at Chester Crown Court North West England of the rape of a 19-year-old woman at his home in Prestbury, Cheshire, on 24 July last year. Co-accused Louis Saha Matturie, 41, was also found not guilty of two counts of rape against the same woman.They remain on trial for alleged sexual offences which they both deny. In last night's Champions League action Bayern Munich won the battle of the heavyweights, 2-0 against Barcelona. Liverpool beat 2-1 against Ajax, but Tottenham Hotspur lost 2-0 at Sporting Lisbon. Inter Milan won 2-0 in the Czech Republic against Viktoria Plzen, Bayer Leverkusen also won 2-0 against Atletico Madrid. Club Bruges hammered FC Porto 4-0 in Portugal and Frankfurt won 1-0 in France against Marseille. Boxing - Anthony Joshua has accepted WBC champion Tyson Fury's terms for an all-British heavyweight fight in December and is awaiting a response, his management company has said. The 32 year -old, was sent an offer by Team Fury, suggesting a 60-40 purse split to the champion and a December fight date. Download the Chili Radio app : https://chiliradio.app for Chili Pop and Chili Classics. -- © Copyright Chili RADIO 2022-09-14 Chili Radio: https://chiliradiothailand.com Listen Live: https://chiliradio.asia - 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!

Flood-Hit Koh Chang Focusing On Reviving Tourism At Yearend TNR Staff While flooding has affected tourism on Koh Chang, some foreign tourists are still making the trip there. Photos: Naewna HIT by heavy rain, floods and landslides the tourist island Koh Chang is now focusing on reviving tourism at yearend by launching sports and entertainment activities as a draw-card. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271772-flood-hit-koh-chang-focusing-on-reviving-tourism-at-yearend/

While flooding has affected tourism on Koh Chang, some foreign tourists are still making the trip there. Photos: Naewna TNR Staff HIT by heavy rain, floods and landslides the tourist island Koh Chang is now focusing on reviving tourism at yearend by launching sports and entertainment activities as a draw-card, Naewna newspaper said today (Sept. 13). Mr. Saksit Mungkarn, an executive of Siam Royal View Hotel, Koh Chang and chairman of the Tourism Council of Trat province, admitted that the island’s image is currently not very good after photos of a landslide causing a road to collapse circulated last week with this deterring tourists from coming over. However, cancellations by tourists do not greatly affect tourism operators because this is the low season. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/09/13/flood-hit-koh-chang-focusing-on-reviving-tourism-at-yearend/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-09-14 - 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!

Prawit, Thammanat Face Ban From Politics Over ‘Banana-Feeding’ Scandal By Thai Newsroom Reporters CARETAKER PRIME Minister-cum-Palang Pracharath Party leader Prawit Wongsuwan and Thai Economic Party leader Thammanat Prompao might possibly be kept out of politics for a number of years and the biggest coalition party might possibly as well be dissolved if found guilty of alleged involvement in last year’s handing out of kickbacks in cash to MPs of six splinter parties. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271771-prawit-thammanat-face-ban-from-politics-over-‘banana-feeding’-scandal/

By Thai Newsroom Reporters CARETAKER PRIME Minister-cum-Palang Pracharath Party leader Prawit Wongsuwan and Thai Economic Party leader Thammanat Prompao might possibly be kept out of politics for a number of years and the biggest coalition party might possibly as well be dissolved if found guilty of alleged involvement in last year’s handing out of kickbacks in cash to MPs of six splinter parties. Thai Liberal party leader Seripisut Temiyavej confirmed today (Sept. 13) Prawit as top leader of Palang Pracharath Party and Thammanat as former secretary-general of the largest coalition partner might possibly be punished by being legally banned from the political arena if found guilty of involvement in the alleged allocation of “bananas”, figuratively referring to hard cash, to those splinter-party MPs in exchange for their votes of support for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and other cabinet members during last year’s censure/no-confidence motion. The “bananas” were allegedly handed out at the Pa Roi Tor Foundation office located in the premises of the First Infantry Regiment which also houses the residence of the caretaker premier-cum-top leader of the Palang Pracharath Party. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/09/13/prawit-thammanat-face-ban-from-politics-over-banana-feeding-scandal/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-09-14 - 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!

Champion Charged After Wakeskating On Flooded Road TNR Staff Daniel Grant wakeskating on Phaholyothin road. The Thai headline says, “Thailand is really wow!” Photo: Sanook.com BANGKOK-BORN World Wakeskate 2022 Champion Daniel Grant was summoned and charged with endangering vehicles and people for wakeskating on flooded Phaholyothin road, Sanook.com said this afternoon (Sept. 13). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271770-champion-charged-after-wakeskating-on-flooded-road/

Daniel Grant wakeskating on Phaholyothin road. The Thai headline says, “Thailand is really wow!” Photo: Sanook.com TNR Staff BANGKOK-BORN World Wakeskate 2022 Champion Daniel Grant was summoned and charged with endangering vehicles and people for wakeskating on flooded Phaholyothin road, Sanook.com said this afternoon (Sept. 13). Grant, 24, posted a video clip of himself wakeskating on floodwater in front of Bangkok University in Khlong Luang district of Pathum Thani on Facebook Accompanying caption says, “September Week 1 ???? Bangkok is flooding! ????#WakeskateWednesday in the streets!” Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/09/13/champion-charged-after-wakeskating-on-flooded-road/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-09-14 - 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!

Murder and rape suspected in Rayong after body of a 19-year-old woman was found in a local pond by James Morris and Son Nguyen 22-year-old Mr Peerapong Piakantha, the husband of the victim, told interviewing police on Tuesday he had arrived home from the South with his brother just after his wife’s body was discovered nearby by locals. He said she was 4 to 5 months pregnant and her death was also like losing a child. He told police he had spoken to 19-year-old Kritsana Saeng-arun via video chat on the evening before her death. Hours after the murder investigation commenced on Tuesday morning when the body was removed from the scene for an autopsy and the husband of the victim was questioned by officers, the superintendent of Klaeng Police Station indicated that police were still collecting evidence. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271769-murder-and-rape-suspected-in-rayong-after-body-of-a-19-year-old-woman-was-found-in-a-local-pond/

22-year-old Mr Peerapong Piakantha, the husband of the victim, told interviewing police on Tuesday he had arrived home from the South with his brother just after his wife’s body was discovered nearby by locals. He said she was 4 to 5 months pregnant and her death was also like losing a child. He told police he had spoken to 19-year-old Kritsana Saeng-arun via video chat on the evening before her death. by James Morris and Son Nguyen Hours after the murder investigation commenced on Tuesday morning when the body was removed from the scene for an autopsy and the husband of the victim was questioned by officers, the superintendent of Klaeng Police Station indicated that police were still collecting evidence and that CCTV footage could be extremely significant as part of the process in identifying those responsible for the murder of the woman. Police in Rayong have launched a murder investigation after a body was found on Tuesday morning in the Klaeng district of the province of a young woman whose 22-year-old husband, according to his testimony, engaged in a video chat with her on Monday evening before arriving home on Tuesday morning from working in the South to find her body had been discovered by locals lying face down in a local pond. Police in Rayong have opened a murder investigation after the body of a 19 year old woman was found in a local pond in the Klaeng district of the province on Tuesday morning in a place known as Nong Waen Farm. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/09/13/murder-and-rape-19-year-old-woman-in-rayong/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-09-14 - 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 brands return to growth in challenging global environment as PTT remains #1 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271768-thai-brands-return-to-growth-in-challenging-global-environment-as-ptt-remains-1/

PTT is most valuable Thai brand valued at US$5.3 billion Kasikornbank is strongest Thai brand, with AAA rating BDMS is fastest-growing Thai brand, up 38%% Top 25 most valuable Thai brands grew 4% this year View the full Brand Finance Thailand 25 2022 report here PTT is most valuable Thai brand valued at US$5.3 billion As Thailand’s largest state-owned enterprise, the multinational energy brand has grown over time to benefit Thai society and the nation. PTT has not only identified that energy sustainability is crucial in response to climate change, but it has also recently announced its plans to make Thailand a liquified natural gas (LNG) hub with the brand aspiring to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. PTT investments in renewable energy and energy storage indicates how important it is for the brand to assist in sustaining Thailand’s energy industry. Every year, leading brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance puts 5,000 of the world’s biggest brands to the test, and publishes around 100 reports, ranking brands across all sectors and countries. The top 25 most valuable and strongest Thai brands are included in the annual Brand Finance Thailand 25 2022 ranking. Alex Haigh, Managing Director Asia Pacific commented: “Multi-year high inflation and China's slowdown remain a drag on the nascent recovery of Thailand’s brands. While the Thai economy is projected to expand with domestic demand and exports. We expect that banking, oil, gas, and telecoms brands will be key to the country's recovery in the short-term.” Kasikornbank is strongest Thai brand, with AAA rating In addition to brand value, Brand Finance determines the relative strength of brands through a balanced scorecard of metrics evaluating marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance. Compliant with ISO 20671, Brand Finance’s assessment of stakeholder equity incorporates original market research data from over 100,000 respondents in more than 35 countries and across nearly 30 sectors.  According to this, Kasikornbank (brand value up 13% to US$1.9 billion) is the strongest brand in Thailand with its Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 88.8 and corresponding AAA brand rating. An innovative and customer-centric banking brand, Kasikornbank has made digital transformation a priority. It has also been vocal of its intention to become the Regional Digital Bank of the post COVID-19 era, setting up service technologies that are more user responsive. Kasikornbank is committed to decarbonising its own operations and aims to become the leading sustainable bank in Thailand by pioneering green banking products. For Kasikornbank, sustainability is deeply ingrained in how it serves its customers and in how it manages its operations. BDMS is fastest-growing Thai brand, up 38% Bangkok Dusit Medical Services is the fastest growing Thai brand in the ranking up by 38% to US$656 million. In a world that has changed due to the global pandemic, it is no surprise that the demand for quality healthcare has become a top priority for many Thai people. As Thailand’s largest private healthcare network, BDMS has operated on the ‘prevention is better than cure’ philosophy and has pursued some exciting partnerships that support this notion. Their rapid brand growth this year has been correlated with their recent sponsorship campaign with CNN focused on healthy living and global health issues. BDMS has also recently entered into an agreement to lease an area of land earmarked to develop its BDMS Silver Wellness and Residence Project. Top 25 most valuable Thai brands grew 4% this year The total value of top 25 Thai brands (US$31.9 billion) is 4% higher than it was in 2021 (US$30.7 billion). According to our last Global Soft Power Index 2022, Thailand is one of 25 countries where recovery and response to Covid-19 pandemic was best, although currently the war in Ukraine and inflation are slowing growth. Banking (28%), Oil & Gas (20%) and Telecoms (16%) sectors performed well and has contributed the most to the nation’s growth. View the full Brand Finance Thailand 25 2022 report here -- 2022-09-14

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 14 September 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1271765-thailand-live-wednesday-14-september-2022/

Supreme Court orders rehabilitation of Maya Bay using funds from “The Beach” film production Photo: Sakanan Plathong The Environmental Cases Division of Thailand’s Supreme Court has upheld the acquittal of former Agriculture Minister Pongpol Adireksarn, the Royal Forest Department and its former director-general, Plodprasop Suraswadi, on charges of violating the National Park Act by allowing the use of Maya bay and beach, on the island of Phi Phi Leh off Krabi province, as the location for the shooting of the film “The Beach” in 1999. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271757-supreme-court-orders-rehabilitation-of-maya-bay-using-funds-from-“the-beach”-film-production/

Warning of Chao Phraya River overflows on Thursday The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has issued a new warning of river overflows in 11 provinces located downstream of the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat Province, after the department decided to increase the discharge rate through the dam from 1,800-2,000m3/sec to 2,100-2,200m3/sec from this Thursday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271751-warning-of-chao-phraya-river-overflows-on-thursday/

Returning to Thailand – wish fulfilled for new US ambassador US Ambassador Bob Godec during his visit to the Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) over the weekend. US Ambassador-designate to Thailand Bob Godec is in town and spent his first weekend here visiting notable cultural sites in Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271732-returning-to-thailand-–-wish-fulfilled-for-new-us-ambassador/

Pressure Mounts To Approve International Flight To Hua Hin By Editor As a follow-up to a Royal Coast Review article about developments towards the Hua Hin Airport being able to welcome international flights, pressure has mounted for government approval of international flights. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271716-pressure-mounts-to-approve-international-flight-to-hua-hin/

By Editor As a follow-up to a Royal Coast Review article about developments towards the Hua Hin Airport being able to welcome international flights, pressure has mounted for government approval of international flights. Mr Udorn Olsson, Chairman of the Phoenix Aviation Group Thailand, has now commented about these developments. As an advisor to the government’s Tourism Committee in the House of Representatives, Mr. Olsson says an urgent agenda item for the Committee to consider was proposed after a request was made by the Hua Hin and Cha-Am Tourism Association. He says the Association sent a request to the Chairman of the Committee to urgently consider expediting the approval of international flights. The request cites the impacts of delaying any further this approval which may conflict with the government’s open country policy, impacting airline operators, the hospitality industry and regional tourism in general. The request refers to Prachuap Khiri Khan Province as a designated pilot area for tourism, and being included in phase 1 of the opening of the country to welcome tourists, mentioning the effects on the tourism industry income from restrictions on the growth of regional tourism industry with any further approval delays. Additional information to the Tourism Committee describes the huge tourism potential of the region as a destination with many five-star hotels and approximately 30,000 rooms in legally registered hotels. Other tourism attractions including golf courses, water parks, shopping centres, hospitals, entertainment venues and many other recreational facilities have been described in the region, extending to Cha-Am and Pranburi. The report to the Committee stresses that this is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. The Committee has been reminded that the Phoenix Group has signed an MOU with Hua Hin Airport including marketing plans for international airlines to fly to Hua Hin Airport. Airlines already expressing their interest include Nok Air, AirAsia, Jetstar, China Express, Greater Bay and GO First, with five airlines making MOUs with the Phoenix Group to fly to Hua Hin Airport. Coordination with the Tourism Authority of Thailand has taken place for these interested airlines to use the services of the Hua Hin Airport. Without international flights being able to fly there would be a huge loss for the regional tourism industry. Mr. Pornthep Wisutwatanasak, Member of the House of Representatives for Prachuap Khiri Khan and a special parliamentary committee, has inspected the airport to better understand any issues. It is understood that he will follow up with the Minister of Transport at the next opportunity. John Laroche, CEO of the Phoenix Group says “Hua Hin has received a bill of good health and support from the special parliamentary committee, which is the last stage for approval for international landings following a series airport upgrades. We look forward to announcements shortly.” Mr. Surasak Phancharoenvorakul, Chairman of the Tourism Committee has been requested to urgently include the issue on the Committee’s agenda. The Committee is understood to now have invited further comment from relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Transport, Department of Airports, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand and some airlines. Mrs. Wasana Srikanjana, President of Hua Hin-Cha-Am Tourism Business Association, who presented the matter for consideration says ‘’We will do our best to develop the tourism potential of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and Phetchaburi Province for the well-being of all stakeholders involved in our tourism industry.” The previous RCR article may be seen at: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271566-rising-international-arrivals-at-thai-regional-airports-as-hua-hin-waits/ Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/09/pressure-mounts-to-approve-international-flight-to-hua-hin/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-09-13 - 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!

Industries should adapt amid energy crisis: Energy Minister by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The energy crisis is causing a widespread impact on both the household and industrial sectors. The Minister of Energy has urged businesses to adjust their operations in keeping with the current situation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271715-industries-should-adapt-amid-energy-crisis-energy-minister/

by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The energy crisis is causing a widespread impact on both the household and industrial sectors. The Minister of Energy has urged businesses to adjust their operations in keeping with the current situation. At the Energy Symposium 2022 held by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), Minister of Energy Supattanapong Punmeechaow delivered a special remark on the energy crisis, where he outlined the government’s efforts to mitigate the crisis. He said the Ministry of Energy has been closely monitoring the situation to effectively manage energy resources, especially amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The ministry has so far used some 120 billion baht of funding from the Oil Fuel Fund to help maintain the fuel price, together with a temporary reduction of excise tax. The ministry has been working to allocate alternative fuel options for electricity generation that are cheaper than natural gas in order to keep the Ft tariff affordable. So far, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has absorbed up to 100 billion baht of the difference in the Ft rate, bringing the total amount of government aid to maintain fuel and electricity prices to some 200 billion baht. As natural gas prices are expected to keep rising, the Minister of Energy recommended the industrial sector keep its costs low by saving on energy consumption, upgrading its manufacturing efficiency through innovations, and adopting new business models that help improve its competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth within the sector. Members of the Cabinet are expected to consider a new round of electricity pricing aid measures for September-December 2022 at the weekly meeting tomorrow, along with the extension for diesel oil excise tax reduction. The government is also expected to introduce new tax measures to encourage households to install rooftop solar cells. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220913093700835 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-09-13 - 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!