NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 19 September 2023

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Thailand will close tax loopholes on overseas income to reduce income inequality and boost government revenue, starting from January 1st next year. The new rule allows authorities to tax foreign income for individuals residing in Thailand for over 180 days. The prime minister explained, "The principle is that all income must be taxed, regardless of how it's earned." This change closes a loophole on individuals who delay transferring their overseas income until the following year to avoid taxes.

The Central Administrative Court has overturned an arbitration order, sparing the Ministry of Transport and the State Railway of Thailand from paying Hopewell multi-billion baht compensation. Hopewell had started building an elevated railway at Don Muang in the early 90s, but the contract was abruptly terminated in 1998, leading to a series of legal battles. While Hopewell was initially awarded 11.8 billion baht in compensation plus interest, ongoing disputes over statute of limitations and appeals continued. Hopewell now has the option to appeal this latest ruling.

Prison authorities say Thaksin Shinawatra may file an application for parole in February next year at the earliest. Thaksin remains at the Police General Hospital  in Bangkok, authorities are due to decide this week whether Taksin should be returned to prison or stay at the hospital.

The Royal Gazette yesterday released an announcement from Prime Minister Thavisin, lifting the state of emergency in the southern Pattani Province from tomorrow September 20th.

 

The government yesterday agreed to reduce the price of electricity from 4.45  to 4.10 baht per unit starting from the end of this month, but there was no indication on how this would be financed. 

A leading agricultural body says Thailand must ban stubble burning by farmers to improve air quality, after a spike in dangerous pollution earlier this year left millions needing medical treatment.

The president of the Thai Feed Mill Association appealed to the prime minister to take preventative action to stop farmers from burning crops. The government said that tackling PM2.5 is a priority, though it has not given details of any plans.

 

Around The Region:

 

China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, is due to begin a four-day trip to Russia on Monday during which both nations are expected to pledge deeper mutual political trust, readying for a possible visit by President Vladimir Putin to Beijing in October.

 

The weather:  
Heavy thunderstorms in central and northern thailand

Chiang Mai and the north: thundershowers 29C                    
Bangkok:, Cloudy 35 C  DRY
Pattaya, sunny partly cloudy 33C    DRY
Phuket and the south:  bright, partly cloudy with showers this afternoon, 30C                                                      
Hua Hin: Bright partly  cloudy with a good chance of rain this afternoon. 32C.

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

 

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