Showing 31 - 40 of 176
Political instability adds to viral woes
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 05/03/2020
» The economy weakened last year thanks to the Sino-US trade war. This year, its health could worsen further due to two emerging factors. One is the Covid-19 outbreak which has hit the country's tourism industry hard. Another is potential political turmoil signalled by a series of "flash mobs" of students which gathered after the Constitutional Court's ruling to dissolve the Future Forward Party (FFP). If the rallies continue unabated, this year's growth could be worse than analysts predict.
Mid-year funds available for more stimulus
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 17/02/2020
» A mid-year budget worth 100 billion baht is available for the government to finance new economic stimulus measures while the fiscal 2020 budget is held up, says a senior official at the Finance Ministry.
Investment misses public target levels
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 11/02/2020
» A meagre 25 billion baht in investment budget was doled out in the first three months of fiscal 2020, as the months-delayed 3.2-trillion-baht budget bill has yet to be enforced, says a source at the Finance Ministry who requested anonymity.
Uttama ready for all budget possibilities
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 31/01/2020
» Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana was quick to settle fears by saying the government has prepared plans to dole out the investment budget after the Constitutional Court's decision to accept a petition asking for a ruling on the validity of the 2020 budget bill.
Proxy vote saga puts entire economy at great risk
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 30/01/2020
» As the Constitutional Court yesterday accepted a request by House Speaker Chuan Leekpai to rule on the validity of the 2020 budget bill, the fate of public spending and investment now hang in the balance, thanks to proxy voting by government coalition MPs which has put the legality of the bill in question.
B300bn in budget obligations paid out
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 28/01/2020
» The government has been able to disburse 300 billion baht in obligation budget during the protracted delay in passing the 3.2-trillion-baht fiscal 2020 budget.
B300bn available amid budget delay
Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 27/01/2020
» The government is able to disburse 300 billion baht worth of obligation budget during the months-long delay of the 3.2-trillion-baht fiscal 2020 budget.
Finance Ministry looks for budget stopgap
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 27/01/2020
» The Finance Ministry is considering the possibility of borrowing under the Public Debt Management Act to finance new state investment projects in case the 3.2-trillion-baht budget expenditure for fiscal 2020 hits further snags.
Shutdown unlikely, says Uttama
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 25/01/2020
» Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana has rushed to assure that Thailand will not suffer a government shutdown, even in the worst-case scenario that the 3.2-trillion-baht annual budget bill for fiscal 2020 faces a further hold-up.
UTCC says budget delay will hit growth
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 24/01/2020
» The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) has flagged concerns that the economy could expand by less than 2.5% this year if the annual budget bill for fiscal 2020 hits further snags after some MPs were reported to have voted in favour of the bill without being present in the House.