Bankers urge gradual liberalisation to meet Thailand-European FTA
Bankers have called for the government to gradually liberalise the financial sector in order to ensure their competitiveness under the planned Thailand-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Thailand Business News
Benchmark Rate Kept Unchanged at 1.25%
The monetary policy panel resolves to maintain the one-day repurchase rate at 1.25 percent, reasoning the internal political crisis and Europe's financial crisis fallout are still major risks to the economic growth. Bank Of Thailand Assistant Governor in charge of monetary policy Paiboon Kittisrisangwan said the resolution was from concerns over internal political uncertainty and financial crisis in Europe although the global economy continues to grow as a result of economic growth in the United States, Japan and Asia.
Thailand’s smartphone market skyrockets with BlackBerry sales
TrueMove has reported 200% growth in its sales of BlackBerry smartphones during the past four months. The record performance is three times its gross sales of BlackBerry last year, the strongest growth posted since the ... Thailand Business News
Finance Min Confirms Enough Budget for All Sectors Affected by Protests
The finance minister assured that the treasury reserve is healthy enough to alleviate those affected by the recent violence and riots. Meanwhile, the first day of Silom Walking Street event has drawn strong public interest. Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said that the treasury currently has enough sufficient funds to assist people who have been affected by the recent riots.
Thailand’s Prime Minister calls for reconciliation
The Prime Minister said that the authorities had been able to put the situation under control and returned the area concerned to the BMA. A large amount of weapons were found, including M79 grenades, incendiary bombs and different types of bullets, as well as vehicles rigged as car bombs. Thailand Business News
Thailand’s GDP growth hits 15-year high at 12% in Q1
The Thai economy hit a 15-year high at 12 per cent growth in the first quarter of this year but the recent political violence could pull growth down by 1.5 per cent, National Economics and Social Development Board (NESDB) secretary-general Ampong Kitti-ampon said on Monday. Thailand Business News
Bangkok Building damage estimated $1.25 billion
Bangkok stands to lose an estimated 30-40 billion baht in property damages after more than 30 buildings including CentralWorld and Big C in the Ratchadamri area were torched by anti-government protesters who were enraged after their leaders surrendered to police. Thailand Business News
Transport Services Returning to Normal
Petrol stations in the outskirts of Bangkok have reported higher sales during the last few days while public transport services should return to full operation by Monday. Security officials are still not allowing petrol stations in 13 risk districts to reopen despite the riot situation abating. This has resulted in brisk sales for petrol stations on the outskirts of Bangkok. These stations have requested the delivery of petrol this afternoon, instead of late at night, to replenish depleting reserves.