PHOTO: The Nation

Thailand’s Finance Minister says the economy is not in a critical situation, it’s just on a bit of a “go-slow” right now. Uttama Savanayana adds that he’s hopeful the situation will improve next year with the go-ahead on a number of large national infrastructure projects.

Thai PBS World reports that the minister references the Government’s stimulus efforts this year, in particular the hugely successful Chim Shop Chai campaign to encourage more domestic tourism and spending, along with the 50,000 baht down payment incentive for condominium buyers, designed to help boost the property sector.

Uttama disputes the assertion from various experts that the country’s economy is facing a crisis in 2020, insisting that such big initiatives must be continued in order to bolster public confidence and in turn the economy. He also mentioned the Government’s excellent financial position in comparison with many other international economies.

He adds that the Government has already put pressure on around 50 state organisations to make progress with various investment projects in order to being forward a further boost to the economy. The organisations are understood to have a combined investment budget of around 100 million baht for state projects already approved.

SOURCE: Thai PBS World

PHOTO: Chiang Mai Citylife

Thailand’s minimum daily wage is going up. But not by much.

The National Wage Committee has singled out nine provinces for a 6 baht increase in the minimum daily wage, while the rest of the country gets an increase of 5 baht. The Permanent Secretary of Labour, Suthi Sukosol, confirms the nine provinces are Chonburi in eastern Thailand, Phuket in the south, and Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and Prachin Buri in central Thailand.

The highest daily minimum wage in the country will now be on offer in Chonburi and Phuket, at 336 baht a day. The lowest is in Narathiwat and Pattani at 313 baht a day.

The increase is being awarded to reflect the economic situation in the country and once approved by Cabinet, should be in place from January 1, 2020.

Don’t spend it all at once!

SOURCE: The Nation

The Bank of Thailand is attempting to quell business concerns over the strong baht, saying the currency will eventually reverse its upward trend and that more two-way movement in relation to the US dollar is expected in 2020.

The central bank’s deputy governor Mathee Supapongse says that investors now see the baht as overvalued, given the kingdoms sluggish economic forecast (much of forecasts connected to the strong local currency), a narrowing current account surplus and a thin spread between Thai and other nations’ rates.

“The baht might no longer be seen as a safe haven. The baht is starting to reverse its upward trend.”

In the last couple of years the baht has strengthened significantly against the US$. It’s gained around 7.5% this year alone, making it Asia’s top performing currency.

“The central bank is not complacent about the recent baht surge. We’ve imposed measures to rein it in, including tightening regulations on non-resident baht accounts and periodically stepping into the foreign exchange market.”

Last month the central bank relaxed rules related to foreign currency profits and foreign securities investment, to encourage capital outflows and limit the baht’s explosive growth.

These included allowing exporters to park foreign currency proceeds abroad without a time limit, enabling retail investors to invest up to US$200,000 per year in foreign securities without the need for a Thai intermediary, and opening up outward transfers, with exceptions for a few specific purposes.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post