Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, March 21st to the 27th, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
1. Thailand’s cabinet committee approves ten measures to help ease public financial hardship, starting May until July
Following the constant rise of fuel and necessity prices, the government had introduced remedies for the public, especially people with low income and laborers, during May- July. Some of the measures include the cooking gas and fuel subsidies/discounts, maintaining NGV and fuel prices, etc. See below for more information.
2. Bank of Thailand announces a ban on using cryptocurrency for goods and services payments, starting April 1st
Bank of Thailand Governor reasoned for the ban, which would start from April 1st onwards, that Thailand had already provided a stable and common digital payment system which was Promptpay. The currently-trending cryptocurrency did not meet the needs of being a medium for payment of goods and services and did not go along with the bank’s core belief of the presence of the government to maintain the value of money and the stability of the financial system. This change, however, would only be implemented for making goods and services payments and did not affect trading or investing in the country.
3. Tourism and Sports Ministry to propose “Thailand Pass” cancellation and introduce single ATK test to spur tourism growth
The Tourism and Sports Ministry also planned to propose scratching the international arrival policy following several suggestions and outcries from prominent tourism professionals. The proposal aimed to attract more tourists and enhance more opportunities for the tourism sector to recover from the Covid-19 situation. It would allow all international tourists to travel to the country without requiring a Covid-19 test beforehand and only a single ATK would be mandatory. The Minister, however, would introduce the matter to the Covid-19 Center general meeting after the Songkran period, or mid-April, and hopefully to get a green light to start the new regulation on June 1st.
And, that is all for this week. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!
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