The Latest Breaking News from Amonp Chawla

Even as Thailand continues on its path to economic recovery in the fourth quarter, buoyed by tourism and domestic consumption, businesses are still unnerved by pressing challenges, including high inflation, a weaker baht, surging energy prices and flooding, which could hamper the rebound.

Economists forecast the value of the baht could plunge to 38 to the US dollar this year, mainly attributed to a stronger dollar as the Federal Reserve pursues a hawkish monetary policy.

Industry leaders have urged the government to carefully manage the baht to keep its value at a rate that will benefit both importers and exporters.

A proposal by labour advocacy groups to increase the daily minimum wage to 492 baht is drawing stiff opposition from entrepreneurs who fear the hike in a volatile economy will deal a blow to businesses.

The Songkran celebrations not only mark the Thai New Year, but also may help determine the economic health of the country this year amid a prolonged global oil price hike and new fears about an Omicron infection surge.

Hotel operators are clamouring for RT-PCR testing upon arrival for foreign visitors to be eliminated from requirements to avoid a tourism collapse as the resumption of the Test & Go scheme alone is not enough to create momentum.