Finance mulls 5 percent VAT refund for shoppers as Chinese New Year’s gift

30 Sept 23:00 Key points summarised by AI

The Finance Ministry proposes a 5% VAT refund for shoppers spending up to 20,000 baht during the February 1-15 Chinese New Year season.
Eligible shoppers using PromptPay-linked debit cards can receive a maximum 1,000 baht refund, excluding liquor, beer, cigarettes, or other 'vice' products.
This initiative aims to boost domestic spending and develop the national payment system, with an estimated cost of 5-6 billion baht to the government.

Uthenthawai students and alumni declare truce with Pathumwan rivals

Yesterday 20:34 Key points summarised by AI

Uthenthawai students and alumni have pledged to cease violent clashes with Pathumwan Institute rivals, coinciding with their campus's reopening after a 90-day closure.
The Minister of Higher Education is mediating the long-running conflict, while the campus closure has significantly disrupted in-person classes and laboratory work for over 1,000 students.
Uthenthawai resists relocation from its current site, citing a historical land grant from King Rama VI, despite Chulalongkorn University's plans to reclaim the land for an educational hub.
Concerns are mounting over the legality of the campus closure, its detrimental impact on uninvolved students, and the potential commercial development of the land, which critics argue contradicts the late King Rama VI's intentions.