PM orders review of duty free concession bidding process

14 Sept 01:56 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered a review of the duty-free concession bidding process for Suvarnabhumi, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Hat Yai airports.
The review aims to ensure transparency and maximize state benefits, addressing concerns that Airports of Thailand's (AOT) proposed single-operator model could create a monopoly.
The Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT) raised doubts about suspiciously low revenue forecasts compared to other countries and potential bias in the bidding format favoring large businesses.
The Ministry of Transport has been instructed to oversee the process and work with AOT to develop a more appropriate and equitable bidding model.

Flooding persists in Bangkok and 22 provinces

Today 16:00 Key points summarised by AI

Persistent flooding continues across Bangkok and 22 Thai provinces, though water levels are gradually receding in many affected areas.
Over 604,000 families, impacting approximately 1.83 million people, are still grappling with the widespread flood conditions.
The national flood death toll has reached 80 since mid-September, with fatalities reported across various provinces.
Major regions like Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok report significant numbers of affected households, with hundreds of thousands still in trouble.