Compromise may save expressway authority from paying sky high fees to expressway operator

13 Sept 16:32 Key points summarised by AI

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) board approved a 30-year concession extension for NECL (a BEM subsidiary) to avoid a potential 130 billion baht compensation payment from a legal dispute.
Under the compromise, BEM agreed to waive a 59 billion baht compensation claim in exchange for continued operating rights on the Bang Pa-in-Pakkred, Srirat, and Rama IX-Srinakharin expressways.
Key terms include toll fee increases of 10 baht every ten years and BEM's commitment to invest 31 billion baht in developing a 17km double-deck expressway from Prachachuen to Asoke.
The revenue sharing model remains 60% for EXAT and 40% for BEM, with the entire compromise awaiting final government approval.

Bai Lu meet-and-greet cancelled days after China’s safety warning

Today 15:28 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister announced the government will seek clarification from the Chinese Embassy regarding its recent travel advisory warning Chinese nationals about safety concerns in Thailand.
The travel advisory is anticipated to negatively impact the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, despite recent increases in arrivals.
A meet-and-greet event featuring Chinese actress Bai Lu, a WeTV Global Ambassador, was abruptly cancelled just days after the Chinese Embassy issued its safety warning, though no official reason was provided.
The Chinese Embassy's advisory urged citizens to beware of job scams, fraudulent investments, suspicious travel arrangements, and the risk of illegal detention or being lured to the Thai-Myanmar border.
Chinese nationals were advised to verify job offers, use legitimate transport, avoid high-risk border areas, protect personal documents, and keep family informed of travel plans.