Finance Ministry considering 3rd round of “Chim-Shop-Chai” scheme

21 Sept 03:08 Key points summarised by AI

Deputy PM Somkid Jatusripitak urges a third round of the “Chim-Shop-Chai” scheme, praising its success in stimulating the grass roots economy and domestic tourism, while defending it against populist policy criticisms.
Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana will assess the first two rounds within a month, making adjustments before seeking cabinet approval for a third iteration.
Uttama emphasizes the scheme's critical role in maintaining Thailand's economic growth above 2.8% and assures participating businesses against tax audits.
The government plans to enhance state welfare card benefits by adding accident and health insurance coverage for 14.5 million card holders, requiring re-registration.

Suchada: Meet the reluctant star of Thailand’s cryptic crypto drama

Yesterday 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Thai MP Suchada Zhang Thaensap faces intense scrutiny over her husband’s substantial 1.84 billion baht wealth, with opposition lawmakers alleging connections to international scam networks.
A significant portion of her husband, Taiyang Zhang's, declared assets includes a 1.44 billion baht loan to the now-bankrupt cryptocurrency hedge fund Three Arrows Capital, which still owes him 1.34 billion baht.
Opposition MP Rangsiman Rome accused Suchada's husband of links to online scam networks and gambling sites, prompting Suchada to vehemently deny the claims, demand evidence, and file a defamation complaint.
Taiyang Zhang's background includes co-founding Ren Protocol, later sold to Alameda Research (linked to the FTX collapse), and some of his former associates have been convicted in crypto company failures.
Suchada, a former actress and first-time MP, maintains her husband's innocence, while her party leaders have distanced themselves from the allegations, deeming it a private matter.