Excise tax cut, cash aid among govt steps to tackle oil price surge

14 Sept 01:59 Key points summarised by AI

The Cabinet approved a package of measures to mitigate the impact of surging oil prices across various sectors.
Key initiatives include an excise tax reduction on finished oil products and a 100-baht increase in monthly subsidies for state welfare card holders.
The government also provides soft loans for SMEs and extends aid to public transport, truckers, farmers, and fishing vessel owners.
These measures, implemented by a caretaker administration, require Election Commission approval, with some aid being initially temporary.
Alongside these steps, the Commerce Ministry expanded price controls on 66 essential goods and urged government agencies to conserve energy.

Nationwide crackdown launched on illegal nominee shareholders and land holdings

Yesterday 15:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal Thai nominee shareholders in foreign-run businesses and land holdings to safeguard national interests.
The government will integrate efforts across all relevant agencies to target illicit foreign operations, forced sales of illegally acquired property, and high-risk land ownership schemes.
Key strategies include auditing suspect land and building holdings, establishing a long-term monitoring system, and cross-referencing data from various authorities to trace ultimate beneficial owners.
Prime Minister Anutin emphasized that no influential figures or corrupt officials are above the law, promising straightforward prosecution, asset seizures, and protection for enforcing officers.
Beyond land ownership, the integrated crackdown will also extend to tackle transnational crimes, including drug and human trafficking.