Oil price warning: Cheap era over for at least two years

14 Sept 01:36 Key points summarised by AI

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas rejects calls for an excise tax cut on refined oil, warning that the era of cheap oil is over for at least two years due to Middle East infrastructure damage.
Nitithanprapas argues that reducing the excise tax would negatively impact medical services, as a portion of the tax revenue is allocated to fund state hospitals and rising healthcare costs.
Democrat MP Korn Chatikavanij challenges the minister's claim about tax allocation and advocates for a much larger 12 baht per litre cut in ex-refinery oil prices, citing high Gross Refining Margins.

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.