AWOL

Analysts are expressing concerns about the new government’s ability to manage skyrocketing oil prices, as Houthi rebel involvement signals a broadening and prolonged conflict in the Middle East.

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has called on the government to introduce urgent measures, including a possible excise tax reduction on fuel, to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) cope with escalating operating costs driven by surging global crude oil prices.

A motion to abolish MPs’ pensions is expected to be raised in parliament this week amid concerns over fairness and the growing financial burden on the state.

Uncertainty has emerged over whether fuel prices can be capped during next month’s Songkran holiday as the Oil Fuel Fund has fallen into a 42-billion-baht deficit.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has submitted his new cabinet for royal endorsement after completing of vetting procedures, with the government aiming to present its policy statement to parliament before the Songkran holiday in mid-April.

Police raided a rented house in Bangkok and arrested eleven South Koreans suspected of operating a scam that defrauded victims in their home country of about 65 million baht.

Amid commercial flight disruptions caused the Mideast war, business jet usage is booming in Thailand and Southeast Asia, with plane manufacturers marketing their latest models of long‑range aircraft to wealthy individuals seeking to expand their businesses internationally.

Business leaders are calling for the government to study long-term energy security strategies to reduce reliance on imported energy and expand access to renewable sources in the wake of the ongoing crisis stemming from war in the Middle East.