CHIANG MAI – The northern city has escaped flooding as the water level of the Ping River continues to drop, but officials on Friday warned of another possible downpour in the coming days.

Chinese police are investigating at least five cases of missing teenagers believed to have been caught up in scam centres, including some who have lost contact with their families after travelling to Myanmar.

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra suggested the country create a golden visa scheme for wealthy foreigners to become long-term residents and called on Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) to hike passenger service fees to boost the sluggish economy.

DBS Vickers Securities recommends investors increase their exposure to gold and reduce their allocation of government bonds from developed economies, predicting the bullion price will hit US$3,765 an ounce by the fourth quarter of this year.

GDP growth this year could be as low as 1.2% or even less if the government fails to clinch a deal with the US that ensures the reciprocal tariff is competitive with those granted to neighbouring countries, said Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research).

The Thai army is trying to find out whether a landmine that injured three Thai soldiers — one of whom lost a foot — was old or a newly planted one at the border with Cambodia in Ubon Ratchathani.