Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed zero tolerance for corruption as Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob launches a probe into an alleged 40-million-baht monthly bribe linked to call centre scams.

Phuket authorities have launched a sweeping infrastructure blueprint aimed at easing traffic congestion, improving water security, and upgrading marine transport links to boost the island’s role as a regional hub.

New Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas says the government’s economic stimulus plan will enable GDP expansion of more than 1% in the fourth quarter, up from an earlier forecast of just 0.3%.

Several provinces in the upper part of Thailand are taking a battering from the remains of tropical storm Bualoi, as floods have devastated vast residential areas, crippled infrastructure and inundated farmland close to harvest time.

The government’s Khon La Khrueng (half-half) co-payment economic stimulus scheme will begin on Oct 29, with registration expected to open soon after cabinet approval next week, according to Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

Authorities are urging caution in northern and upper northeastern Thailand, where heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers remain likely over the next couple of days, despite Typhoon Bualoi having weakened into a strong low-pressure system.