The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index could fall below 1,000 points and the country’s GDP growth to less than 1% if the Thai negotiating team led by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira cannot convince the US to lower its reciprocal tariff from 36%, analysts said on Tuesday.

The Bhumjaithai Party has accused the governing Pheu Thai Party of lacking sincerity following its decision to remove a bill to promote casinos from parliament.

Thailand remains optimistic about securing a lower tariff rate than the 36% levy announced by US President Donald Trump based on an offer to bring down import tax on most US goods to zero, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.

Deputy Minister of Public Health Chaichana Dechdecho on Monday acknowledged rising HIV infection rates among young people and announced plans to sign memorandums of understanding with educational institutions to distribute condoms and provide sexual health education.

Cannabis advocates settled in for a long rally outside the Public Health Ministry in Nonthaburi province on Monday, protesting against perceived moves to recriminalise it. 

Malaysia has surpassed China as the largest inbound tourism market for Thailand in the first half of this year, as the latter plunged by 34.1%, while tourism operators say they have little hope that Asian markets will rise in the low season.