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.

The Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Cambodian property owner Kok An, accused of backing scam centres in Poipet. 

US President Donald Trump unveiled the first in a wave of promised letters that threaten to impose higher tariffs rates on key trading partners, including levies of 25% on goods from Japan and South Korea beginning Aug 1.

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.

The government will withdraw a controversial bill to legalise casinos from parliament following mounting public opposition and a fresh bout of political turmoil that has reduced the ruling coalition’s majority. 

The Thai baht’s four-month rally is likely to falter as political turmoil is expected to weigh on the economy, according to the currency’s top forecaster.