Protesters call for lower cost of livingA network of labour groups and activists protested in front of Government House on Tuesday, demanding the government reduce the cost of living. The second demand is to increase relief funds for the elderly and handicapped to 3,000 baht per month. Their third demand was for a 50% reduction of tuition costs for the next three years for students of primary schools, high schools and universities. The fourth demand was that children up to the age of 12 be given 1,200 baht a month. The final demand called for reduced fares on mass rapid transit services and that electricity and water costs be controlled by the government.

B20bn loans to bolster diesel subsidyThe Oil Fuel Fund Office (Offo) is preparing to obtain loans worth 20 billion baht from 10 commercial banks, following the government's approval to seek loans to support its subsidy programme during the global oil price surge. Global oil prices rose rapidly after the easing of lockdown measures and the reopening of many countries to restore their economies, which led to higher demand for oil. If global oil prices continue to increase above $90 per barrel, the Offo may consider seeking another 10-billion-baht loan. Another measure to control retail oil prices in Thailand is a reduction in the proportion of palm oil-derived methyl ester to only 7% starting today. The subsidy programme is expected to keep diesel prices below 28 baht per litre.

Govt racing to hit 100m jab target by SundayPeople wait to get a Covid-19 vaccine at the vaccination centre at Bang Sue Grand Station on Nov 26. The Ministry of Public Health is counting down to Sunday when it aims to hit its target of administering 100 million doses, she said. The ministry has been running a weeklong vaccination campaign since Saturday, she said, adding that several provinces have come up with incentives for unvaccinated people. Those who are not satisfied with the provision of AstraZeneca for their first shot and Pfizer for their second can now request the Covid-19 vaccine of their choice provided they have a good explanation, he said. These reasons will be compiled and taken into account when the province decides on its next vaccination programme, he added.

(Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)The cabinet on Tuesday approved in principle a one-year Medical Treatment Visa to attract foreigners with purchasing power. Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the Medical Treatment Visa, or Non-MT visa, would be available for patients who needed medical services in Thailand and include up to three supporters per patient. The one-year and multiple-entry Medical Treatment Visa will not be renewable. The Medical Treatment Visa targets visitors who need continuous medical treatment and their supporters, Ms Rachada said. Foreigners eligible for the new visa are patients who need medical services in areas that Thailand has mastered.

Barbados declared a republic, drops link to British thronePresident of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason, stands after being sworn in at the presidential inauguration ceremony on Monday in Bridgetown, Barbados. BRIDGETOWN: Fireworks filled the sky over Barbados on Tuesday as the Caribbean island nation declared itself the world's newest republic, lowering Queen Elizabeth's flag as it severed colonial-era ties to the British throne to the sound of jubilant gun salutes. "Republic Barbados has set sail on her maiden voyage," Dame Sandra Mason said in her inauguration speech as the first president of the country, recognizing the "complex, fractured and turbulent world" it would need to navigate. For young activists such as Firhaana Bulbulia, founder of the Barbados Muslim Association, British colonialism and slavery lie behind the island's modern inequalities. Charles' visit to Barbados was clouded at the last minute by another race row over alleged comments about his grandson.

Chinese tourists arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport during the first day of the country's reopening on Nov 1. REUTERSThailand will not take a step back from the reopening plan despite uncertainty over the Omicron variant and the Tourism and Sports Ministry will also propose more relaxation on alcohol sales from the afternoon to lift the festive sentiment. Our economy still suffers from the crisis, so there will be no more border seals unless we are in a very critical situation," said Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Tourism and Sports Minister. He said international travellers during the first 29 days of reopening numbered over 100,000, which doubled from three months of the Phuket sandbox. But if there's no threat from Omicron, the number of international arrivals this year should reach 500,000.

(Photo: Assawin Pinitwong)Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has ordered relevant authorities to intensify efforts to combat human trafficking and forced labour as the country aims to improve the country's ranking in the US Trafficking in Persons Report next year. According to Gen Prawit, tackling human trafficking is a national priority and more work needs to be done especially in identifying and protecting victims, notably those subjected to forced labour. Identifying victims is substandard and alleged involvement of state officials in trafficking and the use of forced labour remains," Gen Prawit was quoted as saying. According to Gen Prawit, the government aims to upgrade the country's ranking from Tier 2 Watchlist to Tier 2 in 2022. A Tier 2 ranking means that the country is making important strides in tackling human trafficking and is well on the way to full compliance with international trafficking laws and standards.

114 car dealers face tax evasion caseThe Department of Special Investigation is coordinating with the Department of Land Transport to take legal action against 114 luxury car importers who were found to have evaded paying taxes on 854 imported cars. It was reported that the luxury cars were imported from the United Kingdom, he said. Each team will handle 83 cars and 12–13 importers, Pol Lt Col Phayao said, adding the DSI is aiming to complete its investigation within four months. Also, the Regional Special Investigations Divisions are reportedly investigating a tax evasion case involving 574 other luxury vehicles. The department had earlier permitted the DLT to return 20 luxury cars that were not taxed after the owners finally paid the import duty, according to a DSI source.

2021 exports expected to grow 17%, most in 12 years - Arkhom(Bangkok Post file photo)Thai exports are expected to grow 17% this year, the highest growth rate in 12 years, the country's finance minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said on Monday. Mr Arkhom also told an online forum that gross domestic product next year should grow around 4% or in a range of 3.5% to 4.5%. The economy shrank by 0.3% in the third quarter, as Covid-19 restrictions hit tourism and domestic activity, though the drop was less than expected. Thailand's tourism sector had started seeing a gradual recovery after the country reopened for vaccinated travellers. The agency expects five million foreign travellers next year, compared with 40 million in 2019.

Japan slams borders shut as world races to stem new Covid variantJapan has announced plans to shut its borders to foreign nationals over the Omicron variant, joining a growing list of countries erecting virtual fortresses against the mutated new strain. TOKYO: Japan announced plans Monday to bar all new foreign travellers over the Omicron variant of Covid-19, joining a growing list of countries trying to erect virtual fortresses against the heavily mutated new strain. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the country was "in a stronger position against the Omicron variant than other countries," citing voluntary mask-wearing and self-restraints about risk behaviours. "With the Omicron variant now detected in several regions of the world, putting in place travel bans that target Africa attacks global solidarity," WHO regional director Matshidiso Moeti said. But in a sign of optimism, Singapore and Malaysia eased coronavirus travel restrictions on one of the world's busiest land borders after nearly two years.

All arrivals free of new strain, say virus chiefsAll 1,007 visitors from southern Africa who recently arrived in Thailand have tested negative for Covid-19, the Department of Disease Control said on Sunday. The Department of Medical Sciences has not found a single case of the variant in Thailand, said deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek. The department is now asking all private hospitals to submit specimens from all patients who test positive for Covid-19 to be genetically sequenced to identify each individual's strain and its prevalence, she said. The Centre for Medical Genomics of Ramathibodi Hospital, meanwhile, is in the process of developing a test kit for accurately detecting the Omicron variant using a mass array technology, which is expected to be completed in about two weeks. Prof Dr Nithi Mahanonda, secretary- general of Chulabhorn Royal Academy, meanwhile, urged members of the public to stay calm and wait until clearer information is available.

NBTC reverses course on telecom infrastructure fundsThe National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) board has reversed its stance on its requirement for telecom infrastructure funds to seek telecom licences, saying these funds are just financial tools to raise capital. The board also assigned management to draw up a regulatory draft to determine all telecom infrastructure funds are not subject to requirements for a telecom licence. Existing telecom infrastructure funds listed on the stock market have never applied for telecom licences from the NBTC, although the regulator informed them before listing that they needed licences for their operations. In June, the NBTC board assigned its management to draft a regulation governing telecom infrastructure funds. The source indicated the latest resolution is meant to eliminate ambiguity about whether telecom infrastructure funds need to obtain telecom licences to operate because of interpretation of different laws.

The merger, if it took effect now, would see the new company's customer market share reach 54%, versus 46% for AIS. Mr Halil said the merger would create "some extent of monopoly power" in the telecom market, giving the company the largest subscriber base. "This is the trend for businesses now and merger is a way to strengthen parties' business growth," he said. WIN-WIN SOLUTIONAn industry veteran who requested anonymity said True and DTAC are likely to reap short-term benefits from the merger deal. "The merged company could undoubtedly claim it is the No.1 player in the mobile market," the source said.

Dechapol, Sapsiree win but Ratchanok loses in Indonesia Open finalsDechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai (right) pose for photos in a ceremony after winning their mixed doubles title at the Indonesia Open in Bali on Sunday. (Photo: Badminton Association of Thailand)Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai claimed their third straight title but Ratchanok Intanon missed a chance to win her first crown in almost two years at the Indonesia Open in Bali on Sunday. The victory was their third consecutive title after the Indonesia Masters in Bali and Hylo Open in Germany. But Ratchanok missed her opportunity to win her first title in almost two years after losing to An Se-Young of South Korea 17-21, 20-22 in 46 minutes. The 26-year-old Ratchanok last won a tournament at the Indonesia Masters in January last year.

Credit cards, personal loans lead debt types among Thais: pollCredit cards are one of the leading types of debt for Thai people, and debt levels have increased since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)Credit cards and personal loans top the many types of debt burdening Thai people since their daily life became affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a survey by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll. The poll was conducted online between Nov 22-25 on 1,059 people throughout the country who have been in debt during the Covid-19 situation. Asked about the types of debt they had incurred, with each respondent allowed to choose more than one answer, 46.52% pointed to credit cards and personal loans; 39.85% loans for property including houses, condominiums and commercial buildings; 35.46% daily expenses; 30.79% loans for cars and motorcycles; and 15.73% expenses for education and student loans. varied as follows::48.18% owed less than 500,000 baht;22.85% owed 1,000,000-2,999,999 baht;15.26% owed more than 3 million baht;13.71% owed 500,000-999,999 baht.