BANGKOK (NNT) – Thailand’s Comptroller General’s Department has issued a set of criteria for COVID-19 patients under home or community isolation, which will facilitate the government’s decision to allow COVID-19 patients with mild or no symptoms to quarantine at home, or at other approved venues within their communities.

Department Director-General Prapas Kong-ied said eligible patients can have their medical expenses reimbursed, with a limit set at 1,100 baht per day for no more than 14 days. Charges for medical equipment used during home isolation will also be reimbursed by the state, with a similar limit in place.

He said patients can have fees relating to medications, X-ray examinations, laboratory testing and miscellaneous care reimbursed, as stipulated by the Finance Ministry. Reimbursement for transport costs are limited to 1,100 baht, while repayments for vehicle disinfection are limited to 3,700 baht.

According to Mr. Prapas, individuals who have to be treated for low blood platelet counts or blood clots after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine can also have their treatment costs reimbursed.

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BANGKOK (NNT) – Thailand’s Ministry of Transport reports that the Civil Aviation Board (CAB) has extended relief measures for airlines, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, to the end of this year.

Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said Airports of Thailand has reduced landing and parking charges for domestic and international flights by 50%, adding to a waiver of parking charges for airlines that are unable to operate during the third quarter (July 1-Sept 30). The measures will apply at 29 airports overseen by the Department of Airports across country.

The board also instructed the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to help airlines during the third quarter by extending credit terms and waiving penalty charges for overdue payments. In addition, the CAAT was instructed to help with tourism reopening plans in nine other popular tourism locations, following the success of the Phuket “sandbox” scheme.

Meanwhile, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd might request a government subsidy so it can continue its airline assistance efforts.

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The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has revealed that Thailand’s economy faces significant downside risks, because a prolonged COVID-19 outbreak could cause the economy to underperform the baseline projection, squeezing business liquidity and slowing employment.

Minutes from the BoT’s meeting on Wednesday say the recurring outbreaks have increased labor market fragility and recovery will be W-shaped and slower than in the past. The BoT’s Monetary Policy Committee stands ready to use the limited policy space at the most effective time.

At the meeting, the central bank cut its 2021 economic growth forecast to 1.8%, from 3.0%, and its 2022 outlook to 3.9%, from 4.7%.

The minutes also said the committee will ensure that exchange rate movements will not hinder economic recovery.

The impact of the US monetary policy outlook, on domestic long-term government bond and equity prices, will be limited due to low foreign participation in the long-term Thai government bond market and continued underweighting of Thai stocks in recent periods.

Significant downside risks for Thai economy

Looking ahead, the Thai economy faced significant downside risks and uncertainties from
various factors that needed to be closely monitored.

Prolonged outbreak and virus mutations

First, prolonged outbreak and virus mutations from existing and new variants would reduce vaccine efficacy. This could lead to a public health crisis, affect domestic spending, and delay the reopening plan to admit foreign tourists.

Government spending on economic relief and restoration lower than expected

Second, government spending on economic relief and restoration could be…

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BANGKOK (NNT) – Thailand’s Commerce Ministry has launched a loan matching scheme for export-orientated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are facing tight liquidity because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanavisit said the ministry is working with the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (Exim Bank) and the Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG), to help small-scale exporters to access soft loans and increase their income from exports.

He said exporters who generate income for the country are not only big operators but also small-scale ones, who are part of supply chains, adding that there are about three million SMEs in the country and 30,000 of them are small-scale SMEs.

According to Mr. Jurin, the scheme offers loans worth 2.5 billion baht with special conditions. The interest rate is 3.99% per year, lower than the regular 6.5%, and collateral is not required. The loan applications will only take seven days to process, instead of the usual 30. In addition, the Exim Bank will offer free insurance for their first shipment and provide training on exporting.

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