The House passed the bill to borrow 400 billion baht late Monday night, by a count of 248 for, 128 against, three abstentions and 17 refusing to vote.

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Government easily wins 400 billion baht loan approval

Recent Trade Reforms in Thailand

The telecommunications sector is in the era of technological convergence. In this context, it is important to note that Thailand’s telecommunications sector is highly concentrated in both the fixed telephony and broadband access markets with only three to four firms dominating each market. Because of concentration in the sector, it is important to take into account the potential for abuse of market power, particularly in regards to licensing and other regulatory policies. The telecommunications sector has done relatively well in providing access to telephone services through fixedand mobile services at reasonable costs.Accessibility is, however, an issue with regards to internet service. The emerging priority in the sector is the development of a broadband access strategy. The regulatory framework must also continue to be strengthened to facilitate competition and protect public interests.

The government also uses tariff measures as a tool to promote energy policy. To encourage the use of natural gas as an alternative fuel for vehicles, the government has exempted import duties of many natural gas-related tools and equipment such as bio-fuel conversion kits, natural gas containers, and chasses.
Externally, the trade balance in January 2009 recorded a 1,688 million US dollar surplus. Export value contracted for the third consecutive month while import fell even more rapidly. Export value dropped 25.3 percent (yoy) to 10,382 million US dollars. This was due mainly to contraction across the board except for labour-intensive industries which still expanded from gold export. Import value contracted 36.5 percent (yoy) across the board to 8,694 million US dollars. When accounting for the net services, income, and transfers surplus of 601 million US dollars from lower investment income transfer compared to the previous month, the current account balance registered a 2,289 million US dollar surplus.
External stability in Thailand was upheld by high international reserves, while trade and current account were close to balance. Regarding internal stability, inflation rose from last year in line with higher oil prices, despite a downward trend during the second half of the year. Unemployment rate remained low in Thailand in 2008 but employment started to deteriorate in the forth quarter, particularly in the production sector affected by economic slowdown.

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