Thailand

The Transport Ministry will spend six months to a year studying the feasibility of imposing a congestion fee on motorists using busy roads in Bangkok, said Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit.

Large local banks have announced reductions across the board for their prime lending interest rates following the Bank of Thailand’s policy rate cut, aiming to ease the financial burden for borrowers.

Some 14.1 million people classified as vulnerable have received the government’s 10,000-baht cash handout, according to the chief of the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO).

The Constitutional Court on Tuesday ordered the attorney-general to report in 15 days on progress in the handling of a lawyer’s petition against Thaksin Shinawatra and his alleged influence over the Pheu Thai Party.

A Chinese couple were arrested for forming a gang who abducted and ransomed two compatriots, including an ex-husband, for about 12 million baht.

Nine Philippine nationals were arrested in Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi airport for allegedly pickpocketing a South Korean tourist. They admitted to having committed similar offences multiple times, targeting foreign visitors in popular tourist hotspots.

Almost 7,000 fraud complaints have been laid against The iCon Group, with total reported losses exceeding 2 billion baht.

Police arrested a Chinese suspect in the 12-million-baht ransom of two Chinese businessmen just before he boarded a plane to Cambodia at Suvarnabhumi airport.

Song Wat, recognised by Time Out as one of the “World’s 40 Coolest Neighbourhoods,” is attracting visitors with its blend of historic charm and contemporary flair, thanks to its traditional shops and the vibrant energy brought by new entrepreneurs.