Briefs

The Bank of Thailand hasn't intervened to support the baht because the currency has moved in line with its regional peers, Deputy Governor Atchana Waiquamdee said yesterday.

"The central bank is closely monitoring the market and we see that the baht weakened in line with other currencies," Atchana said. "There is nothing to be concerned about. We haven't intervened in the market as the baht moved in line with regional currencies." - Bloomberg

GSB transfers funds to flood victims

The Government Savings Bank said yesterday it had so far transferred Bt283 million to 72,545 farming families affected by the severe flooding. The government has promised each affected family Bt5,000 compensation. The Interior Ministry lists 132,263 victims eligible for relief assistance.

Boonsong wants better tax collection

Deputy Finance Minister Boonsong Teriyaphirom yesterday met with senior tax officials at the Revenue Department to discuss tax collection. The department said in a statement that Boonsong asked officials to improve the efficiency of tax collection before the department restructures the tax rates. Director-general Satit Rungkasiri expressed confidence the department would meet its tax-collection target of Bt1.624 trillion next fiscal year.

GHB mulls mortgage for 'low-income'   

Deputy Finance Minister Viroon Tejapaibul said yesterday he had consulted with the Government Housing Bank to offer low-income home-buyers  zero interest in the first or second year of loan repayment. House prices may be capped at Bt1 million or Bt2 million. The package is expected to be announced next week.

Thailand to host SAFSA forum

The Commerce Ministry's Department of Export Promotion, the National Federation of Thai Textile Industries and USAID's VALUE Project will host the Source Asean Full Service Alliance (SAFSA) Global Forum 2011 on Thursday and Friday next week at the Plaza Athenee Bangkok hotel. - The Nation.