Briefs

The baht strengthened for a second day on speculation it is being supported by inflows from insurance claims related to the worst floods in 70 years.
About US$2 billion (Bt62.4 billion) in overseas insurance has come in so far, Bank of Thailand Governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul said yesterday. – Bloomberg

Extension of excise reduction
The Finance Ministry plans to extend the cut in the diesel excise tax by a month to January 31.
"This will give consumers some time to adjust, after negative impacts from the floods,” Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala said yesterday.
“Meanwhile, we need to take into account global oil prices," he said.
The proposal will be submitted to the Cabinet next week, he said.
At present, diesel fuel is taxed at Bt0.005 per litre, against Bt5.30 normally. – The Nation

SSF levy cut
The Cabinet yesterday approved the cut in contribution to the Social Security Fund as a flood-relief measure for employers and employees.
Deputy government spokeswoman Anuttama Amornwiwat said the total contribution per employee would be reduced from 4.5 per cent to 1.5 per cent for all of next year.
The contributions by the government, employers and employees would drop from 1.5 per cent of an employee’s salary to 0.5 per cent each. – The Nation