Flood Emergency: Thailand’s flood death toll has reached 60 since mid-September, with 27 provinces and Bangkok still affected. Officials are pumping out water and preparing for five days of heavy rain from Oct. 9, while floods have disrupted more than 10 auto-parts plants and delayed rice planting. Economic Strain: Consumer confidence fell for the first time in four months in September, as flooding, high living costs and a slow recovery weigh on households. Analysts warn that record household debt is also constraining growth. Trade and Industry: Prime Minister Anutin says Thailand and the US are nearing the final stage of a trade agreement. Meanwhile, officials are considering higher EV import taxes to support local production, and Nippon Paint has agreed to buy AkzoNobel’s regional decorative-paints businesses, including in Thailand, for $1.35 billion. Travel Costs: A proposed departure tax would initially apply to air passengers leaving Thailand; the rate has yet to be set.