Thailand’s PMI falls to 49.8 in April
The Nikkei Thailand Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, or PMI, dropped to 49.8 in April from 50.2 in March.
– Nikkei Asian Review
Thai Bourse May Remain Stuck In Neutral
Ahead of Monday’s Labor Day holiday, the Thai stock market had ticked lower in back-to-back sessions, although it had eased just a single point in that span.
– Nasdaq
Consumer prices up for 13th month
Consumer prices, which gauge the country’s inflation rate, rose for a 13th straight month in April, albeit at a slower pace, boosted largely by higher oil and finished food prices.
– Bangkok Post
Min of Industry & Delta Electronics launch 2nd Angel Fund for Startup program
The Ministry of Industry has partnered with Delta Electronics Thailand in organizing the second “Angel Fund for Startup” program, which will provide training and funding to 30 select trainees.
– NNT
Sagging Exports Take Shine Off Thai Domestic Sales
Thai vehicle sales and exports are racing in opposite directions with soaring domestic deliveries and plunging overseas shipments. The Federation of Thai Industries automotive section says domestic light-vehicle sales in March rose 16.7% year-on-year to 84,801 units, helped by the launch of several new car models.
– WardsAuto
Thailand primed for region gateway role
PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha told the gathering of World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) members in Bangkok last week that the country’s strategy is called “Thailand Plus One”, under which Bangkok is positioned as a gateway for trade, investment and tourism in the region.
– The Nation
Airport See Passenger Traffic Growth Slow
Passenger traffic through Thailand’s six main airports grew at a slower rate in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period last year.
– AviationPros
Weaker media reform plan endorsed by NRSA as critics worry about freedom
A WATERED-DOWN version of the proposal to regulate the media in Thailand was endorsed yesterday by the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA).
– The Nation
Min of Agriculture committed to enhancing competitiveness of agricultural sector
The government is encouraging agriculturists to unionize, in order to support career stability.
– NNT
Thailand expects 1.8 trillion baht from tourism revenues in 2017
Thailand is expected to earn tourism revenues up to 1.8 trillion baht this year, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT).
– Thai PBS
Property prices double in EEC rush
LAND PRICES in the three provinces covered by the proposed Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) have doubled over the past five years, fuelled by strong demand across the board for sites for industrial, commercial and residential projects, experts say.
– The Nation
Transfer of foreign technology to Thailand a key facet of EEC: top official
THE TRANSFER of technology is at the heart of Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and it is crucial to allow foreign investors some privileges to move the country’s economy forward, the head of the development group says.
– The Nation
BKK Deputy Governor encourages citizens to play a more active role against corruption
Bangkok’s deputy governor has reminded the capital’s citizens that they can play a part in preventing corruption and graft.
– NNT
Thailand B2C E-Commerce Market 2017
Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “Thailand B2C E-Commerce Market 2017” report to their offering.
– Business Wire (press release)
Thailand to Seek Interpol’s Help to Locate Red Bull Heir
Thai police now turn to the Interpol to help them locate the whereabout of Red Bull heir, Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, after the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court issued him arrest warrant last week for hit-and-run and reckless driving causing death.
– Chiang Rai Times
Red Line accident prompts strict safety audit plan
Agencies under the Transport Ministry will roll out a safety audit plan (SAP) to hold building projects to a higher set of rules and regulations in the wake of a fatal accident over the weekend during the construction of the Red Line rail route.
– Bangkok Post
2 new motorway routes to go to auction
The Department of Highways is preparing to open a new auction for 2 motorway routes between Bang Pa-In and Nakhon Ratchasima and Bang Yai and Kanchanaburi together costing an estimated 14 billion baht.
– NNT
Thailand intensifies state control under new king
Harsh censors and restricted freedom of expression have always weighed on Thailand’s human rights record, but developments over the past month now suggest an intensified level of state control — a fresh development on top of the nation’s delayed return to democracy.
– CNBC
ILO warns against disruption
The government is being urged by an employers’ organisation to step up on measures and mechanisms to cushion wage workers from the potential impact of the proliferation of machines and robots over the next decade.
– Bangkok Post
Thailand to diversify tourism offerings to attract more visitors from Qatar
As one of the top destinations for Qataris, Thailand is diversifying its tourism offerings by launching new tourism products to attract more tourists from Qatar and the Middle East region.
– The Peninsula
Cost of submarines could rise
THE Royal Thai Navy admitted yesterday that the deal to buy three Chinese submarines could cost more than Bt36 billion – the initial price given by the government – if the Navy believes it requires more advanced technology.
– The Nation
Aircraft carrier debacle offers a lesson on the submarine
Will a new vessel we don’t need and can’t afford end up, like another infamous purchase, as a tourist attraction?
– The Nation
Students develop cheap, light bulletproof vest
AN international-standard bulletproof vest designed by students that is lighter and much cheaper than other such products on the Thai market has been launched by Naresuan University in Phitsanulok.
– The Nation
Scheme aims to help folk prepare for healthy ageing
GROWING old is no longer as blissful as once thought as about 10 million Thais struggle to cope with retirement, which is proving costly when they come down with serious illnesses such as stroke, cancer and dementia.
– The Nation
Obese Monkey Who Snacked On Tourists’ Food Sent To ‘Fat Camp’ In Thailand
A monkey that lives near a famous Thai floating water market in Bangkok has steadily been gaining weight after gorging on food fed to it by tourists. The monkey weighs a whopping 15 kilograms, which is almost double the standard weight for the creatures.
– NDTV
Feature photo JJ Harrison
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John Le Fevre
He has spent extensive periods of time working in Africa and throughout Southeast Asia, with stints in the Middle East, the USA, and England.
He has covered major world events including Operation Desert Shield/ Storm, the 1991 pillage in Zaire, the 1994 Rwanda genocide, the 1999 East Timor independence unrest, the 2004 Asian tsunami, and the 2009, 2010, and 2014 Bangkok political protests.
In 1995 he was a Walkley Award finalist, the highest awards in Australian journalism, for his coverage of the 1995 Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo) Ebola outbreak.
Prior to AEC News Today he was the deputy editor and Thailand and Greater Mekong Sub-region editor for The Establishment Post, predecessor of Asean Today.
In the mid-80s and early 90s he owned JLF Promotions, the largest above and below the line marketing and PR firm servicing the high-technology industry in Australia. It was sold in 1995.
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- COVID-19 in Asean: update for July 24 — Asean tops 230,000 cases, nudges 90,000 active – July 24, 2020
- Thailand morning news for July 24 – July 24, 2020