World Bank puts Thailand’s 2019 GDP growth at 3.8 percent
The World Bank has cut Thailand’s growth rate projection this year to 3.8% from 3.9% compared to last year’s 4.1% GDP due to export growth slowing to 5.7% from last…
— Thai PBS News
Thailand says ‘making progress’ with high-speed Thai-Chinese railway
Thailand’s government said it is “making progress” with the much-delayed high-speed Thai-Chinese rail line that is to link Thailand, Laos and China, as the three countries prepared to ink another agreement this week at Beijing’s Belt and Road summit.
— Reuters
Army starts rolling in emergency water supply to Phuket
Lt Gen Pornsak Poonsawat, Commander of the Fourth Army Region base in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, which is the leading Army base in all of Southern Thailand, has ordered his troops to provide emergency relief water to water-starved communities across Phuket – starting with an initial delivery of 45,000 litres that is to arrive today (April 24).
— The Phuket News
Regime ‘not targeting FFP boss’
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) had no hand in the share-holding allegation against Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.
— Bangkok Post
EC faces legal action over poll
As the Constitutional Court has rejected the Election Commission’s (EC) petition seeking a ruling on the calculation method for party-list MPs, the poll agency could be sued by political parties that are disadvantaged by any formulas it has devised, pundits say.
— Bangkok Post
Thanathorn may face yet another investigation
Future Forward party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit may face yet another probe by the Election Commission for endorsing the candidacy of one party member in the March-24 election who was later…
— Thai PBS News
ASEAN Commerce Ministers meet in unofficial conference in Phuket
In our ASEAN segment today, we focus on the unofficial meeting of ASEAN Commerce Ministers being hosted by Thailand in Phuket today. The members have discussed the approaches to prepare the bloc for future challenges, connectivity, and creating stability in all dimensions.
–NBT World (video)
Thailand to Sign Pact with China, Laos on Bridge for High-Speed Railway
Thailand, China and Laos will sign a memorandum of cooperation on a new bridge for a railway across the Mekong River during Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha’s Beijing visit this week, a Thai foreign ministry official said Tuesday.
— BenarNews
CU’s Faculty of Medicine announces success in using “natural killer cells” to treat leukemia
The Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University (CU), Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society and Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, have succeeded in the treatment of leukemia patients with killer cells.
— NNT
Mos Thailand Found Investor, Securing Further Expansion
Japanese hamburger-restaurant chain Mos is selling a 74.3 per cent stake in its Thailand operations to bolster its local presence.
— Retail News Asia
Charter Court rejects EC’s request for ruling on party-list seat calculation
The Constitutional Court has rejected the Election Commission’s request for it to rule on the formula to be used to calculate the allocation of 150 party-least seats among parties contesting…
— Thai PBS News
Armed Mercedes owner releases snakes onto road outside Central World
An incident has caused bedlam and stopped traffic outside Central World in Bangkok. A man armed with a knife stopped his new black Mercedes in the middle of the road.
— The Thaiger
Pheu Thai MP-elect in Chiang Mai slapped with orange card by EC
Pheu Thai party’s prospective MP for Chiang Mai’s Constituency 8 has had his right to contest an election suspended for one year after the Election Commission (EC) faulted him for…
— Thai PBS News
26 parking lots around Bangkok prepared for attendees of coronation ceremonies
The Joint Directing Center for Coronation Ceremonies has prepared parking lots for more than 38,000 automobiles as well as shelters for people from Bangkok and the provinces to attend the coronation ceremonies from May 4th – 6th.
–NBT World (video)
Baht falls to lowest level since January
Asia’s best-performing currency in the first quarter, the baht, is starting to lose its momentum amid political gridlock, a stronger US dollar and speculation of dividend-related fund outflows.
— Bangkok Post
Million-baht coins mark coronation
Private organisations and individuals have placed orders for the first batch of 200 souvenir coins worth 1 million baht apiece to mark the coronation of His Majesty the King next month.
— Bangkok Post
Forest fire, haze situation in North, Northeast
Despite rains in many northern and northeastern areas, the forest fire and haze situation has remained unsolved, such as a forest fire at Nam Lee Tai village in Na Muen district of Nan province where the 32nd Rangers Task Force has put it out, set up fire barriers and stayed on alert.
— NNT
Power outage scheduled for Thalang
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) Thalang branch has announced that the electricity supply will be temporarily shut off in parts of Thalang on Thursday (Apr 25) as work is carried out on high voltage cables.
— The Phuket News
Mains water supply to be shut off in Thalang
The affected area, from 9am to 4:30pm, is from and including Phuket Airport, south along Thepkrasattri-Nai Yang Rd until Phuket Villa Airport (residence), and along route 4026 until Thalang Technical college.
— The Phuket News
Governor pushes water-shortage solutions
According to repeated reports published by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department, Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana again ordered local municipalities to make sure residents in their respective areas are supplied water for household use.
— The Phuket News
Heat stroke sends Thai net into meme meltdown
The mercury keeps rising in Thailand, causing the first reported heat stroke death occurring yesterday in Buriram province.
— Coconuts (paywall)
Banks to find solution to savings interest tax
We begin the second portion of our show with economic news. The Thai Bankers Association (TBA) has held a meeting to find a solution to the savings interest tax and to provide maximum conveniences for bank customers who might be obliged to divulge their savings accounts to the Revenue Department so that no such tax would be collected if the interest amounting less than 20,000 baht.
–NBT World (video)
Seastead lifted ashore at Phuket port
PHUKET: The detached floating seastead cabin was lifted from the sea and placed on dry land for police inspection as authorities gather evidence to take legal action against the US-Thai couple.
— Bangkok Post
Residents protest the Phuket Governor over water shortages
Local residents in Rassada have picketed the Phuket Provincial City hall to demand answers from the Phuket Governor over the current water shortages.
— The Thaiger
Millions spent, but central Pattaya roadworks fail to end flooding
Central Pattaya residents are complaining that nearly 3 million baht in roadwork has failed to alleviate the flooding it targeted.
— Pattaya Mail
Thanathorn in high spirits and due back tomorrow to defend his case
Embattled Future Forward party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit has told his followers not to worry about him, saying that all the party members are still in high spirits.
— Thai PBS News
More Storms to Batter North After 2 Killed in Freak Weather
A new round of summer storms is coming to hit upper Thailand after two people, including a 4-year-old girl, were killed by the severe weather of the past few days.
— Khaosod English
TFEX introduces new products for growth
Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX) has expanded by 57.1% since its 2006 inception and the bourse plans to enhance its trading liquidity by offering new derivatives products and extending trading hours for gold and silver futures.
— Bangkok Post
Chinese Consul General meets Phuket Governor to discuss tourist safety
Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana welcomed the Chinese Consul General in Songkhla, Ma Fengchun, at Phuket Provincial Hall today (Apr 24) to discuss the safety and promotion of Chinese tourism on the island.
— The Phuket News
Amnesty for marijuana possession campaign
Before we take a break, we have an update on the possession of marijuana. Public relations campaigns have been launched to inform the general public that marijuana can only be used for medical purposes. A committee has been set up to consider a request for each household to be allowed to grow no more than six marijuana plants.
–NBT World (video)
Asia-Pacific investors head to Southeast Asia for acquisitions
Corporate executives in the Asia-Pacific region remain upbeat on international investments, Âalthough interest in Southeast Asia has begun to displace previously favoured destinations, Âaccording to a survey by law firm Baker McKenzie.
— Bangkok Post
British national and five Burmese arrested in Krabi over working illegally
Koh Phi Phi Police have been cracking down on illegal workers on the island’s and have arrested a British national along with five Burmese yesterday in Krabi.
— The Thaiger
Admirers hope Piyabutr is not “too fast to live” kind
Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, secretary-general of the Future Forward Party, is travelling at the speed of light politically.
— Thai PBS News
Gov’t Delays 1,500 Baht Tourism Subsidy
The Ministry of Tourism clarified Tuesday that a proposal to provide cash handouts to tourists visiting lesser-known provinces has yet to be approved by the cabinet.
— Khaosod English
Australia-Thailand naval exercise begins in Sattahip
The Thai and Australian navies launched their joined AusThai exercise. Royal Thai Fleet commander Adm. Noppadol Supakorn and Australian Ambassador Allan McKinnon kicked off the war games April 22 at Sattahip Naval Base.
— Pattaya Mail
Raid on 18 foreign-owned Koh Samui hotels, owners arrested
Army, police and municipal officials have raided 18 hotels on Koh Samui claiming that they are illegally owned by foreigners.
— The Thaiger
The Running of the Kwais: Trang’s Annual Buffalo Bacchanal
Nobody ever lives their life all the way up, except kwai-runners. Farmers have released about 300 buffalos to run freely on the island fields of Koh Sukorn off the coast of Trang – a kwai bacchanal that began April 14 and which will last two months.
— Khaosod English
Bangkok-based Filipino visa service provider arrested over alleged fraud
The administrator of a Facebook group SWD Kapamilya Thailand (has more than 30,000 Filipino members), Ernest Rey Basilio Salarza (aka. Rhey Keen Ayala), was arrested yesterday (Tuesday) in Bangkok after the court issued an arrest warrant.
— The Thaiger
Phuket’s seastead couple remain elusive
The Seastead may be under 24 hour guard at the Port of Phuket but the couple who were staying in the structure offshore from Phuket, and have become the international face of the seastead experiment, remain elusive.
— The Thaiger
Man found dead after missing in Nakhon Si Thammarat forest for ten days
A man who has been missing since Songkran in the Nangnon Mountain Ranges in Nakhon Si Thammarat, has been found.
— The Thaiger
Revenue Department tweaks rule with opt-out
The Revenue Department will adjust its disclosure requirement by asking depositors who do not want their interest income information to be submitted to the department to declare their intention to banks.
— Bangkok Post
Monks in Bangkok Noi district to organize chanting ceremony to bless HM King
Students, citizens and monks in Bangkok Noi district have been preparing a chanting ceremony to bless His Majesty the King on April 29 and every Monday until July.
— NNT
Zero Burn campaign minimizes farming emission
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has joined forces with the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives and private companies to launch a Zero Burn campaign discouraging burning of waste at farms to reduce emissions of smoke and dust from the agricultural sector.
— NNT
The Development and Promotion of MICE in Thailand
The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is leveraging the development of Thai MICE business in long haul markets in collaboration with foreign chambers of commerce representing Australia, UK, USA and Germany.
— eTN
Thailand’s Baht Falls to Lowest Level Since January
Asia’s best-performing currency in the first quarter is starting to lose its momentum amid Thailand’s political gridlock, a stronger dollar and speculation of dividend-related fund outflows.
— Yahoo News
Thailand’s Richest Family Is Getting Richer Helping China
Chia Ek Chor fled his typhoon-ravaged village in southern China and started a new life in Thailand selling vegetable seeds with his brother in 1921.
— Bloomberg
A bitcoin trader built a floating house off Thailand’s coast in pursuit of a Peter Thiel dream, but authorities destroyed his vessel and he could now face the death penalty
An American bitcoin trader who built a floating home off the coast of Thailand in an attempt to develop an autonomous seaborne community could face a death sentence, authorities said.
— Business Insider
Event Round-Up – May
with The Sponsorship Experts Those with a love for shopping should head to Pattaya for the Thailand One Stop Shopping Expo Pattaya, on until 5 May. With more than 47,000 square metres of floor space, TOSSE Pattaya is Thailand’s largest shopping expo with departments showcasing everything from …
— The Thaiger
China stresses safety for tourists visiting Thailand
PHUKET: China has reminded Thailand of the importance of tourists’ safety as it promotes the kingdom as a destination for Chinese travellers.
— Bangkok Post
Dhanin Resigns as Chairman of CP’s Food Subsidiary
Thailand’s richest man has stepped down as chairman of Charoen Pokphand Foods, the company announced Wednesday.
— Khaosod English
Schedule set for International Fireworks Festival
The International Fireworks Festival returns to Pattaya Beach May 24-25 with music and pyrotechnics. The effusively-named “Grand Magnificent Spectacular Celebration” will kick off each day at 5:30 p.m. with fireworks, refreshments booths and photography corners.
— Pattaya Mail
American arrested at airport after stealing speedboat in Krabi
An American tourist has been arrested after stealing a speedboat on Koh Phi Phi to drive to Krabi.
— The Thaiger
Art Meets Life at Bangkok’s Japanese Design Week
With pots, plates and cups scattered across tables, the room looks more like a yardsale than an exhibition.
— Khaosod English
Grab voices confidence in Trip Planner
Grab, the largest ride-hailing company in Southeast Asia, launched its Trip Planner service on Tuesday, allowing users in Bangkok to plan trips around the city on public transport such as buses, ferries and the skytrain.
— Bangkok Post
Feature photo Achara Paisanteerajit
Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).
Thailand morning news by AEC News Today is your one stop source for Thailand news on matters of governance and policies affecting Asean business communities. It is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics. Due to The Nation‘s habit of hijacking urls and diverting them to promotion pages we no longer include it in our clippings.
Thailand morning news for April 25 added by John Le Fevre on
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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.
Latest posts by John Le Fevre (see all)
- COVID-19 in Asean: update for July 26 — 16 mln case barrier breached, Vietnam records community transmission – July 26, 2020
- COVID-19 in Asean: update for July 25 — new high for daily infections, 16 mln infection barrier to break today – July 25, 2020
- 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