Another day of infamy for the EC – Piyabutr
Future Forward party secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul has called the Election Commission’s (EC) decision to ask the Constitutional Court to dissolve the Future Forward party “another day of infamy” for this independent organization.
— Thai PBS News
Finance minister assures Thai economy not critical, just slowing down
Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana reaffirmed today that the Thai economy this year is just slowing down and is not in a critical situation, with the likelihood that it will pick up next year.
— Thai PBS News
South sea turtle deaths spark alarm
Marine debris has been blamed after 13 sea turtles were found dead in the sea and on the beaches of southern provinces over the past week.
— Bangkok Post
Election Commission rules that Future Forward Party should be dissolved, moves to Constitutional Court Next.
The Election Commission (EC) today resolved by a majority to ask the Constitutional Court to dissolve the Future Forward party for receiving a 191.2 million baht loan from party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruantkit in violation of the Political Party Act.
— The Pattaya News
Court orders AOT to remove all barriers blocking access to Central Village Luxury Outlet
Thailand’s Supreme Administrative Court has upheld the ruling of a lower court ordering the Airports of Thailand Company (AOT) to remove all the barricades on Highway 370 blocking access to and exit from the Central Village Luxury Outlet.
— Thai PBS News
Air quality in Bangkok and suburbs deteriorates today
Air quality in Bangkok and its surrounding areas has worsened today, with excessive amounts of PM2.5 dust particles being detected in 43 areas.
— Thai PBS News
Future Forward dissolution request sent to court
The Election Commission (EC) has voted to ask the Constitutional Court to disband the Future Forward Party on the grounds that its executives accepted cash or donations from an illegitimate source.
— Bangkok Post
Confidence index dips for 12th month
The government is being urged to rev up budget disbursement and continue introducing more stimulus measures to spur spending as overall business sentiment remains low.
— Bangkok Post
Free transport for the Royal Barge Procession in Bangkok – December 12
Travel will be free on all mass transit rail services and selected BMTA bus routes tomorrow (December 12), for the Royal Barge Procession on the Chao Phraya River.
— The Thaiger
Deputy PM Suggests Parina Can Avoid Jail Term by Returning Lands
Transparency activists on Wednesday condemned a remark by Deputy PM Wissanu Krea-ngam, who implied that a politician can sidestep encroachment charges by simply handing the disputed lands back to the authorities.
— Khaosod English
What colour is your local hospital? Medical facilities to be colour-coded based on cost
Three hundred Thai hospitals are being labelled green, yellow, or red, based on how much they charge patients for drugs and services.
— The Thaiger
Road closures for the Royal Barge Procession tomorrow
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has completed arrangements for members of the public interested in watching Their Majesties the King and Queen travelling through the capital and along the Chao Phraya River in the Royal Barge Procession tomorrow (Thursday).
— Thai PBS News
Justice Ministry proposing new laws to exclude Kratom leaves from drug lists in Thailand
Justice Minister, Somsak Thapsutin said on Wednesday (December 11) that his ministry would propose new laws related to narcotics in terms of type and legal penalty, and aimed to exclude kratom leaves from the drug lists.
— The Pattaya News
Democrats to revise stance of coalition government
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, in his capacity as the Democrat Party leader, says his political party is ready to accept any decision made by Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, following reports of a possible cabinet reshuffle.
— Newsline (video)
Thailand earns global praise for tobacco plain packaging
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has commended Thailand for its strong tobacco control policy following the roll-out of plain cigarette packaging on Monday this week.
— Bangkok Post
Smog persists in capital, wearing masks advised
People were advised to wear masks when going outside as fine dust again exceeded safety standards on Wednesday at 43 air-quality monitoring stations in Bangkok and surrounding provinces.
— Bangkok Post
Thai authorities seize 24.5 million USD worth of assets from fraudulent dealings by unlicensed online broker
In the third round of confiscation, Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has further seized assets worth about 743 million baht (24.5 million U.S. dollars) from suspects involved in alleged fraudulent dealings by fake and unlicensed online broker called Forex-3D.
— Xinhuanet
SMEs push back on wage hike
Smaller firms may delay investment and recruitment next year because of the recent minimum wage increase of 5-6 baht per day, says the Federation of Thai SMEs.
— Bangkok Post
Thailand can ill afford another year like 2019 and the borrowing stakes are getting higher
As Thailand moves into the last days of 2019 and on to 2020, we can only say one thing for certain.
— ThaiExaminer.com
Expat retirees considering Thailand should note healthcare changes
If you’re still thinking of retiring in Thailand and have ongoing medical issues, a new idea by the Thai government may help you decide!
— Emigrate.co.uk
Surplus of Locally Trained Pilots in Thailand and Malaysia
While many international airlines face a shortage of pilots, hundreds of fresh graduates from flying schools in Thailand and Malaysia have encountered severe difficulty securing employment with the respective local carriers.
— Aviation International News
Agency mulls car demolition perks
The Excise Department is studying incentives and measures to encourage motorists to bring their used cars in for demolition to tackle the pollution problem.
— Bangkok Post
Tourism Ministry to seek cabinet nod for new stimulus deal
The Tourism and Sports Ministry plans to seek economic cabinet approval for a new tourism stimulus package including multiple-entry visas for Chinese tourists, reduced landing fees for airlines and increased airport slot times.
— Bangkok Post
Post partners with Wall Street Journal
The Bangkok Post has joined the Wall Street Journal in a three-year partnership to help bring some of the world’s most insightful articles and analysis to local readers.
— Bangkok Post
Working group urges Thailand to address labor abuses in wake of GSP suspension
In the wake of the US government suspending billions of dollars in trade preferences for Thailand due to worker rights issues, organizations participating in the Seafood Working Group released a statement on Human Rights Day strongly urging the Thai government to undertake the necessary reforms to have the trade benefits reinstated.
— Undercurrent News
Thai Electronics Firm Compensates Exploited Myanmar Workers in Rare Award
Myanmar migrants who were illegally charged excessive recruitment fees to secure jobs at an electronics manufacturer in Thailand are being compensated in a rare award expected to spotlight a practice known to trap workers in modern slavery.
— The Irrawaddy
Thailand pushes biodegradable plastic bag research commercialization
Thailand’s National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) has joined forces with private companies and SMEs in Thailand to develop bags made from tapioca starch which completely degrade in four months.
— Vietnamplus
Southern state of emergency being extended by three months
The National Security Council is set to extend the currently declared state of emergency in southern border provinces for another three months to ensure peace and order, while the Deputy Prime Minister has asked all agencies to protect the safety of villagers during New Year holidays.
— Reliefweb
Government banks to help community development
The Ministry of Finance has instructed government banks to help strengthen grassroots economies.
— Newsline (video)
International trafficking to Fiji extends to Thailand
Victims of international trafficking to Fiji who were previously only from China and the Philippines have now extended to Thailand and other countries.
— FBC News
MQDC to build world’s first town purposefully designed for healthier, happier living at The Forestias
Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC), one of Thailand’s leading property developers, today, announced that it is boosting investment in its 300-rai The Forestias development on Banga-Trad Road km 7 in the Eastern Economic Corridor, and expanding the project size from Bht 90,000 million to Bht 125,000 million to make it a new, global prototype for a town development.
— Bangkok Post
Startups turn focus to B2B to scale up
Thai startups are moving towards a business-to-business (B2B) model and integrating with super apps to boost growth as they struggle to scale because of a lack of funding.
— Bangkok Post
Bangkok Counrt Aquits Foreign Bar Owners of Human Trafficking
A Sudanese-Australian, a Morrocan, a Syrian and two Thais have been aquitted of human trafficking, procurement and prostitution.
— Chiang Rai Times
Free train, bus travel for royal barge procession
Travel will be free on all mass transit rail services and selected BMTA bus routes on Thursday, when the royal barge procession is presided over by His Majesty the King.
— Bangkok Post
“Sunday” the Southeast Asian Insurtech Raises USD 11 Million Series A2 Led by Quona Capital
Sunday, a leading full-stack insurtech based in Thailand, has raised a USD 11 million extension round to its Series A financing.
— Bangkok Post
Charity still great help for disadvantaged children in Thailand
While many children in Bangkok enjoy access to good schools and high-tech gadgets, many disadvantaged children in rural Thailand remain in dire need of support for better life and education.
— Kyodo News
FDA recommends the general public to select healthy food as New Year gifts
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) recommends members of the public to gift certified healthy food products this New Year holiday.
— Newsline (video)
Thailand China enhance social studies cooperation
The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) have launched the second Thailand-China ‘think tank’ seminar, promoting bilateral social studies on national development using innovation, technology, and creativity.
— Newsline (video)
MQDC wins 8 trophies for Thailand at Asia Property Awards
MQDC secured 8 trophies at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, ensuring a strong showing for Thailand at the regional awards, presented at a glittering gala at The Athenee Hotel.
— Bangkok Post
Court backs Central Village in access row
The Supreme Administrative Court has upheld a lower court injunction ordering Airports of Thailand (AoT) not to hinder entrance to the luxury outlet Central Village, following a conflict over a disputed access road near Suvarnabhumi airport.
— Bangkok Post
Thamanat in firing line as opposition eyes censure
Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow on Wednesday brushed aside speculation he could become a target in a censure debate over the handling of Sor Por Kor land occupied by fellow Palang Pracharath MP Pareena Kraikupt.
— Bangkok Post
Royal Forest Department and ALRO cannot agree which should proceed against Ms. Pareena
The Royal Forest Department and the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) are still at the loggerheads over which of them will take legal action against Palang Pracharat MP for Ratchaburi province, Ms. Pareena Kraikupt, over her illegal occupation of 109 hectares of Sor Por Kor land in Chom Boeng district of Ratchaburi province.
— Thai PBS News
King Power sole bidder for duty-free concession at Don Mueang
King Power Duty Free is the sole contender for the duty-free shop concession at Don Mueang airport from 2022 to 2033. The official decision will be announced next Monday.
— Bangkok Post
Where to Watch the Royal Barge Procession in Bangkok (Maps)
His Majesty the King’s royal barge procession consisting of 52 ornately crafted river barges and 2,200 seamen will set sail down the Chao Phraya Thursday.
— Khaosod English
Who is ‘Khaek?’ Exhibits to Highlight Thailand’s Indian Diaspora
Starting this Saturday, an exhibition will show that Thai-Indian communities have far more to offer beyond the stereotypes of selling clothes, nuts, and roti.
— Khaosod English
On women and their role in Thai politics
Edited keynote speech of the forum, “Isaan Women in Politics: Environmental Activism and Democratic Practice,” at Rajabhat Sakon Nakhon University on 25 Ocotober 2019 by Bencharat Sae Chua, Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University.
— Isaan Record
Rich Thais glued to their smartphones
Rich and super-rich Thais spend a lot more time on social media than their peers in Asia-Pacific, according to a recent survey by Ipsos, the French market research and consulting firm.
— Bangkok Post
Large scale fire drill conducted at Centra hotel in Pattaya
An annual big fire drill has been held this morning at a hotel in Pattaya. The drill follows a Holiday Inn Express suffering a fire which caused 400 guests to be evacuated about a week ago.
— The Pattaya News
Bangkok less popular, Taipei heads the list – World’s favourite city for expats
This year’s #1 city for expats – Taipei, Taiwan – Time Out Bangkok has dropped from #5 (in 2018) to #20 this year in the annual Expat City Ranking – a big drop from its former position as a darling of the world expat community.
— The Thaiger
Top 10 scams in Thailand
Any hot tourist spot around the world is going to attract the ‘wrong sort of’ people, sometimes greedy locals, who will be specialists at extracting dollars from tourists’ pockets.
— The Thaiger
Four family members killed, 8 injured, after van driver falls asleep at the wheel in Prachuap Khiri Khan
A horrific road accident has claimed the lives of four family members, and left eight other passengers with serious injuries after the van they were travelling in hit a tree in Prachuap Khiri Khan, central-southern Thailand.
— The Thaiger
Feature photo องค์กรต่อต้านคอร์รัปชัน
This week’s Thailand morning news feature photo focuses on International Anti-Corruption Day, December 9.
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).
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About Thailand morning news.
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#Independentmedia
Governance, not government; policies not politics.
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