Premchai’s jail term increased in black-leopard case
The Appeal Court on Thursday increased the prison sentence handed down to construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta to three years and two months for illegal possession of wildlife carcasses and firearms in a national park, and poaching.
— Bangkok Post
Mentally Ill Man Cleared of Lese Majeste, Gets 3 Years for Cybercrime
A man diagnosed with mental illness on Thursday was convicted of violating the Computer Crime Act, but acquitted of a more serious crime under royal defamation.
— Khaosod English
Excessive fine dust detected in 40 areas of Bangkok and suburbs today
Excessive PM2.5 dust particles have been detected in 31 areas of Bangkok and in nine areas in surrounding provinces today.
— Thai PBS News
The Cabinet approves the daily minimum wage hike by Bt5-Bt6
The Cabinet on December 11 approved the minimum wage increase according to the proposal by the National Wage Committee.
— Thai PBS News
Royal barge procession completes King’s coronation
A spectacular royal barge procession on the Chao Phraya River for His Majesty the King marked the completion of the royal coronation ceremony on Thursday.
— Bangkok Post
Thai business confidence index falls for 12th month to 45.9 in November
Thailand’s business confidence index has fallen for the 12th straight month to 45.9 in November, down from 46 in October, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) said on Wednesday.
— Xinhuanet
S&P upgrades Thailands credit rating, Finance Minister announces
The Minister of Finance has revealed the latest credit rating assessment by Standard & Poor (S&P), from which Thailand now receives a better position and improved stability.
— The Pattaya News
Govt asked to lower cold-weather emergency threshold
The Finance Ministry has been asked to ease aid distribution rules as the country grapples with a cold snap that saw temperatures plunge to around 8-15 degrees Celsius in the countryside.
— Bangkok Post
PM stresses helmet wearing for safety; promotes correct medical cannabis usage
The Prime Minister has asked parents to make sure their children wear safety helmets when boarding a motorbike, while urging members of the public to educate themselves about cannabis-based treatments.
— Newsline (video)
Pheu Thai candidate cleared
The Election Commission (EC) has dismissed a challenge to Pheu Thai candidate Thanik Maseepitak, clearing the way for him to vie for a House seat in the Dec 22 by-election in Khon Kaen, an EC source said on Wednesday.
— Bangkok Post
Thai Farm That Exports Fighting Fish to M’sia Exposed for Terrible Breeding Conditions
Those colourful and angelic fishes that you often see in pet shops have probably been through horrible treatment to get to those tanks.
— World of Buzz (blog)
For Thailand’s Progressives, It’s Been a Year of Trials and Tribulations
When the Thai Constitutional Court voted in favor of stripping Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit’s legal status as a Member of Parliament (MP) on November 20, 2019, hashtags demonstrating solidarity behind the firebrand billionaire-turned-politician became Thailand top Twitter trend.
— The Diplomat
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
MP faces charge for bomb stunt
The Secretariat of the House of Representatives is asking the police to press criminal charges against Thai Civilised Party leader, Mongkolkit Suksintaranont, for bringing an explosive device to parliament on Oct 30.
— Bangkok Post
Thai King Caps His Coronation Year With a River Extravaganza
Thailand hosts a rare procession of gilded royal barges Thursday to complete King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s coronation ceremony, capping a year when the monarch repeatedly displayed his authority.
— Bloomberg
Michael Page: Skilled employment in technology roles to push Thailand 4.0 agenda and economy forward in 2020
Media OutReach – 12 December 2019 – Thailand is poised to enter the new decade steered by strong business fundamentals and the government’s business-friendly agenda — the Thailand 4.0 drive.
— Business Insider (very annoying popups)
Thai Poll Body’s Latest Move against Opposition Party Could Provoke Unrest
This week’s recommendation by Thailand’s “independent” Election Commission that the Constitutional Court dissolve the opposition Future Forward Party will likely usher in a new round of unrest, but could backfire on the military-backed government.
— Benar News
Second round of Travel Thailand with 100 Baht launched
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the second round of the “Travel Thailand with 100 Baht” campaign. People can now register online on December 11th and 12th, with a maximum of 10,000 registrations per day.
— Newsline (video)
Fishermen vow 10,000-strong rally
Fishing groups from 22 coastal provinces on Thursday vowed to gather in Bangkok for a mass rally to pressure the government into relaxing laws and regulations they say are threatening their livelihoods.
— Bangkok Post
Indonesian woman arrested for gold theft has priors in Thailand
An Indonesian woman wanted for the theft of a necklace from a gold shop in Thung Song district last month has been caught in Sa Kaeo province, and found to have a prior record of thefts across Thailand.
— Bangkok Post
Government promotes capital access for micro SMEs, startups
According to the Finance Minister, the government is considering launching a capital market for small businesses, which will allow micro SMEs and startup companies to have better access to capital, resulting in a more robust community enterprise operation, and grassroots economic security.
— Newsline (video)
No End in Sight for Foreign Exodus From Thailand’s Stock Market
The world’s worst-performing stock market may have a tough time luring back fleeing foreign investors, with its struggling economy poised to erode corporate earnings further.
— Bloomberg
Thais richer with bonus of B226m
Although Thailand failed to win back the overall title and could not reach their gold medal target at the SEA Games in the Philippines, the government will still have to pay the medallists, as well as their coaches and associations, 226 million baht in bonuses.
— Bangkok Post
Mexican drug cartels eyeing ‘Thai market’
Mexican drug syndicates are trafficking methamphetamine into Thailand and other Asian countries, according to Earl Hampton, deputy director of the United States’ Joint Interagency Task Force West (JIATFW).
— Bangkok Post
Social Security Office considers adding more benefits for self employed workers
The Social Security Office (SSO) is planning to introduce more benefits for self-employed workers.
— Newsline (video)
UOB loan programme targets Lazada vendors
UOB (Thai) launched a new loan programme on Wednesday targeting online retailers on Lazada’s e-marketplace as part of its strategic move to cash in on Thailand’s burgeoning e-commerce market.
— Bangkok Post
Thailand and FAO to jointly stop soil erosion
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Royal Thai Government have reaffirmed their close partnership to prevent the global acceleration of soil erosion, which threatens food security worldwide
— Far Eastern Agriculture
Lottery winners can claim prizes at BAAC next year
The Government Lottery Office (GLO) is working with the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to enable lottery winners to claim their cash prizes at the BAAC branches nationwide, starting next year.
— Newsline (video)
Energy Minister delivers community power plant policies to provincial offices
One of the government’s key economic policies is support for community power plants to help generate income for local communities, create more jobs, and reduce costs.
— Pattaya Mail
With the Anti Fake News Center, Thailand gets its ‘Ministry of Truth’
In its first month, Thailand’s Anti Fake News Center has published 14 items on its website while claiming to have assessed the veracity of more than 500,000 items.
— Coconuts Bangkok
Discounts mulled to boost rider numbers
The government is mulling over giving discounts of between 10-52% on expressway charges and electric train tickets for a three-month period, as part of its attempt to boost ridership figures.
— Bangkok Post
Prawn selling campaign helping Thai farmers
The Department of Internal Trade has devised a campaign with the Thai Aquaculture Association and Makro stores to sell prawns at special prices, to help prawn farmers raise their incomes.
— Pattaya Mail
Couple and Son Knocked Unconscious from Gas Leak in Hotel Room
A couple from Singapore and their 10 year-old son have been rushed to hospital after being found unconscious in their hotel room.
— Chiang Rai Times
AP Thailand Strengthens Family Ties With Project Parentographer
In a world where technology is innovating at a rate that supersedes even millennials, things like social media, which was originally intended to bring people together, can sometimes cause social bonds to become impaired.
— Thailand Tatler
Pattaya area residents and foreigners lose 45 million baht from real estate scammer in Pattaya
An investigation has launched after more than 10 Thais and four foreigners have complained about a defrauding real estate agent operating in a condominium near Jomtien beach.
— The Pattaya News
Trade chief vows 2020 FTA progress
Thailand’s trade negotiation chief vows next year will see the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the wrapping up of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with Turkey, and opening FTA talks with the EU and the UK.
— Bangkok Post
Traditional Thai massage get UNESCO heritage status
At Bangkok’s Reclining Buddha temple, Krairath Chantrasri says he is a proud custodian of an ancient skill – the body-folding, sharp-elbowed techniques of Thai massage, which was added on Thursday (Dec 12) to UNESCO’s prestigious heritage list.
— CNA
Health Department Chief warns public of danger of balloons
The chief of the Department of Health has warned people of the danger of balloons, including the risk of fatality, after a case of a balloon exploding in Kanchanaburi province on December 5.
— The Pattaya News
Bangkok Bank takes over StanChart’s Permata for $2.7bn
Bangkok Bank Plc agreed to buy 89.1% of Indonesia’s PT Bank Permata for about US$2.7 billion in the first major purchase of an overseas lender by a Thai bank.
— Bangkok Post
Thailand’s first robot to help in epilepsy surgery cases unveiled
The Medical Services Department has unveiled Thailand’s first robot created to help surgeons in brain surgery on patients afflicted with epilepsy, a central nervous system disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behaviour or sensation.
— Thai PBS News
Residents ‘Hidden’ By Billboard for Royal Barges Speak Out
Millions of viewers watching a live broadcast of today’s Royal Barge Procession would likely have missed the sight of a community of riverside houses close to the Grand Palace.
— Khaosod English
RFD chief asked to explain actions in Pareena land scandal
The House anti-graft committee will invite the head of the Royal Forestry Department (RFD) to explain what he is doing about the land-ownership scandal involving Palang Pracharath MP Pareena Kraikupt.
— Bangkok Post
Phuket Light Rail project hits a few speed bumps
The Phuket Light Rail (Phuket Tram) project has hit a few hurdles and has been shelved, apparently temporarily, whilst some further studies are conducted into the ambitious public transport project.
— The Thaiger
School principal transferred for alleged bad behaviour
A school director accused of being disrespectful and rude to his colleagues and students was on Thursday transferred to an inactive post at the Primary Educational Service Area Office 1, pending further investigations.
— Bangkok Post
Court upholds sentences for drug baron Lao Ta and son
The Appeal Court on Thursday upheld the lower court’s sentence of life imprisonment for drug baron Lao Ta Saenlee and a woman accomplice, and the death penalty for his son and a male accomplice.
— Bangkok Post
More Tourists, Less Spending for 2019 New Year’s Eve Season
More holidaymakers are headed to Thailand to bid farewell to 2019 than the same period last year, though they are expected to spend less per person, a senior tourism official said Thursday.
— Khaosod English
Chiang Mai mountains introduce two new camping facilities
Two new camping grounds are now open and ready to receive visitors in the mountains around Chiang Mai. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation says the Sui Tang and Doi Lang camping grounds are now open and ready for customers.
— The Thaiger
Thai rice farmers shun ‘big agribusiness’ and fight climate change
Battling drought, debt and ailments blamed on pesticides, rice farmers in northern Thailand have turned to eco-friendly growing methods despite powerful agribusiness interests in a country that is one of the top exporters of the grain in the world.
— CNA
Krung Thai Bank rolls out new stimulus package for New Year
The state-run Krung Thai Bank (KTB) has recently rolled out an economic stimulus program as a New Year’s gift, which includes an 800,000 baht Toyota sedan and gold necklaces for subscribers to the “Chim-Shop-Chai” (Eat-Spend-Shop) scheme who spend through their g-Wallet accounts.
— Thai PBS News
Academic calls on Thai government to help migrant children
“Premjai says many migrant children face daily health and safety risks as they are forced to work in jobs they’re too young for.”
— The Thaiger
Kratom leaves to be declassified as a narcotic
Kraken Kratom Kratom, the controversial leaf used both medicinally and recreationally in Thailand, is to be declassified as a narcotic.
— The Thaiger
Tech trade tools gather pace
Robo-advisers and algorithmic trading tools are expected to see increased usage for future investment as these sophisticated trading schemes have averaged a return of 6-8% per year during the past three years, said SCB Securities (SCBS).
— Bangkok Post
KBank looking at mid-income range
Kasikornbank (KBank) has expanded into the middle-income segment to penetrate a new customer base for bancassurance and mutual fund business, aiming to rev up fee-based income next year.
— Bangkok Post
At end of fifth day, still no sign of Polish tourist and Thai friend in Phuket
The search for a Polish tourist and his Thai female off Phuket continues after five days by police, volunteers and the navy. Rescuers are still focusing around the coastlines after scouring the Andaman Sea up to 20 nautical miles offshore earlier in the week.
— The Pattaya News
Foreign and Thai business partners cleared of human trafficking charges in Bangkok
A foreign man employed as a nightclub manager in Bangkok’s notorious party zone at Nana has been acquitted of charges of human trafficking and acquiring women for prostitution.
— The Thaiger
Bangkok Bank vies with SMFG for StanChart Indonesia Bank
Bangkok Bank Plc is emerging as a leading bidder for control of Standard Chartered Plc’s Indonesian bank, according to people familiar with the matter.
— Bangkok Post
School Bans Bangs to Prevent Girls From Copying ‘K Pop Hairstyle’
Director of a school in the eastern region on Wednesday defended his decision to ban schoolgirls from wearing fringes, despite protests from students and education campaigners.
— Khaosod English
Government plans to lure Chinese tourists back by easing visa procedures
The Thai Sports and Tourism Minister says the government is planning a range of stimulus measures to increase Chinese visitor numbers and boost Thailand’s currently sluggish tourism sector.
— The Thaiger
Minor chief slams Airbnb training scheme
The chief executive of Minor International Plc, William Heinecke, has chided the government’s decision to help train Airbnb homestay operators.
— Bangkok Post
Thai PBS World Border Tour: Rong Kluea Market
Rong Kluea Market is one of the most famous shopping destinations in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province, on the border with Cambodia. To get there, you used to take a train to the end of the line at Aranyaprathet station, and then catch a bus to the market.
— Thai PBS News
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).
—
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