Police manhunt for Serial Killer known as Thailand’s Jack The Ripper after murder in Khon Kaen
A police manhunt is underway for Thailand’s “Jack the Ripper”, a serial killer previously convicted of 17 rapes, murders and robberies, who allegedly killed a hotel maid on December 15th in the north-eastern province of Khon Kaen.
— The Pattaya News
Central bank seen holding key rate at record low
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is expected to leave its benchmark interest rate at a record low on Wednesday after two cuts this year, a Reuters poll showed, although it was likely to downgrade its growth outlook again.
— Bangkok Post
Chuan defends B7.5m purchase of new official car
Parliament President Chuan Leekpai on Monday defended the planned purchase of a 7.5-million-baht official car for his use, saying it is not for him personally but for the person occupying the position.
— Bangkok Post
Thai Government announces its New Year’s gifts for the people
The Ministry of Energy will stabilize the electricity price from January – April 2020 to reduce the financial strain on people as a New Year gift.
— The Pattaya News
Police cobble together evidence to charge Bangkok’s political rally leaders
Bangkok Police are collating evidence to charge leaders of Saturday’s political gathering on Saturday held on the skywalk linking the National Stadium and Siam BTS stations in Bangkok, after discovering the rally was held without official permission.
— The Thaiger
Thanathorn Accused of Insulting Monarchy for Skywalk Rally
A pro-government activist on Monday urged police to prosecute Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit on suspicions that he defamed the monarchy.
— Khaosod English
UK heads towards Brexit and Thailand ponders an FTA with Britain
Thailand is pondering the possibilities of creating a free trade agreement with the UK after British PM Boris Johnson’s historic victory in the UK election last week, which is expected to pave the way for the passage of the ‘Brexit’ separation form the EU soon.
— The Thaiger
Cop-blocked from venues, Thai activists announce run to ‘chase out’ Prayuth
Activists planning a run against dictatorship next month were denied a venue to hold their news conference for a second time this morning.
— Coconuts Bangkok
Asean paves path towards better FTAs
Thailand looks poised to improve free trade agreements (FTAs) under the Asean framework next year, aiming to extend tariff cuts to cover more products, particularly sensitive items.
— Bangkok Post
Thailand warns of water shortage in North East region
The Thai Royal Irrigation Department (RID) on Monday warned of low reserved water at major dams in the North East region and advised residents that the water left-over will only be sufficient for consumption.
— Xinhuanet
Border trade between Myanmar and Thailand reaches nearly US$623.84 million
The value of border trade between Myanmar and Thailand has reached nearly US$623.84 million, with the Hteekhee border trade gate accounting for the largest volume of trade, according to the weekly statistical report of the Ministry of Commerce, state media reported.
— Mizzima News
Professionals warn of inappropriate cannabis use as a treatment
Despite the legalization of medical cannabis in Thailand, all cannabis use must remain under the supervision of trained doctors and experts.
— Newsline (video)
No-drunk-driving campaign launched to reduce New Year road accidents, injuries, fatalities
Various agencies have launched a no-drunk-driving campaign during the New Year festival, to raise awareness of social responsibility among car drivers.
— Newsline (video)
An ASEAN law gathering in Phuket
It is no secret that the known British author Alex Garland wrote his 1996 opus The Beach while living in El Nido in the Philippines.
— The Philippine Star
Thai bourse aims to surpass Singapore’s capitalisation by 2023
THE market capitalisation of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) reached US$564 billion this year, clinching its rank as the second-biggest bourse in South-east Asia after only the Singapore Exchange (at US$689 billion).
— The Business Times
PM readies his team to tackle the US withdrawal of Thailand’s preferred partner status
The Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha has called for an end to speculation over the US trade bombshell delivered by US Donald Trump last Friday and has convened a special committee of government officials to tackle the issue either through negotiations with its US counterparts or by addressing the formal reason given for the move which may entail reviewing Thailand’s labour laws to bring them up to international standards.
— ThaiExaminer.com
K-Research: AMC numbers climbing
The number of asset management companies (AMCs) in Thailand has increased significantly over the past eight years, representing hopes to capitalise on business opportunities amid higher bad-asset divestment by financial institutions, according to Kasikorn Research Center.
— Bangkok Post
Dusit Poll finds five issues interesting to people
Suan Dusit University’s Dusit Poll has conducted a survey on political issues. More than 1,200 people responded to the survey on the five most interesting political news.
— Newsline (video)
Thailand expects to welcome 12 million Chinese tourists next year
China will remain the biggest tourism market for Thailand over the next decade, with arrivals estimated to reach 12 million next year, according to Krungthai Compass Research Centre, a research unit of Krung Thai Bank.
— Vietnamplus
Govt moves ahead with legalizing Grab Taxi services
First up in our national headlines, the government is taking steps to legalize Grab services, expected to be effective from March 2020, beginning with the Grab taxi service.
— Newsline (video)
Man, 33 Arrested for Forcing His 15 Year-old Girlfriend to Deliver Drugs
A 33 year-old man has been arrested for forcing his 15 year old girlfriend to deliver drugs for his gang. His arrest came after the girl called her father for help.
— Chiang Rai Times
MRTA set to splurge on electric rail, new tollways
The government is committed to spend about 640 billion baht next year on major public transport projects, including new electric rail routes in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima, says the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA).
— Bangkok Post
Refinancing scheme to start in Q1
The Bank of Thailand expects its refinancing scheme targeting consumer and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) loans will begin in the first quarter next year, says a senior official at the central bank.
— Bangkok Post
Thailand drafts regulations for applying 5G technology
A series of regulations governing 5G technology adoption and related frameworks are expected to be launched by March next year, says the Thai National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).
— Vietnamplus
Thailand’s state-owned telecommunication, Huawei to offer advanced, secure network communication
Thai state-owned CAT Telecom Public Company Limited (CAT), in collaboration with Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co. Ltd., on Monday announced a new service to provide and ensure security of private lines.
— Xinhuanet
Transport Co.,Ltd provides additional services to accommodate passengers during New Year festival
For the forthcoming New Year holiday, the Transport Company has prepared over 8,000 services per day, which can accommodate about 160,000 passengers on a daily basis.
— Newsline (video)
Private Bangkok hospital launches SOC with IBM
Bumrungrad International Hospital has launched a Security Operations Centre (SOC) to protect patient data through collaboration with IBM in Thailand.
— Channel Asia Singapore
The Aspen Tree highlights Thailand’s appeal for older adults at ITF Championship seniors tennis tournament
The Aspen Tree, a Bangkok-based specialist in communities and services for older adults, sponsored the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Thailand Seniors Championship (Grade A) in Pattaya to highlight Thailand’s appeal for healthy living in later life.
— Bangkok Post
Indonesia and Thailand: A Tale of The two Biggest Economies in Southeast Asia – ResearchAndMarkets.com
Indonesia and Thailand are the drivers of products and services consumption in South-east Asia.
— Business Wire
Thai province se to be fresh market hub
The Pathum Thani province near here is set to be a hub for fresh markets in the region.
— New Straits Times
Further criteria for smartcard recipients
Car ownership, credit cards and family-based income will be added to qualification criteria for a new round of registration for state welfare smartcard holders, says a source at the Finance Ministry who requested anonymity.
— Bangkok Post
Top Thai developer MQDC to build Thailand’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 increasing investment in its 48-hectare The Forestias development on the outskirts of Bangkok and expanding the project size from US$2.98 billion to US$4.14 billion to make it a new, global prototype for a town development.
— Yahoo Finance
Thailand launches grand sale month
The Thai Ministry of Commerce has coordinated with the private sector to organise a month-long big sale campaign.
— Vietnamplus
Filinvest signs agreement to buy Thailand property firm in Thailand real estate company
Filinvest Development Corp., the holding company of the Gotianun family, is acquiring Choengmon Real Estate Company Limited of Thailand for an undisclosed amount.
— Manilastandard.net
Thai Union Group boosts stake in Thammachart Retail
Food business Thai Union Group has increased its shareholding in Thammachart Seafood Retail to 65 per cent in a move to capture a greater portion of the seafood industry in Thailand.
— Inside Retail Asia
AIS showcases 5G solutions
Leading mobile operator Advanced Info Service (AIS) says it has developed various solutions for 5G tech adoption after a year of collaboration with its partners.
— Bangkok Post
Thanathorn calls on Thais to demand Constitutional amendment
Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit is calling a Constitutional amendment “necessary,” and encourages supporters to “take a strong stance against dictatorship.”
— The Thaiger
Post offices up for sale
Bangkok Post Plc’s directors have approved the sale of the company’s printing plant and office building as part of a restructuring plan.
— Bangkok Post
Taxes on feminine hygiene items not raised, says Thai Government
The Government has refuted a report that sanitary napkins have been classified as a luxury item and excise tax on them has been increased to 40%.
— The Pattaya News
Thai Government aims to reduce number of accidents over New Year’s
The Deputy Prime Minister, Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, has instructed security agencies and related units in all provinces to prepare measures to prevent road accidents during the New Year holiday period.
— The Pattaya News
Complaint lodged at Education Ministry over drowning death
The parents of a nine-year-old student who drowned at a science camp lodged a complaint at the Education Ministry on Monday, accusing the school of skipping on its responsibilities.
— Bangkok Post
Future Forward votes to expel four “cobra” MPs
The Future Forward party’s extraordinary assembly has resolved to expel four rebel MPs, known as “cobras”, for their refusal to follow party resolutions.
— Thai PBS News
Activists Unveil Route for Anti-Prayuth Run
A run event widely seen as a jab against the government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha will go ahead as planned on Jan. 12, 2020, organizers said Monday.
— Khaosod English
Thai Hot Chocolate Might be Late to the Game – But it’s Worth a Try
Burgeoning pioneers of hot chocolate in Thailand are creating their local productions of the latter items, including a Thai chocolatier that sources bars and cups of hot-choc from homegrown cocoa.
— Khaosod English
Probe into why tourists allowed near gaurs in Khao Paeng Ma no-hunting zone
The Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has been ordered to investigate how tourists were allowed special access to watch gaurs at Khao Paeng Ma no-hunting zone in Wang Nam Khieu district of Thailand’s north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima.
— Thai PBS News
Ex-PM Yingluck complains of unfair treatment under Section 44
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has complained about the alleged unfair treatment she has received at the hands of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha regarding her assets, including those inherited from her parents, which are being auctioned off “piece by piece” by the Legal Execution Department, even though her case is still pending in the Administrative Court.
— Thai PBS News
Students clamber up destroyed stairway to get to school in Phuket
Students this morning had to climb an almost collapsed stairway to get to school. A truck (photo) careered off Thepkasattri Road in Koh Kaew, Phuket on Saturday night, running into the stairway and destroying half of the concrete stairway to the school’s overpass.
— The Thaiger
Thai Manga about Northern Food Wins Silver at Japan Manga Awards
A Thai comic book about a family cooking northern cuisine featuring northern dialect placed second in Japan’s prestigious manga competition, the Embassy of Japan in Bangkok announced Monday.
— Khaosod English
Thailand still a top destination for Chinese ivory buyers
A survey by The World Wide Fund for Nature reveals that Thailand remains a top destination for illegal ivory sales.
— The Thaiger
Phuket Police search for American man who escaped custody while still in handcuffs
Police are searching for an American man who escaped custody at Chalong Police Station yesterday afternoon while still in handcuffs.
— The Pattaya News
From tweet to street: New generation joins Thai protest
It wasn’t only the moves to ban Thailand’s most vocal opposition party that brought Gift onto the street for the first time.
— CNA
Woman injured in hit-and-run demands driver turn himself in
A woman injured in a motorbike accident is demanding that the hit and run driver must take responsibility and turn himself in to police.
— The Thaiger
‘Run Against Dictatorship’ Forced to Cancel Another Presser
Organizers of an upcoming sports event that doubles as a rally against PM Prayuth Chan-ocha said Monday they were forced by “those in power” to cancel another news conference.
— Khaosod English
Bangkok’s new Silom Road walking street a great success
Walk, Eat, Taste, and Explore”. And thousands descended on Silom Road to welcome the new walking street destination yesterday.
— The Thaiger
Feature photo John Le Fevre
This week’s Thailand morning news feature photo focuses on International Migrants Day, December 18.
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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Thailand morning news for December 17 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)
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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