Severity of drought next year likely to equal that of 2015-16 in Thailand
Thailand is at risk of a drought like that in 2015 and 2016, while the volume of rainfall, from this month through May, is forecast to be 5-10% lower than normal, said Mr. Seri Suparathit, director of the Centre of Climate Change and Disaster at Rangsit University, today (Friday).
— Thai PBS News
6 TIMES IN 2019 THAIS AND EXPATS STOOD UP FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Thais have a reputation of having little care for the environment – an image of a double-bagged banana from 7-Eleven comes to mind, and Thailand is literally the sixth worst plastic polluter of the oceans.
— Khaosod English
Particulate matter still prevails over several areas
The PM 2.5 airborne dust has still prevailed over several areas of Bangkok, causing air pollution and affecting health.
— Newsline (video)
Thailand to Start Using Electronic Passports and Iris Scan System
Foreign Ministry spokesperson has revealed that Thailand will start using the latest electronic passports in the middle of the year 2020. The cover of the new passport has also been designed to reflect Thai art and culture.
— Chiang Rai Times
Over 30,000 displaced in Narathiwat floods, southern Thailand
Out of almost nowhere, and amidst a looming drought for many parts of the country, heavy rains have left flooded areas in Narathiwat, in Thailand’s deep south, displacing over 30,000 people.
— The Thaiger
Tourist arrivals surpass last year’s record on Indian’s visit
Thailand has exceeded the record for foreign tourist arrivals set last year with the 38,260,000th visitor reaching the country on Friday.
— Bangkok Post travel
Consumer groups seek to spike tollway fee hike
Consumer advocacy groups on Friday asked the Administrative Court to suspend the hike in Don Muang Tollway toll rates planned from Sunday.
— Bangkok Post
Jailbroken phones slapped with ban
Around 10,000 mobile phones that have been jailbroken or have outdated operating systems will be banned from making mobile banking transactions, starting from May 1, 2020, as part of the central bank’s efforts to upgrade security for mobile banking.
— Bangkok Post
Whale spotted near Similan Islands – VIDEO
A scuba diving instructor has posted a video of a whale spotted near the Similan islands off the coast of Phang Nga. The whale is thought to be a blue whale species.
— The Thaiger
Halal blockchain introduced at Thailand Halal Assembly 2019
Chulalongkorn University’s Halal Science Center has joined hands with the Central Islamic Council of Thailand and related agencies, to hold the Thailand Halal Assembly 2019, the biggest Halal event in Thailand, highlighting blockchain implementation to solve issues in the Halal industry.
— Pattaya Mail
Government to consider 11 fishermen requests
The National Fisheries Policy Committee has agreed to consider 11 requests from a group of Thai commercial fishermen to help ease their hardship, given that they must continue to conform to the Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations.
— Newsline (video)
Thanathorn cops rally charges
Police have issued summonses for Future Forward Party members to acknowledge charges relating to the flash mob on the Skywalk at Pathumwan intersection in Bangkok on Dec 14.
— Bangkok Post
Rescuers claim former transport minister tried to flee accident scene
Saichon Srinuanchan Thawee Kraikupt, a former transport minister and the father of government MP Pareena Kraikupt, was involved a car crash in Ratchaburi province, just west of Bangkok, that injured a 16 year old boy.
— The Thaiger
“Thai-Chinese Relations: Security and Business Outlook 2020” EP01
Roundtable Discussion with participants from Thai-Chinese public and private sectors
— Thailandtoday.co (video)
Q3 sees dip in bank transaction crashes
The frequency of banking transaction crashes fell sharply in the third quarter after the central bank imposed a measure to publicly disclose them, according to Bank of Thailand data.
— Bangkok Post
BoI seeks to spark EV interest
The government is keen to push forward Thailand’s automotive industry to develop into a regional hub for electric vehicles (EVs).
— Bangkok Post
Government to grant debt moratorium to help National Village and Urban Community Funds
A meeting of the National Village and Urban Community Fund Committee has approved a debt moratorium scheme to improve the National Village and Urban Community Fund’s financial liquidity.
— Newsline (video)
People split over Thanathorn’s ‘flash mob’: Poll
People are split over a “flash mob” organised by Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit at the Pathumwan skywalk in Bangkok on Dec 14 to show opposition to the government, with the number of supporters slightly higher than opponents, according to an opinion survey by the National Institute for Development Administration, or Nida Poll.
— Bangkok Post
74,000 Police to Be Deployed Over New Year’s “7 Dangerous Days”
Thailand’s Deputy national police chief, Pol Gen Suwat Chaengyodsuk has reported that more than 74,000 police will be deployed over the New Year.
— Chiang Rai Times
Thailand’s Maya Bay to remain closed for another two years
The Department of National Parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation has announced that Maya Bay is going to be closed for another two years to provide a better opportunity for the ecological system to recover, whilst also completing and implementing plans for management of tourists at the famous tourist attraction.
— The Thaiger
Golden Triangle in northern Thailand opening up to tourists after decades at the centre of opium trade
The Akha hill-tribe lady had me at first glance with her blushes, laughter, and betel-nut-stained grin.
— South China Morning Post
Indian visitors to Thailand surges
Thailand has so far welcomed 1.9 million Indian visitors, meeting the expected growth target of 22 percent for this year and earning 85 billion baht (2.56 billion USD) in revenue.
— Vietnamplus
Thailand’s Central Bank Holds Benchmark Interest Rate Steady
Thailand is on track for its slowest economic growth since 2014, facing headwinds including the U.S.-China trade dispute and political uncertainty. Inflation remains well below the 1%-4% annual target, prompting the central bank to propose narrowing the range next year.
— Chiang Rai Times
Canals Being Used as Garbage Dumps Throughout Bangkok
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration claims that over the past five year they have collected nearly 400,000 tons of garbage in canals.
— Chiang Rai Times
Govt set to address sea water intrusion
The government is bracing for salt water intrusion into four major rivers, including the Chao Phraya, as low fresh water levels may have affected tap water production.
— Bangkok Post
Talks on tap for lowering premiums
The Internal Trade Department is scheduled to talk with the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) by the middle of next month about possibly lowering health insurance premiums in keeping with the cheaper medicine price structure.
— Bangkok Post
PM orders prompt assistance for southern flood victims
Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered authorities to promptly provide assistance for flood victims in Narathiwat province and closely follow the situation.
— Newsline (video)
Flood situation in southern Thailand improving
Staying with the matter, officials in the Southern provinces of Yala and Narathiwat have indicated that the flood situation is gradually improving.
— Newsline (video)
16 Singaporean tourists injured in Thailand bus accident: Report
Sixteen Singaporeans were injured after their tour bus skidded off the road in central Thailand on Friday (Dec 20) night, Thai media reported.
— CNA
60 Year-old British Diver Found Dead in Southern Thailand
A British diver has been found floating dead in Talay Songhong park, a popular diving site in southern Thailand.
— Chiang Rai Times
$33 Million of Gold and Assets Seized from Alleged Drug Syndicate
Police in northern Thailand have seized assets worth about $33 million from a gold shop and other business.
— Chiang Rai Times
Study finds few Thais have savings accounts
A study by Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research has identified just over 30 million Thais with savings accounts, altogether responsible for over 10 trillion baht in deposits, noting that a disproportionate 93% of depositors are considered affluent, with only 7% considered small time account holders and concluding that Thai citizens are still low on savings.
— Newsline (video)
NSTDA showcases 2019 research for sustainability for ASEAN
The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) has presented research projects at the NSTDA Beyond Limits: a Sustainability Impact event, presenting Bio-Circular-Green economy development guidelines for the industrial sector to promote national and economic development.
— Newsline (video)
Stronger pound, ruble hold promise for Pattaya tourism
Pattaya’s tourism industry has been keeping a close eye on exchange rates, hoping a recent resurgence in both the British pound and Russian ruble will boost tourism for the rest of high season.
— Pattaya Mail
Mazda to shift some output from Thailand to Japan: Nikkei
Mazda Motor Corp is shifting some production of cars destined for the Australian market from Thailand to Japan, citing the adverse impact of a stronger Thai baht, according to the Nikkei newspaper.
— Bangkok Post
NSC invites public to enjoy new ways of learning
The National Science Museum or the NSC invites the public to learn and play at the latest Rama 9 Museum
— Newsline (video)
Winners emerge in first Chim, Shop, Chai raffle
A total 135 people who used the g-Wallet 2 balance of the Pao Tang mobile application between September 27 and December 15 this year, have won prizes in the Chim, Shop, Chai (Taste, Shop, Spend) raffle, with another 35 shops also chosen as winners.
— Newsline (video)
Many provinces organize walk, mini half marathon run activities in honor of HM the King
Many people have joined walk and mini-half marathon activities nationwide in honor of His Majesty the King and on occasion of the coronation ceremony.
— Newsline (video)
Locals host feast for wild monkeys in Ratchaburi
Local people host a feast for thousands of wild monkeys in an annual cultural festival of ChomBueng district, Ratchaburi province.
— Pattaya Mail
Nida Poll indicates most people agree with Skywalk rally
Most respondents to a recent Nida Poll, by the National Institute of Development Administration, agree with the political rally, held at the Pathumwan skywalk on December 14th, by the Future Forward party.
— Thai PBS News
The green graftbuster
Rosana Tositrakul, a former senator, has always been known as an outspoken activist and corruption-buster ready to take on well-known politicians and big corporations, but now she is throwing her hat into a very different ring.
— Bangkok Post
Palang Pracharat candidate claims victory in Khon Kaen in critical vote yesterday, increasing Thai Government’s majority in the House
Palang Pracharat candidate Somsak Khun-ngern has won the by-election in Khon Kaen’s Constituency 7 on Sunday, beating his rival from Pheu Thai party, Thanik Maseepitak by a margin of just 2,192 votes.
— The Pattaya News
Poll rates Environment Minister Warawut as the most liked cabinet member
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Warawut Silpa-archa has been rated the most popular cabinet member, as far as kindness, efficiency, simplicity, approachability and helping the poor and farmers are concerned, said Super Poll research centre director Dr. Noppadol Kannikar.
— Thai PBS News
Teen faces assault charge
A high school senior who stabbed a fellow student in the neck with a piece of broken glass will be summoned to acknowledge the charge against him, according to the Royal Thai Police.
— Bangkok Post
Man arrested for using Twitter and Thai postal service to sell “ice”
The Narcotics Control Board has arrested a man for selling “ice,” crystal methamphetamine, using Twitter and shipping the drug by the Thai postal service.
— The Thaiger
Thai Government program begins to identify and reward street vendors in Pattaya with certificates of excellence in the form of a clearly visible like symbol.
A new program has been officially launched in Pattaya and Chonburi today and is part of a wider country wide program to begin to clearly identify food carts that are certified as clean, professional and meet all health and hygeine standards.
— The Pattaya News
The festive season may not be that merry due to low spending
The 2020 holiday season may not be all that merry for businesses as Thais are expected to spend less due to gloomy economic sentiment and lower income.
— Thai PBS News
Corn price scheme payout commences
The government kicked off the first payment of the price guarantee scheme yesterday for corn, the final cash crop under the state-sponsored price guarantee scheme.
— Bangkok Post
Government core party questions Future Forward’s respect for human dignity
The core government party, Palang Pracharat, has questioned the Future Forward party’s respect for human dignity for its indifference to and inaction over Tuesday’s incident when four monitor lizard toys, tagged with the names of four rebel MPs, were displayed at the party’s Thai Summit Building head office, ahead of a meeting to discuss the expulsion of the rebels.
— Thai PBS News
Tour bus full of elderly crashes in Loei, Thailand…45 injured, 4 dead in alleged brake failure
Nong Hin, Loei- At least 45 people are injured this evening, some seriously, and four people are dead after a tour bus from Buriram lost control this evening after what the driver described as an alleged brake failure.
— The Pattaya News
British Diver dies exploring Song Hong Cave in Thailand, known for its depth
A British diver was found dead on Saturday afternoon in Talay Songhong park, a popular diving site in Thung Yai district in the far South of Thailand.
— The Pattaya News
Jazz Janewattananond wins Thailand Masters
Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond won the Thailand Masters on home turf Sunday, celebrating a super season with his second major Asian Tour victory this month.
— Bangkok Post
“Green heart passports” to promote eco-tourism around Thailand
Visitors to Thailand’s 155 national parks over the New Year holidays have a special surprise in store: the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will distribute one million “green heart passports” to promote environmentally friendly tourism.
— The Thaiger
On Boxing Day the skies will go dark across Thailand – solar eclipse
The skies will go dark in Thailand around midday on Boxing Day. The sun will partly vanish and a ghostly pall will shadow the Kingdom.
— The Thaiger
Palang Pracharat changes party logo and strengthens executive committee
The Palang Pracharat party has elected 17 new executives, increasing the executive committee membership to 34.
— Thai PBS News
Energy saving plan evolves
The Energy Conservation Fund is required to change its strategic plan in fiscal 2020 to focus on projects that help increase the efficiency of energy usage, innovative energy and community businesses related to energy and innovative energy, as well as projects that help reduce income disparity.
— Bangkok Post
“They’re distorting our democracy” – Isaan politicians’ daughter between hope and despair for Thai democracy
Born into a family of politicians in Ubon Ratchathani, Sudarat Phithakphonphanlop learned from a young age what it means to be a representative of the people.
— Isaan Record
‘Roots’ Farm-to-Cup Cafes Let You Write Postcards to Farmers
At Roots Coffee, they don’t just serve Thai single-origin drip coffee. They have postcards for you to write to the farmers as well.
— Khaosod English
Young woman dies after falling from 22 floor of Jomtien Hotel on her birthday
A 23 year old Thai woman was pronounced dead by Pattaya rescue workers at 3:00 AM this morning after falling from the 22 floor of a popular hotel on Jomtien Beach.
— The Pattaya News
OPINION: IS THAILAND’S FUTURE GOING BACKWARD?
Are we going forward or backward? This question came to my mind after I witnessed Future Forward Party leaders mustering an anti-government “flash mob” large enough to unsettle naysayers who were confident that massive protests have been relegated to the past for good.
— Khaosod English
DO GOOD FOR NEW YEAR: CHILDREN CHARITY CALLING FOR DONATED GOODS
With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, it may be a good time to give and not just to people close to us, but to those in need as well.
— Khaosod English
“Thai-Chinese Relations: Security and Business Outlook 2020” EP01
Roundtable Discussion with participants from Thai-Chinese public and private sectors
— Thailandtoday.co (video)
TAT welcomes Batik Air’s maiden flight on Jakarta-Bangkok route
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to welcome Batik Air’s maiden flight on the Jakarta-Bangkok route, which touched down this evening at Don Mueang International Airport.
— TAT News
Feature photo Beach Lover Club Thailand
This week’s Thailand morning news feature photo focuses on the anniversary of the 2004 Asean tsunami, December 26.
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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Thailand morning news for December 23 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