Analysts predict strength of baht to continue well into 2020, concerns increase
Source: Bangkok Post More than two decades ago, the baht suffered heavy devaluation as a result of speculation, forcing Thailand’s central bank to de-link the local currency from the US dollar and adopt a managed floating exchange rate.
— The Pattaya News
Prayut urges ‘spending in dollars’
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the nation has to think about expenditure in dollars to help weaken its currency.
— Bangkok Post
Suvarnabhumi authorities passing the blame for long queues yesterday
A post about long waits and airport queues at Suvarnabhumi yesterday has sparked an immediate response from an immigration spokesperson today.
— The Thaiger
Prawit defends army spending
The government and the Defence Ministry on Monday came out in defence of off-budget money after it came under close scrutiny from Future Forward Party (FFP) leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.
— Bangkok Post
Anti-fake news centre pins blame on elderly
About 500,000 items of suspected fake news were spread on social media over the past month, with the elderly found to be the biggest culprits, Digital Economy and Society Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta said on Monday.
— Bangkok Post
Shake-up Expected in Southern Thai Peace Talks, Sources in Malaysia and Thailand Say
Hardcore insurgents from Thailand’s Deep South who had refused to participate in recent efforts at peace talks have held back-channel discussions with Thai officials and may come to the negotiating table, Malaysian government sources and a rebel spokesman told BenarNews.
— Benar News
PM’s speech may signal a tougher line in dealing with the Thai baht thwarting the economy
A speech by the Thai Prime Minister on Monday calling for more spending in US dollars with the help of the private sector to address the country’s slowing economy and chronic inability to rein in the appreciating Thai baht may signal a tougher response to the issue from the government.
— ThaiExaminer.com
Thailand’s opposition leader accuses govt of trying to dissolve his party
Thailand’s most prominent opposition figure accused the government of undermining parliamentary democracy and trying to dissolve his party on Monday, two weeks after the constitutional court disqualified him from parliament.
— FMT
Pheu Thai party opposes vote recount
The Pheu Thai party will object to a vote recount on the opposition motion for the establishment of a panel to study the impacts of the junta’s pre-election orders and executive orders issued under Section 44 of the Constitution, but may attend the House meeting this Wednesday to ensure a quorum.
— Thai PBS News
Civic groups threaten to sue Industry Minister Suriya for reneging on farm chemical ban
A network of 686 civic groups, which support the ban on paraquat, glyphosate and chlorpyrifos, has threatened to file charges against Industry Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit for reneging on the previous resolution of the National Hazardous Substances Committee (NHSC) banning the three agricultural chemicals.
— Thai PBS News
“The first quarter of 2020 looks terrible” – tourism in northern Thailand.
“Bookings in the north are down and the outlook for… the first quarter of 2020 looks terrible.” The head of the Northern Hoteliers’ Association based in Chiang Mai is painting a grim picture about the immediate future for tourism in northern Thailand.
— The Thaiger
Meet the 10 new startups that Thailand’s 500 TukTuks has invested from its second fund
500 TukTuks, the Thailand unit of early-stage VC fund 500 Startups, today announced the 10 new startups it has invested from its second fund.
— e27
Nov inflation rate quickens to 0.21%, but below forecast
Thailand’s headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.21% in November from a year earlier, quickening from the previous month but lower than expectations, commerce ministry data showed on Monday.
— Bangkok Post
No DNA found in bone fragments in Billy’s murder case – DSI
No analysable DNA has been found in nine fragments of burned human bone found separately in the river in Kaeng Krachan national park in Phetchaburi province, after the discovery of a 200-litre oil drum containing human remains, the DNA of which had markers matching the DNA of Billy’s mother, Mrs. Pairoh.
— Thai PBS News
US weapons sales to Thailand have a new competitor: China
When signing a vision statement with the US last month, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha quietly sat as Pentagon chief Mark Esper touted the commitment of an old ally at a time of “external coercion and intimidation” in Asia – a clear reference to China.
— The Straits Times
Conditions ‘ripe’ for mass protests
A support group for relatives of victims of the 1992 political unrest on Sunday expressed its concern about Thailand’s deteriorating political and economic situation, which it said could erupt into violent street protests at any moment.
— Bangkok Post
Thailand closes 8.07 bil baht rubber deals on 2nd day of Thailand Rubber Expo 2019
On the second day of Thailand Rubber Expo 2019, Thai rubber operators were able to negotiate deals that would drive up the country’s rubber sales by 140,000 tons.
— Newsline (video)
Defence ‘off-budget’ spend too opaque: FFP
Future Forward Party (FFP) leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit on Sunday called on the Defence Ministry to disclose details about its off-budget spending for transparency and accountability.
— Bangkok Post
Mekong region’s East-West Corridor takes shape
The opening of a new bridge between Thailand and Myanmar a few weeks ago marks another step in the integration of supply chains in Southeast Asia, linking four countries in the Indochinese Peninsula to the Indian Ocean.
— Nikkei Asian Review (paywall)
Charter stokes downturn
The government can blame its trouble in dealing with the economic slowdown and its recent defeat in a Lower House vote on one thing — the 2017 constitution.
— Bangkok Post
Thailand and ASEAN attempt to tackle marine debris
Marine Debris is an important trans-boundary issue, but how have Thailand and ASEAN been addressing this challenging problem?
— Newsline (video)
The rapidly-changing aviation industry
It’s mixed emotions for the global aviation industry as the emergence of low-cost carriers has taken its toll on major legacy airlines that have once dominated the industry.
— Asean Economist
Life in the low-code cloud
Zoho Corporation, a comprehensive IT management software provider, is gearing up to serve the vibrant startup community and digital transformation trends in Southeast Asia where different countries are at different stages of development.
— Bangkok Post
European sweet-corn makers gain renewal of tariffs on Thailand
European Union producers of sweet corn, including Bonduelle SA in France, have won five more years of tariffs against Thai competitors as the bloc prolonged trade protection more than a decade old.
— Bangkok Post
AMAR International brings peace of mind to foreign nationals in Thailand
One thing that has always been a matter of great concern to many expatriates living or visiting anywhere in the world is how their remains will be taken care of if they become deceased away from their home country, as well as how they will speedily and safely return to their home country should they fall sick or encounter an accident and wish to be medically repatriated.
— The Phuket News
Thai students develop home security system to alert owners of suspicious activities via smartphones
Students from a vocational college in Nakhon Si Thammarat have developed a village security system with devices in each house, that can detect a burglary, a fire, or a gas leak, and send out alerts to home owners and a village security team via smartphones.
— Newsline (video)
Are loan sharks preying on Thais?
The University of Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) recently revealed that the slowing economy has triggered a surge in household debt of 7.4 percent this year.
— The Asean Post
Government asserts commitment to promotion of Malay language
The Thai government is adamant to promote the learning and teaching of the Malay language, as it respects people’s rights and liberty to commit to their religious beliefs, according to a deputy government spokesperson.
— Newsline (video)
Fire guts central Korat market
Fire caused by a transformer explosion caused about 50 million baht damage to Mae Kim Heng market on Sunday night, the provincial governor said.
— Bangkok Post
This malware is compromising Thailand-based hotels to steal credit card details
A new cybercrime malware is doing the rounds in Thailand hotels wreaking havoc on the country’s lucrative tourism and hospitality industry.
— International Business Times (video)
Seed imports banned as fungal disease hits Thai rubber trees
The outbreak of a fungal disease that weakens rubbers trees in Thailand has led to the halt of imports of rubber seeds, seedlings, and saplings into Myanmar, local authorities announce.
— Myanmar Times
Transport Min setting more road checkpoints for New Year
The Ministry of Transport is satisfied with a reported decline in road accidents and will step up the automobile and driver check-up measures for year-end holidays.
— Newsline (video)
UN: LGBTs still face discrimination
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has reported that almost 50% of LGBT people in Thailand still face discrimination at home and school in the form of being expected to conform to heteronormative values.
— Bangkok Post
Good wind, close racing on first day of Phuket King’s Cup Regatta
Good, steady wind and some very close racing helped get the 33rd edition of the annual Phuket King’s Cup Regatta off to an exciting start today (Dec 2).
— The Phuket News
BMA to ban sodas from city schools
Sodas will be banned from 437 schools run by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
— Bangkok Post
Police in Southern Thailand Kill Major Crystal Meth Trafficker
Authorities in southern Thailand have seized more than 500,000 speed pills, 10 kilograms of crystal meth from a house rented by a major Myanmar drug trafficker.
— Chiang Rai Times
Security centre opens ahead of big events
A high-level coordination centre was launched on Monday for security and traffic arrangements for three major events, including the royal barge procession, taking place this month.
— Bangkok Post
ThunderChain Helps Reshape Thailand’s Education System Following Its Adoption in the Health Industry
Following the deployment of ThunderChain’s leading technology in more than 490 medical facilities in Thailand in August, it will be used in empowering Thailand’s education sector, as Naresuan University and ThunderChain reached an agreement on developing Certory, a blockchain-based academic certificate verification platform, for the academic association in Thailand.
— Yahoo Finance
True foresees enabler role in Asean
True Digital Group wants to become a tech enabler in Asean over the next few years by providing the Internet of Things (IoT) and comprehensive digital solutions for vertical industries.
— Bangkok Post
New air route links east China city, Bangkok
A new air route opened Monday, linking the city of Yantai, east China’s Shandong Province, with Bangkok, capital of Thailand.
— Xinhuanet
Suriya faces lawsuits for toxin ban U-turn
A network of advocates for a ban on three toxic farm chemicals is threatening to file a lawsuit against Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit over the decision by the National Hazardous Substances Committee (NHSC) to scrap it.
— Bangkok Post
Elon Musk heads to court for defamation trial over ‘pedo guy’ tweet
The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX will testify this week in a defamation suit brought against him by Vernon Unsworth, a British man who helped with the rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooding Thai cave in July 2018.
— CNN Philippines
Nagaland, Thailand to cooperate in organic farming
In a major boost to organic farming in the State, the government of Nagaland and Thai delegates have decided to cooperate through farmer exchange programmes and increasing trade in organic produce.
— Nagaland Post
Thailand – Farmers hope for initial cane prices of THB750 per tonne
The Cane Farmers Federation of Thailand hopes that it will be able to negotiate an initial cane price for the 2019/20 season of THB750 (USD1=THB30.17) per tonne when meeting with the Office of the Cane and Sugar Board on December 6.
— AgraNet
Pattaya City Officers renew focus on noise pollution, speaker trucks
Pattaya City Law Enforcement reported last evening at around 9:00 PM that they fined a pickup truck playing loud music on Jomtien Beach nearly directly in front of a sign warning against loud noise.
— The Pattaya News
3rd phase of Chim-Shop-Chai program not fully subscribed
Registration for the 3rd phase of the Chim-Shop-Chai (Eat-Shop-Spend) stimulus package closed at 5pm today, but the number of elderly people subscribing to the program only reached 281,115, well short of the 500,000 target.
— Thai PBS News
Palang Pracharat MP Krungsrivilai suspended from performing MP duties
Former movie star-turned-politician Krungsrivilai Suthinphuek was suspended from performing his duties as an MP today, by the Supreme Court for Election Cases, for alleged vote buying.
— Thai PBS News
DTAC seeks to postpone 5G auctions
Total Access Communication (DTAC), the third largest mobile operator, on Monday urged the telecom regulator to postpone the 5G spectrum auctions scheduled for February to include 3500-megahertz spectrum in the auctions.
— Bangkok Post
Thai Vietjet hopes new U-tapao-Ho Chi Minh route will boost tourism
Thai Vietjet will add a new route between U-tapao airport and Ho Chi Mihn City that the airline hopes will bring more tourists to Thailand.
— Bangkok Post
Three charges to be filed against Ms. Pareena today by Royal Forest Department
The Royal Forest Department will file three charges today against Palang Pracharat MP for Ratchaburi, Ms. Pareena Kraikupt, for alleged encroachment on 7.376 hectares of national forest reserves.
— Thai PBS News
DSI Say Some Bones at Nat’l Park Don’t Match Missing Activist
The Department of Special Investigation said Sunday that some of the bone fragments found at a national Park may not belong to the missing Karen community rights activist as it has claimed earlier.
— Khaosod English
A Week of Slightly Cooler Weather Ahead in Thailand
Starting Tuesday through the next week, Thailand’s temperatures will inch down enough for Bangkokians to pretend to shiver in fashionable windbreakers.
— Khaosod English
Manhunt launched for alleged British drug kingpin
Police have launched a manhunt for the alleged kingpin of a Pattaya-based drug ring, just days after arresting six members, including three Australian Hell’s Angels members.
— The Thaiger
Thai man in Chonburi dies from electric shock while playing with his charging phone
Chonburi A 28 year old Thai man has been pronounced dead from electric shock at 7:00PM this evening at his home in the Nong Hiang subdistrict in Chonburi.
— The Pattaya News
Suspects being hunted after stealing two motorbikes in Sattahip in one night!
Four suspects have allegedly stolen two motorbikes within one night in Satttahip and are now being hunted by local police.
— The Pattaya News
Man Rams Truck Into Two Cars For Blocking His Driveway
A driver who rammed his pickup truck into cars blocking his driveway in a clip that went viral over the weekend turned himself in to the police on Monday.
— Khaosod English
A Guide for X’Mas 2019 Celebration in Bangkok (That Doesn’t Involve Malls)
We gave it a try and compiled the following guide for X’mas normies who prefer the “old ways.”
— Khaosod English
Shallow breathing of dragon pot makers in Ratchaburi
Pichapach Khosabordee is the third generation of her family working at a famous traditional earthenware water-jar factory in Ratchaburi.
— Thai PBS News
Opinion: If You Need Proof of How Police Failed Pattani, Just Look at Its Traffic
After living in Pattani downtown for many months, I still cannot figure out what services the police render to the community.
— Khaosod English
Health Minister proposes Thai farmers to grow cannabis as preferred crop
Who ever thought they’d be a day in Thailand when the country’s health minister was actively touting cannabis as a preferred crop for Thai farmers. But here we are… Thailand’s Public Health Minister is.
— The Thaiger
Court Fines Philip Morris $39.7 Million for Tax Evasion
A court in Thailand on Friday found the local unit of tobacco giant Philip Morris guilty of evading taxes by under-declaring the value of cigarettes it imported from the Philippines. It ordered the company to pay a fine of 1.2 billion baht ($39.7 million).
— Khaosod English
Photo: World Soil Day วันดินโลก
This week’s Thailand morning news feature photo focuses on World Soil Day and the birth of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, after whom it is dedicated, December 5.
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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Thailand morning news for December 3 added by John Le Fevre on
View all posts by John Le Fevre →
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