‘Overshooting’ baht raises fears of sluggish growth
WITH THE stronger baht constraining Thai economic growth, other small emerging market economies are facing the risk of recession, economists warn.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Chinese tourists flock back to Phuket for Chinese New Year 2019
Chinese tourists are flocking back to Phuket for Chinese New Year 2019 after a six month hiatus following last year’s Phoenix boat tragedy. 47 Chinese tourists drowned in the incident, including many children, after the boat capsized on July 5 in a late afternoon storm as the tour boat was …
— The Thaiger
EEC investment set to exceed forecast
Osaka: Thailand’s investment is expected to grow by 10% in 2020, largely driven by outlays to the government’s flagship Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)
Most people want PM to use “bitter pill” to deal with smog problem: Suan Dusit Poll
Most people in and around Bangkok feel that the smog problem has reached a critical level and that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha should invoke his special powers under Section 44…
— Thai PBS World
Seven drug busts net 10 million meth pills, 4 kg of heroin
The more drugs police intercept, the more that pours across the borders. The Police Narcotics Suppression Bureau have reported on seven drug busts that netted 10 suspects and the confiscation of 10 million methamphetamine pills and nearly four kilograms of heroin. The NSB also seized other illicit …
— The Thaiger
Bangkok air quality generally improves
Air quality in Bangkok and surrounding provinces improved on Sunday morning with readings ranging from moderate to very good levels, according to the Pollution Control Department.
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)
Traffic police consider stricter exhaust regulations
Traffic police have expanded the number of teams screening vehicle exhaust emissions amid the worsening smog situation in Bangkok and its vicinity, and are considering stricter regulations on exhaust quality.
— NBT World (video)
Black-exhaust buses told to fix fumes or face fines
Authorities have impounded 130 lorries and buses that were found to be spewing black exhaust smoke in excess of the safety limit in 15 provinces leading to Bangkok.
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)
Govt apologises for Bangkok’s suffocating, hazardous smog
Prayut finally admits haze can be blamed on diesel-powered vehicles
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Hedging against Bangkok’s PM2.5 pollution crisis
For visitors, stepping into “Lan Mai Thai”, a small tree shop operated by Manee Siripalika in Min Buri district near Chatuchak 2 Market, is like walking into an oasis.
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)
United Nations Launches Thailand Migration Report 2019
The United Nations has launched Thailand Migration Report 2019 which indicates that Thailand has achieved considerable progress in migration management and is well positioned to maximize the benefits of migration if more is done to ensure the welfare and protection of migrants.
— NBT World (video)
BAY forecasts 10% decline in new mortgages in 2019
New housing loans are expected to shrink by 10% this year, dragged by the central bank’s stringent mortgage lending rules and weaker condominium demand from Chinese buyers, says a senior executive at Bank of Ayudhya (BAY).
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)
SET plans 3-year strategy to address global volatility
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) plans to instigate a three-year strategy to handle global economic volatility, using the bourse as a platform to increase investing efficiency and generate digital savings.
— NBT World (video)
Elderly fall prey to scam gangs
A new wave of call centre scams is targeting the elderly, according to bank sources.
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)
Cambodian, Thai central banks sign deal on cooperation in QR code-based payment scheme, financial innovation
Cambodian and Thai central banks on Sunday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in QR-code based payment scheme and financial innovation, said a National Bank of Cambodia (NBC)’s statement.
— China.org.cn
Five held after calling for Prayut to quit
Police have arrested five people who showed up at Government House to call for the prime minister to resign.
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)
10 immigration officials moved over Pattani raid
Ten immigration policemen in Sa Kaeo and Pattani have been sidelined pending an investigation for allegedly letting Cambodian men enter the country illegally.
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)
Thai forest rangers train to fight wildlife crime
Camo-clad rangers ambush a camp in a lush Thai national park, kicking away a machete and a firearm and pinning two suspected poachers to the ground – part of a training exercise to counter a lucrative wildlife trade.
— The Asean Post
Prayut ‘sorry’ for outburst
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday apologised for his emotional outbursts in response to calls by political parties for him to step down if he becomes a prime ministerial candidate on the ticket…
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)
Commentary: The return of Prayut as prime minister almost certain when Thais head to polls in March
The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) continues to extend its term as Thailand’s longest coup regime since the 1960s.
— Channel NewsAsia
PM reviews administration’s performance
Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has reported on his administration’s performance in its fourth year in accordance with the national strategy.
— NNT
Thai court to hear Bahraini extradition request for footballer
The Thai Criminal Court yesterday agreed to hear the public prosecutor’s request for an extradition of jailed footballer Hakeem Al Araibi, who fled his home country in Bahrain amid political…
— Thai PBS World
SPECIAL REPORT: Soi Dog’s position on rabies offensive and dangerous dogs
As the island’s animal welfare officials struggle to cope with rolling out a mass rabies vaccination campaign and the rounding up of any dangerous dogs on the island, they are enlisting the help and support of Phuket’s renowned Soi Dog Foundation.
— The Phuket News
PM proposes SEC and Food Innopolis projects
The Prime Minister has proposed the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) and the Food Innopolis projects, deeming they will play a vital role in stabilizing the Kingdom’s economy by utilizing the nation’s natural resources and its agricultural practices.
— NBT World (video)
Consumer product prices stable
Prices of consumer goods remain unchanged ahead of the Spring Festival, the Department of Internal Trade has announced.
— NNT
PTT budgets B450bn for 2019 expansion
PTT Plc, the national oil and gas conglomerate, together with five subsidiaries is allocating a 2019 budget for all business expansion worth a combined 450 billion baht.
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)
Rules of conduct and campaigning set by EC
The Election Commission (EC) has prepared a space on the second floor of its headquarters to register MP candidates and proposed Prime Ministers starting this February 4th, while Bangkok authorities have decided which roadways and connecting sois can be used for the placement of campaign posters.
— NBT World (video)
NLA endorses Ethical Standards Bill
The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has passed into law the draft Ethical Standards Bill which provides civil servants, state authorities, and governing bodies with ethical guidelines.
— NNT
Doctors warn against burning of joss papers
DOCTORS have urged people not to burn joss paper as offerings and limit incense-burning during Chinese New Year celebrations this week to prevent hazardous emissions.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Thailand top New Year holiday spot for Chinese travellers
Thailand, Japan and Singapore top the list of destinations for Chinese travellers this Chinese New Year.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Thailand weather: Is it safe to travel to Bangkok during toxic smog cloud?
Thailand’s capital is under siege from a dangerous blanket of dust particles which is deemed to have reached dangerous levels.
— Sunday Express
Most undecided yet which parties to vote for
Poll finds most people undecided about which parties to vote for About 76 percent of respondents in the latest opinion poll admitted that they have not yet decided which parties…
— Thai PBS World
Fears that plantation fire could add to Bangkok pollution woes
A huge plantation fire has destroyed a 400 rai rubber farm in Chacheongsao province with concerns that it could also add to Bangkok’s air pollution and smog woes. Chachongseo is the province immediately east of the city limits. The prevailing winds come from the north-east. The fire in Sanam Chai …
— The Thaiger
Air quality improves Sunday, marathon run proceeds as planned
Air quality in and around Bangkok improved today (Sunday) with no areas of Bangkok currently affected by excessive levels of PM2.5 dust particles. The Pollution Control Department described air quality…
— Thai PBS World
Krabi officials declare a rabies outbreak zone
A district livestock office in Krabi province has announced a Rabies outbreak zone in the Mueang Krabi district area. Somphon Jantara, chief livestock officer of Mueang Krabi District, announced that the Sai Thai village, Moo 1 is a designated outbreak zone after a male dog tested positive for …
— The Thaiger
First nesting of a Ridley’s turtle in 23 years on Phang-nga beach
After a 23 year absence from the beach in Thai Muang district of the southern Thai province of Phang-nga, Ridley’s turtles have returned to the beaches to breed, causing excitement…
— Thai PBS World
Loss of wetlands could be devastating: experts
Damaging projects, ignorance of their importance a major threat to Mekong region.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Thai forest rangers train to tackle wildlife crime as the country struggles to remove illegal animal trade
Camo-clad rangers ambush a camp in a lush Thai national park, kicking away a machete and a firearm and pinning two suspected poachers to the ground — part of a training exercise to counter a lucrative wildlife trade.
— Coconuts (paywall)
Phuket Opinion: Killer cop playbook
The lack of public interest in a policeman shooting dead an unarmed citizen on the streets of Phuket this past week is plainly disturbing. Is that what people in Phuket consider as run-of-the-mill in 2019?
— The Phuket News
UTCC expects 58 bil baht cash flow during Spring Festival
The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) forecasts 58 billion baht will be spent on Chinese New Year festivities.
— NBT World (video)
Dam study must be transparent
After a short confrontation with conservationists and local southerners late last month over the controversial Wang Heeb dam project in Nakhon Si Thammarat, the Prayut Chan-o-cha government has agreed to step back, albeit temporarily.
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)
OSMEP upgraded its mobile app to better educate SME operators
The Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP) has upgraded its mobile application “SME Connect” to better educate SME operators and improve their operation.
— NBT World (video)
Hackers are coming soon to a Thai business near you: Kaspersky Lab
Maxim Frolov, vice president of global sales for Kaspersky Lab recently sat down with The Nation Weekend to share his perspectives on cybersecurity in 2019.
— The Nation (very annoying pop-ups)
Major drug busts in Northeast
Major drug hauls involving 760,000 methamphetamine pills and 500 kilogrammes of compressed marijuana have been made by police under the Region 3 Provincial Police Bureau, deputy police chief Pol Gen Chalermkiat Srivorakhan said at a briefing on Sunday.
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)
Much fanfare expected at first day of registration of election candidates
Registration of candidates for the much-awaited election scheduled for March 24 will begin tomorrow morning (Monday) for all 350 constituencies nationwide. Special attention, however, will focus on Bangkok where the…
— Thai PBS World
UTCC expects 58 bil baht cash flow during Spring Festival
Bangkok – The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) forecasts 58 billion baht will be spent during Chinese New Year festivities. Thanawat Polvichai, director of the Economic and Business Forecasting Centre at the UTCC, said the university’s latest survey conducted on a sample of …
— Pattaya Mail
Leopard cub smuggled on a Thai Airways flight from Bangkok to India
A one month old leopard has been found in a passenger’s hand luggage after landing in Chennai, India after a Thai Airways flight from Bangkok. The young leopard was weak and dehydrated when it was discovered. The leopard kitten was hidden in a grocery basket hidden put inside his carry on …
— The Thaiger
Chinese New Year likely to see record consumer spending
Thai people with ethnic Chinese ancestry went shopping in Bangkok’s Yaowarat area on Sunday for items to be used for the worship of their gods and ancestors on Monday.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Elephant Boat Race comes to Bangkok March 29
Anantara Hotels Director of Operational Excellence & Events Tim Boda has announced Thailand’s first “Elephant Boat Race & River Festival” to be held between March 29 – 31, 2019.
— The Thaiger
B20 fuel goes on sale in five provinces
Bangkok – PTT stations in five provinces started selling B20 biodiesel on Friday, to help the country fight air pollution caused by diesel engines. The five stations are located in Pathum Thani, Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chonburi, and Chumphon. B20 is a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum …
— Pattaya Mail
Hopes on ‘greener’ plastics to turn tide on battle for environment
Plastics that have been labelled as biodegradable by industry have become more popular and affordable due to increased public awareness of environmental issues resulting from the many kinds of damage caused by single-use plastic bags, food containers, straws and other non-compostable items.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Feature photo John Le Fevre
This week’s Thailand morning news feature photo acknowledges Chinese New Year, 2019.
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).
Thailand morning news by AEC News Today is your one stop source for Thailand news on matters of governance and policies affecting Asean business communities. It is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.
Thailand morning news for February 4 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)
- 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