Thailand morning news for May 23

Thailand morning news for May 23
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Thailand morning news

Cabinet endorses 19 annual public holidays
The Cabinet today endorsed 19 annual public holidays and assigned May 4th as the Coronation Day. It also appointed a director-general to man the newly established Department of Rail Transport under the Ministry of Transport.
— NBT World (video)

EC studying law on FFP loan saga
The Election Commission (EC) is studying the details of the law governing parties’ income before deciding whether to take up the controversial loan case involving Future Forward Party (FFP) leader, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.
— Bangkok Post

Military killings case taken to Civil Court
The families of two hilltribe people shot to death two years ago by soldiers in Chiang Mai on Wednesday lodged a joint lawsuit with the Civil Court in Bangkok, demanding the court orders the Royal Thai Army to pay a total of 11 million baht to compensate their losses.
— Bangkok Post

Thailand promotes AI, robotics technology to spur industry 4.0 readiness
Thailand-based manufacturers should seize the opportunity offered by the government’s investment promotion policy to enhance production efficiency and industry 4.0 transformation by embracing and implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technology, speakers told in a seminar held recently by Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) and UBM Asia in Bangkok.
— AEC News Today/ PR Newswire (media release)

Ministry girds for disrupted oil supply
The Energy Ministry has ordered relevant oil and gas regulators to monitor the political conflict in the Middle East to prepare for an interruption of petroleum supplies in a worst-case scenario.
— Bangkok Post

Ex-Dem leader eyed as speaker
The Democrat Party is expected to nominate former leader Banyat Bantadtan as the House speaker on Thursday after another of its former leaders, Abhisit Vejjajiva, opted out of the race, said a source within the party.
— Bangkok Post

Indonesia to invest in mega projects
Indonesia will invest in Thailand’s mega projects which require a budget of more than 400 billion US dollars, the largest projects in the history of the country.
— NBT World (video)

Mobile operators rage on 700MHz reserve price
Three mobile phone operators cried foul over the reserve price of the planned 700-megahertz licence allocation being set at 17.58 billion baht, saying it is too expensive amid uncertainty over 5G use and future income contribution.
— Bangkok Post

Unending Repression Under Thailand’s Military Junta
Since Thailand’s military seized power on May 22, 2014, the country has faced unending repression of fundamental rights and freedoms. Five years after the coup, Thailand is nowhere near the “return to democratic, civilian rule” the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) junta has repeatedly promised.
— Human Rights Watch

Thailand might have found the solution to Japan’s overtourism problem – replica theme park draws crowds
Its golden tiers and elegantly curved eaves reflected in the tranquil water encircling it, Kinkaku-ji is one of Japan’s most iconic structures.
— South China Morning Post

Anal probe yields 600g ice haul
A Thai couple who hid 600 grammes of crystal methamphetamine in their rectums have been arrested as they were trying to smuggle the drugs out of the country.
— Bangkok Post

Strengthening trade confidence and investment in the southern border area
The government continues to focus on promoting investment in the southern border provinces.
— NBT World (video)

Parties seal political pact
The Democrat and Bhumjaithai parties, seen as pivotal factors in the formation of a coalition government, yesterday confirmed their political pact, saying they are eyeing to get cabinet seats for six key ministries including the Interior Ministry for the Democrats and the Transport Ministry for Bhumjaithai.
— Bangkok Post

The spectacular drone show as part of His Majesty the King’s coronation celebrations
The background of the spectacular drone show as part of His Majesty the King’s coronation celebrations.
— NBT World (video)

Three left standing in duty-free bid
Only three firms will compete for concessions to run duty-free shops at Samut Prakan’s Suvarnabhumi airport, after two potential bidders dropped out of the race.
— Bangkok Post

Culture Ministry to hold performances to mark HM King Rama X’s coronation
The Ministry of Culture will hold a week-long cultural show from May 22nd – 28th at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground in Bangkok and in other 76 provinces across the Kingdom, celebrating the coronation of His Majesty the King.
— NBT World (video)

EEC Office reworking Map Ta Phut returns
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office will resubmit the bidding conclusion for the third phase of Map Ta Phut port to the cabinet next Tuesday as it wants to reconsider the return on investment for this megaproject.
— Bangkok Post

Two key parties still undecided on political alliances
All eyes are on the Bhumjaithai Party and the Democrat Party , as the key parties to the formation of the new government are still undecided on their political alliances.
— NBT World (video)

Coral bleaching reported in Thai waters
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has reported several occurrences of coral bleaching in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand due to higher sea temperature.
— NBT World (video)

PM attends Thailand Fruit Festival 2019
Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has attended a fair promoting Thai fruits, demonstrating the Kingdom’s prowess as a global tropical fruit trading superpower.
— NBT World (video)

People contribute to Royal Project to develop Khlong Thung Phael reservoir
Representatives from government units and the private sector, along with residents in Chantaburi have participated in an activity to improve the landscape of the area around Khlong Thung Phael reservoir in the province, in an initiative to continue the works of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great.
— NBT World (video)

Syphilis is again on the rise in Thailand
Syphilis is again on the rise in Thailand, warning teenagers to avoid risky sexual behavior.
— NBT World (video)

Indicted political activists released on bail
Prosecutors have indicted five political activists for their role in a rally to demand elections and oppose the National Council for Peace and Order in May last year.
— Bangkok Post

Economy faces heightened political uncertainties: BoT
Heightened political uncertainties in Thailand after an election meant to herald a return to democracy have clouded the outlook for economic policy, the central bank said in minutes of a meeting earlier this month that left interest rates unchanged.
— Bangkok Post

Bank of Thailand to retain LTV regulation
Despite the Finance Ministry’s request to ease the new loan-to-value (LTV) requirement, the Bank of Thailand has insisted on maintaining the regulation, saying bad mortgages continued to climb for the three months through March and a further uptick is expected this quarter.
— Bangkok Post

Operating results disappoint in Q1, despite SET rising 4.8%
SET-listed Thai securities firms booked lower net profits and net losses in the first quarter as a sharp decline in trading value, low commission fees and a lower proportion of retail investors contributed to disappointing operating results.
— Bangkok Post

FTA, GSP benefits for exporters rise in value
The Ministry of Commerce pushed for exporters to use the existing FTA and GSP benefits in the first quarter of this year, which have amounted to 18 billion dollars and accounted for a 2.38% increase from the same period last year.
— NNT

7 days of Coronation celebration kick off nationwide
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngarm tonight (Wednesday) presided over the opening of entertainment activities being held at Sanam Luang in Bangkok as part of the Coronation celebrations.
— Thai PBS News

Court affirms defamation judgment against UK activist
An appeals court on Wednesday upheld a 10 million baht judgment against a British activist who was sued by a fruit canning company whose workers complained of alleged labour abuses.
— Bangkok Post

Week of traditional performances to honour Royal Coronation
A week of traditional music and dance performances are to be held nationwide to honor the Royal Coronation of His Majesty The King. The performances in Phuket are to be held at Phuket Provincial Hall each night for the next seven days, starting tonight (May 22).
— The Phuket News

Three vie for Suvarnabhumi duty-free shop contracts
King Power Duty Free, Bangkok Airways and Royal Orchid Sheraton (Thailand) submitted their bids to win the contract from Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) to run duty-free shops at Suvarnabhumi airport on Wednesday.
— Bangkok Post

The really, really crazy solution for Pattaya’s sewage and wastewater problem
We kid you not. THIS is the solution to the torrents of black sewage and untreated wastewater gushing into Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach’s coastline over the weekend. The sight of sandbags jammed into the gushing ocean outlet takes ‘TIT’ to a whole new level. …
— The Thaiger

Chinese ‘red notice’ fugitive arrested at Suvarnabhumi
A Chinese fugitive wanted on an Interpol red notice has been arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport, acting Immigration Police chief Lt Gen Sompong Chingduang said. 48 year old Lu Dayang was arrested on Sunday while trying to fly to Macao.
— The Thaiger

Chinese Tourist Charged for Killing Urchins in Protected Sea
An official on Wednesday said he filed charges against a Chinese tourist who fished and killed sea urchins on a southern beach.
— Khaosod English

Kasemkij sponsors 700 children on summer trip
Tirapongse Pangsrivongse (3rd left), executive director of Kasemkij Co., Ltd. and board member of SOS Children’s Villages Thailand presided over the opening ceremony of the “10th Annual Summer Trip 2019” recently.
— Pattaya Mail

Senatorial candidate stripped of voting rights for ten years on bribery charge
Senatorial candidate for Nong Gee district of Thailand’s northeastern province of Buri Ram, Mr. Banchob Namwiset, has become the first post-election politician to be stripped of his voting rights for…
— Thai PBS News

Legal action being considered against private hospital for alleged overcharging
Thailand’s Commerce Ministry is pondering legal action against a private hospital for allegedly overcharging a patient who was admitted suffering with acute diarrhea.
— Thai PBS News

Thai April exports fall 2.57% y/y, in line with forecast
Thailand’s customs-cleared exports fell 2.57% in April from a year earlier, after contracting 4.88% in March, due mainly to reduced shipments of electronics, the Commerce Ministry said on Wednesday.
— Bangkok Post

Press corps call for payoffs for TV operator employees
The press corps associations are urging the telecom regulator to force digital television operators which plan to return their broadcasting licences, to compensate their employees with three months of salary.
— Bangkok Post

No road closures on 22-28 May 2019 during performances in coronation celebrations
The Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Pol Maj Gen Jirasan Kaewsaeng-ek has announced the traffic management plan around Sanam Luang in Bangkok, which is the venue chosen for the royal coronation celebration performances on 22-28 May 2019 from 5 pm to 11 pm, confirming there will be no road closures and road traffic may proceed as normal.
— NNT

15 Japanese fraudsters face extradition
Fifteen Japanese nationals accused of swindling more than 200 people in their home country out of more than 70 million baht in a call-centre scam will be extradited back to Japan on Thursday, the Immigration…
— Bangkok Post

Sunken artefacts believed to be medieval cannon, chest
Officials are hoping to raise an artefact believed to be an old cannon as well as what seems to be an old chest buried in the sand from the seabed off Koh Racha Noi, south of Phuket, today (May 22).
— The Phuket News

Investigation launched into private hospital for alleged overcharging
If you wish to make a complaint about private hospital overcharging and rorts, phone 1569.
— The Thaiger

Registered patients can keep medicinal cannabis for 3 months from May 21st
Patients, in registered possession of medicinal cannabis, will be allowed to keep it for three months after the amnesty deadline expired on Tuesday.
— Thai PBS News

Likely influx of imports spurs action
Thailand will boost anti-dumping, safeguard and anti-circumvention measures to curb an anticipated influx of import goods affected by the deepening trade war between the US and China.
— Bangkok Post

An ‘ancient cannon’ found underwater off Koh Racha Noi
An investigation has been launched after an object, similar to an ancient cannon, was found near Koh Racha Noi off Phuket’s southern coast.
— The Thaiger

The borders of security
It’s becoming more common for agents at some borders to demand your device passwords so they can check what you have on them. Given the power of the modern smartphone, partially indicated by the cost of the top-end models, this makes sense, as they are basically mini notebook computers.
— Bangkok Post tech

Defense Ministry ensuring public safety during Mahorasop Sompoch
The government has instructed relevant agencies to provide safety and convenience to people visiting the week-long cultural and arts performances, known as Mahorasop Sompoch, which will take place nationwide.
— NNT

Slow loris tout arrested at Karon
Local wildlife officers accompanied by police attached to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) arrested a slow loris tout near at Suwan Khirikhet Temple in Karon last night (May 21).
— The Phuket News

4 years on, ‘Pai Dao Din’, 12 other activists fight rally charges
Jatupat Boonpattararaksa and 12 other activists have denied newly-filed charges against them over a rally outside Pathumwan police station four years ago.
— Bangkok Post

Van runs red light, rams into local police chief’s truck
The chief of police in Muang district and three other people were injured when a passenger van ran a red light and smashed into his police truck on Wednesday.
— Bangkok Post

Dusit Thani Pattaya wins top MICE award
Neoh Kean Boon, GM of the Dusit Thani Pattaya receives the ‘Thailand MICE Venue Standard’ award from Dr. Atchaka Sibunruang, Chairman of the Board, Thailand Convention Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) during an awards presentation ceremony held in Bangkok recently.
— Pattaya Mail

No Junta, No Pheu Thai: Anutin Teases Coalition With Democrats
Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul said on Tuesday evening he is “working” with the Democrats, raising speculation over a possible alliance.
— Khaosod English

Pattaya turning 60 with plans for tourist activities
Pattaya, a tourism destination in Chon Buri province, celebrates its 60th anniversary next month and has plans for marketing campaigns and promotions throughout the year.
— Bangkok Post travel

Yala artist raises funds for Chaipattana Foundation with new painting
Three years ago, an artist from Yala who created the Eye of Legend painting sold for 88 million baht, causing much hype among the artist and painter community. The painter has unveiled a new painting “Forever in Our Hearts” priced at 191 million baht, which will be donated to Chaipattana Foundation.
— NNT

Trade between Myanmar, Thailand at optimal levels: official
Khun Pakainay Leng-Ee, who was Thailand`s Minister Counsellor for Commercial Affairs to Myanmar from October 4, 2015 to May 15, 2019, reckons the two neighbouring countries have reached an optimal level of trade. “I think we`ve reached the best situation now,” he said.
— Pulse

Thai businesses locked out of potential $237.2 million medical cannabis market
by Daragh Anglim Thailand is emerging as a frontrunner in the nascent Asian cannabis market. With 175 clinicians now qualified to prescribe cannabis-based medicines in the country, Thailand is at the cusp of a major breakthrough in realising the commercial and societal benefits of medical cannabis. …
— The Thaiger

ISOC follows up on cross-border trading in Southern provinces
The Internal Security Operations Command’s Fifth Coordinating Center has taken media members on tour to three southern border provinces to follow up on the Narathiwat Model Town project in support of cross-border trade.
— NNT

PM hosts lunch upon end of Ramadan
The authorities have taken strict security measures to ensure peace for Muslim villagers on Hari Raya Day, while Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday hosted lunch upon the end of Ramadan season and expressed admiration for the peace-loving Muslim villagers.
— NNT

BGRIM, LG Chem in energy storage accord
B.Grimm Power Plc (BGRIM) has formed collaboration with LG Chem Ltd of South Korea for development of Battery System solution for energy storage systems (ESS) for BGRIM’s power plants in Thailand, Philippines Vietnam and Korea.
— NNT

PCEC learns about food security and safety
As a child, were you told to “eat your food, remember all those starving children in China”? Well the problem is getting worse: one in nine people around the world is hungry; and the population is predicted to reach 9 billion by the year 2050.
— Pattaya Mail

Police and drug courier injured in shootout at Chiang Mai checkpoint
A police checkpoint set-up in the Chiang Mai city area – Chiang Mai Citylife Three alleged drug couriers have been arrested this morning following a gunfight that injured a suspect and a police officer.
— The Thaiger

Skål International heads to Phuket, June 2020
Tourism industry professionals from all over the world are expected to descend on Phuket between June 25-27, 2020, for the 49th edition of Skål Asia Congress.
— The Thaiger

More durian please
Fruit lovers will take delight in the replica of the mythical Himmapan Forest during the Amazing Thai Fruit Paradise fair at SookSiam zone of IconSiam until Tuesday.
— Bangkok Post travel

See the past come alive
The Ayutthaya Festival 2019, a must for history and culture lovers, kicks off on Wednesday.
— Bangkok Post travel

 

Feature photo John Le Fevre

This week’s Thailand morning news feature photo acknowledges International Day for Biological Diversity, May 22.

 

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. Due to The Nation‘s habit of hijacking urls and diverting them to promotion pages we no longer include it in our clippings.

 

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John Le Fevre

Thailand editor at AEC News Today

John is an Australian national with more than 40 years experience as a journalist, photographer, videographer, and copy editor.

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.

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