Thai statesman General Prem dies at the age of 98
President of the Privy Council General Prem Tinsulanonda died this morning of heart failure at Phra Mongkut hospital. He was 98 years old. General Prem was rushed to hospital…
— Thai PBS News
Thais could gain from US tariffs
Thailand is expected to gain more than it loses if the US slaps tariffs of up to 25% on an additional list of Chinese imports worth US$300 billion, according to a study by the Commerce Ministry’s planning unit.
— Bangkok Post
PCD officials search for source of chemicals after fire at Laem Chabang port
Pollution Control Department officials are investigating the cause of the chemical fire on board a freighter at Laem Chabang deep-sea port in Thailand’s eastern province of Chon Buri.
— Thai PBS News
Thai officials: US won’t tariff auto exports
Shipments of Thailand’s automobiles and auto parts are unlikely to face penalty tariffs by the US because the export values are deemed insignificant.
–Bangkok Post
House first meeting marred by protests and boos
The first meeting of the House of Representatives was anything but smooth and orderly as it was marred by protests and boos from several MPs, who were apparently venting their…
— Thai PBS News
Premier takes measures to boost farm goods prices
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has pursued measures to solve the price slump in certain farm goods even during the present transition period of government.
— NBT World (video)
PPRP to offer tie-up with ‘kingmakers’
The final piece of the coalition formation puzzle is expected to fall into place on Monday, with the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) expected to extend formal invitations to join its coalition to the Democrat and Bhumjaithai parties.
— Bangkok Post
Pornpetch named Senate speaker without challenge
The first Senate meeting picked Pornpet Wichitcholachai as Senate speaker without any other senators being named to vie for the position against him.
— NBT World (video)
Future Forward Party wins new Chiang Mai election
Future Forward Party candidate Srinual Boonlue won the new election in constituency 8 of Chiang Mai on Sunday, beating a candidate from the Palang Pracharath Party by a comfortable margin.
— Bangkok Post
Government issues tax measures to encourage reading among Thai people
A survey conducted by the National Statistical Office in 2018 has indicated that Thai citizens on average spend up to 66 minutes per day reading, a decline from 80 minutes a day in 2015. The government is therefore considering a tax measure to help encourage more people to buy books and embrace reading.
— NBT World (video)
Majority foresee more conflict after new govt in place: Suan Dusit Poll
A slight majority of people believe political conflict will continue after a new government is in place, according to an opinion survey by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll.
— Bangkok Post
Phetchabun people oppose renewed gold exploration
Anti-gold mining groups gathered in Nong Pai district of Thailand’s northern province of Phetchabun on Saturday to oppose any mining-related activities after it was reported that a mining company has…
— Thai PBS News
Solar power drawing private-sector interest after new PDP
Thailand’s solar power market is heating up as many listed companies plan massive investments in the sector.
— Bangkok Post
Community is key if next Southeast Asian unicorn will be Thai
Thailand is the second largest economy in Southeast Asia. It boasts 70 million people, a gigantic tourism industry and a world famous cuisine.
— e27
Lending spigot still open despite LTV curbs
Commercial banks’ mortgage lending showed signs of slowing down in April after new loan-to-value (LTV) curbs took effect, but net loans in overall categories continued to grow for a third straight month, says Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research).
— Bangkok Post
BEC upbeat as operating costs fall after licences returned
SET-listed BEC World Plc (BEC), the operator of Channel 3, expects to turn a corner by early next year as operating costs dip after returning two digital channel licences this year, says its newly appointed head.
— Bangkok Post
Medical marijuana: Thailand leads the way
Thailand legalised the use of marijuana for medicinal and research purposes in December 2018, granting usage for patient treatment and research and industry activities only.
— The Asean Post
Poll shows most Thais believe political division is insoluble
A slim majority of the Thai people believe that political polarization will continue after the new government is in place and the problem will not be resolved because it is…
— Thai PBS News
Commerce Ministry meets Japanese retailer to promote Thai products
The Minister of Commerce has invited delegates from a major shopping mall from Okinawa, Japan, for business meetings in Thailand to promote the sale of innovative farm products. It is expected that Japanese entrepreneurs will order at least one million baht worth of Thai goods following the initiative.
— NBT World (video)
Dream home becomes more elusive
Dreams of purchasing a second home or speculative investment in condo units have been stymied by tighter mortgage lending rules, with the consequences still being assessed.
— Bangkok Post
Laem Chabang Port fire leaves Sriracha choking on noxious smoke
An explosion aboard a docked cargo ship at Laem Chabang Pier injured 133 people and left a cloud of noxious formaldehyde gas hanging in the air. A Royal Thai Navy helicopter, tugboat and patrol boat were deployed to assist port firefighters in battling the Saturday morning blaze aboard the …
— Pattaya Mail
Prem’s birthplace in Songkhla draws mourners
Hundreds of people have gathered at Phathammarong Museum — the birthplace of Privy Council president and statesman Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, who died on Sunday morning — to pay homage to one of the architects of Thailand’s modern history, according to media reports.
— Bangkok Post
Prosecutors seek higher illegal hunting penalties for Premchai and gang
Public prosecutors appealed to the Appeals Court today against the verdicts and sentences imposed on construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta and three others, demanding higher penalties for illegal hunting in the…
— Thai PBS News
Operators see potential in tourism levy
Tourism operators have embraced the imminent tourism tax but vow to monitor the issue closely to ensure that levy collection will not have a negative impact on tourism.
— Bangkok Post
Pro-army party in Thailand to cement deal to keep junta leader as PM: lawmaker
A pro-army party in Thailand hopes to make a deal on Monday to gain enough parliamentary seats to keep the leader of the military junta in power as elected prime minister, a lawmaker who is a board member of the party told Reuters.
— Reuters
Call for foreign firm perks
The government is being advised to come up with more attractive investment perks to lure foreign companies ravaged by the ongoing trade row to relocate their production bases to Thailand.
— Bangkok Post
Najomtien sewer repairs to take month
Repairs to a neglected Najomtien sewage-pumping system will take a month with residents asked to be patient with the smell and pollution fouling a local beach.
— Pattaya Mail
Dusit Thani lines up B2.6bn expansion
Dusit Thani Plc plans to splurge at least 2.6 billion baht to expand its hotel and residential business over the next 1-2 years.
— Bangkok Post
Chonburi Immigration checked by top brass
Top regional immigration officials reviewed Pattaya-area operations during a regular inspection in Jomtien Beach.
— Pattaya Mail
Commerce Ministry organizes Thailand Fruit Festival 2019
The Department of Internal Trade, Central Food Retail Company, and Central World are organizing the Thailand Fruit Festival 2019 at the event lawn in front of Central World shopping complex in Bangkok from now to May 26th.
— NBT World (video)
Labour union in uproar over Exat’s bid to escape BEM lawsuits
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) labour union will ask the cabinet to delay its consideration of the Exat board’s decision to extend concessions to Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) for over 30 years.
— Bangkok Post
Phuket Opinion: Diving in
It has been a long time coming, but we’re finally heading in the right direction. Maya Bay has been closed since last year to allow the marine ecosystem there to recover from heavy damage caused by tourists ploughing through the bay year after year.
— The Phuket News
The man tasked with guarding the King
When a new police division was formed on Oct 1 last year to specifically provide security for His Majesty the King and members of the royal family, the name of Crime Suppression Division (CSD) deputy commander…
— Bangkok Post
Watch out Thailand, here comes Vietnam
“Vietnam is poised to take advantage of the next wave of digital technologies such as blockchain, AI (artificial intelligence), internet of things and cloud-based services to become Asia’s next high-performing economy and improve the living standards of its residents.”
— The Thaiger
MOPH continues to provide training on medicinal marijuana use to doctors, pharmacists
The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has continued to provide training on medicinal marijuana use to doctors and pharmacists. It is expected that doctors and pharmacists at central and general hospitals will be able to order marijuana while an academic is concerned about a possibility of an insufficient amount of marijuana in the system.
— NNT
Marine Rangers: DMCR calls for volunteers to help protect marine treasures
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) is calling for people – Thai or foreign – to volunteer as “Marine Rangers” in order to protect coral reefs and other coastal areas, including mangroves, from damage by irresponsible tour operators or other unscrupulous parties.
— The Phuket News
HM the King donates 1.2 tons of pet food to Phuket shelter
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Thursday (May 23) donated a large amount of pet food and supplies to Phuket Stray Dog Shelter in Thalang.
— The Phuket News
Learn from the innovators leading the Circular Economy and how to adopt its principles into your life.
Become part of the Circular Living movement at the Circular Living Symposium 2019: Upcycling Our Planet
— Bangkok Post
Fishing trawler capsizes off Phang Nga in local storm cell
An isolated Saturday night storm cell off Phang Nga capsized a fishing trawler. The entire crew, about 30 or so people, were rescued soon after.
— The Thaiger
All Thai Taxi freezes plan to expand fleet
All Thai Taxi Co has suspended a plan to add more taxis to its fleet after a struggle to recruit drivers and performance that has fallen short of targets.
— Bangkok Post
Nong Maikaen canal cleaning set as police probe dumping
Staff collected water samples and will send the oil for testing to determine its source. Nong Maikaen residents complained that oil was dumped into a flood- drainage canal polluting the water and creating a bad smell.
— Pattaya Mail
Naked foreign arrested in South Pattaya
An unidentified foreign man has been arrested for strolling naked through a South Pattaya neighborhood. No name, age, description or nationality was given for the man, who was turned in by locals who saw him walking on Soi Khopai 4/1 May 23. He obviously was carrying no identification.
— Pattaya Mail
Thailand’s hero of the day: Phitsanulok big-biker ‘Tik’
Kudos to Mr Big Bike, as he’s been nicknamed, the hero of the moment, who took matters into hand to help a family needing urgent help and was stuck in traffic in Phitsanulok in northern Thailand.
— The Thaiger
Top 10 hard truths of living as an expat in Thailand
There will be bumps along the way between your visits to the beach, bar and immigration office (sometimes the bumps will be at the beach, bar and immigration office).
— The Thaiger
25 workers injured after container explosion at Laem Chabang Port
At least 25 port workers have been injured and locals evacuated after an explosion in a container on a ship at dock at the Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri, east of Bangkok, this morning.
— The Thaiger
Siam Health adds 90% of P&F
Siam Health Co, the maker of Smooth E skincare and Dentiste toothpaste, has acquired a 90% stake in P&F Integrate Co, the operator of P&F drugstores, for 200 million baht in a move to diversify the business.
— Bangkok Post
Feature photo Thailand Government PRD
This week’s Thailand morning news feature photo acknowledges World No-Tobacco Day, May 31.
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.
Thailand morning news for May 27 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.
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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