Bhumjaithai will follow if Democrats don’t join Palang Pracharat group
Bhumjaithai party will not join the Palang Pracharat party in forming a government if the Democrats decide to part with the pro-Prayut party, said Bhumjaithai party leader Anuthin Charnvirakul today….
— Thai PBS News
Path open for PPRP coalition
The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has agreed to let the Democrat Party take the three ministerial positions it demands, clearing the way for a coalition government to be formed successfully, a Democrat source said on Wednesday.
— Bangkok Post
Thailand rises five places in IMD World Competitiveness Ranking
Thailand has advanced five places in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, driven by an increase in foreign direct investment and productivity.
— Thai PBS News
Thailand sidesteps US watch list
Although Thailand managed to avoid a place on the US watch list for currency manipulation, the Bank of Thailand is still wary on the matter after the US Treasury tightened its criteria, says the central bank’s chief.
— Bangkok Post
Commerce Ministry eyes Japan’s local cities for Thai products export
The Ministry of Commerce is promoting the export of Thai products to secondary cities in foreign countries, such as Wakayama in Japan from which key companies are invited to attend the THAIFEX – World of Food Asia event for business negotiations.
— NNT
Telecom bailouts unfair, experts say
Academics and consumer advocates have slammed the regime’s decision to invoke Section 44 to ease the financial burden on three telecom operators and digital TV broadcasters, saying the move offers favourable treatment to private firms at the expense of public benefit.
— Bangkok Post
Democrat meeting about joining Palang Pracharat coalition called off
Talks among the Democrat party’s core members, about whether to join the Palang Pracharat-led coalition, have become bogged down over Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s insistence that he screen the list of potential cabinet ministers.
— Thai PBS News
Pheu Thai says it’s never too late for pro-democracy parties to join forces
“It is never too late” according to Pheu Thai secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai, as he made yet another plea for all pro-democracy parties to join hands in a coalition to bring the country out of political stalemate.
— Thai PBS News
Traffic fine defaulters exceed 80%
More than 85% of motorists committing traffic offences have ignored ticket fine payments worth several billion baht, but they will soon face retribution by being prohibited from renewing their annual car licences.
— Bangkok Post
Anti-coup alliance picks Chadchart, Chaikasem for PM
The Pheu Thai Party and its anti-regime alliance have narrowed down their list of candidates for prime minister to Chadchart Sittipunt and Chaikasem Nitisiti, a party source said on Wednesday.
— Bangkok Post
Cannabis oil claimed to help terminally ill HIV patients
A terminally ill HIV couple, in Phutabat in Chondan district of Thailand’s Phetchabun province, say they felt better after being treated with cannabis oil for nine days.
— Thai PBS News
South Korean ship owner fined 50,000 baht for chemical fire at Laem Chabang
The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) has initially slapped a 50,000 baht fine on the South Korean owner of a container ship which caught fire at Laem Chabang deep-sea port last week, causing chemical fumes to blanket surrounding communities.
— Thai PBS News
‘Big Joke’ Sues Newspaper Over Fraud Claim
A newspaper said on Wednesday that it is being sued for libel by a former immigration bureau chief.
— Khaosod English
Foreign inflows drive baht to top emerging currency
The baht defied the “Sell in May” playbook and is heading for the top spot in in global emerging markets this month, driven in part by foreign inflows into the nation’s bond and stock markets.
— Bangkok Post
A blessing and a curse: 7-11s present both opportunities and challenges in Thailand
Thailand has a love affair with 7-11. To date there are over 11,000 stores within the country, serving over 11.8 million customers daily. Nearly 5,000 of those stores are in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region alone. By comparison, the U.S. boasts just over 9,000.
— ASEAN Today
Royal fest encore for Asean Summit
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed that parts of the Mahorasop Sompoch performances — organised to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty the King — be staged during the 34th Asean Summit, which will take place in Bangkok on June 22-23.
— Bangkok Post
Srisuwan gives Watanya share scrutiny all clear
Activist Srisuwan Janya insisted that there is no reason for him to file a complaint against former media executive and newly endorsed party-list MP Watanya Wongopasi of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) with the Election Commission (EC) as he found Ms Watanya to be “in the clear”.
— Bangkok Post
Farm products to be sold online around the clock
The Department of Agricultural Extension has joined hands with Thailand Post to sell farm products from across the country via an online platform.
— NNT
Toyota EV sales expected to grow in 4 Asian markets
Toyota Motor Asia Pacific Pte Ltd on Wednesday said it sees a 4% to 5% growth in sales of its electric vehicles in four main hybrid markets in Asia, buoyed by strong sales of such vehicle type in Thailand.
— Bangkok Post
MOPH announces World No Tobacco Day activities
The 31st May of every year is World No Tobacco Day. The Ministry of Public Health this year will again join hands with partner agencies to organize campaigns encouraging Thai people to quit smoking.
— NNT
Thailand ranks higher for competitiveness
Thailand has moved up five places, from the 25th from the 30th position, in a World Competitiveness ranking due to improved economic performance, government efficiency and infrastructure.
— Bangkok Post
The Department of Intellectual Property works to prevent counterfeit product sales online
Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property is cooperating with a famous online shopping website owner to resolve and prevent counterfeit product sales online.
— Thai PBS News
BoT still wary of US declaring Thailand a currency manipulator
The Bank of Thailand is keeping close watch on a possible move by the United States to declare the country a currency manipulator, even though the kingdom is not currently on Washington’s watchlist, governor Veerathai Santiprabhob said on Wednesday.
— Bangkok Post
Agency says April MPI reading was lowest in 12 months
Thailand’s manufacturing production index (MPI) in April fell for the first time this year, dipping to its lowest level in 12 months — 95.91 points — because of a sagging global economy and the US-China trade war denting Thai exports.
— Bangkok Post
Mitsubishi eyes inner Bangkok offices
Mitsubishi Estate Group, one of Japan’s largest real estate firms, remains upbeat on Thailand, eyeing logistics in outer Bangkok as a next venture after co-investing with SET-listed developer Raimon Land Plc to build a high-end office tower this year.
— Bangkok Post property
Western Union Digital Expands in Asia: Thailand Now Live
As a part of its digital expansion plans across Asia, Western Union (NYSE: WU), a leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement, broke new ground in Thailand with the launch of online international money transfer service in Thailand, a first for the sector.
— Business Wire
Ministry working on trade row buffers
The Commerce Ministry is set to propose short, medium and long-term measures to cope with the impact of the deepening trade row between the US and China at the International Economic Policy Committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on June 11.
— Bangkok Post
Chalong underpass to open this Friday
More than three years and 11 months in the making, the 350-metre long Chalong Underpass is now scheduled to open to motorists this Friday (May 31), The Phuket News has been told.
— The Phuket News
In fear for their lives, activist Thai band lives in exile
They are members of a folk music group living communally in the Southeast Asian nation of Laos, but they are in fear for their lives.
— AP
Law change would encourage insurgents to surrender
Security authorities will propose that the Cabinet amend the National Security Act to pave the way for southern insurgents to surrender and turn over a new leaf.
— Bangkok Post
Customs implements technology to ensure tax payments
Customs Department Director General Krisada Chinavicharana revealed this week that his department has collected 354.124 billion baht in revenue from 1st October 2018 to 21st May 2019, an amount 6.1 percent higher than over the same period the previous year.
— Pattaya Mail
Thailand Plots MRO Boom With Proposed Eastern Hub
Industry projections have long forecast a surge in the Asia-Pacific region’s commerical aviation segment, and this trend shows no sign of waning over the next decade.
— MRO-Network.com
Defense Council instructs armed forces to support govt in solving people’s problems
A meeting of the Defense Council has instructed the armed forces to continue to support the government in solving the problem of informal debt, preparations to deal with floods and providing rapid responses to aid people affected by disasters.
— NNT
Top national OTOP product selection
Now over to the scoring of OTOP products and the national top OTOP product selection campaign where some 15,000 entrepreneurs have submitted their products for selection this year, much higher than mere 4,000 items two years ago.
— NNT
PM thanks all sectors for helping Thailand to pass ICAO inspection
Thai Prime Minister, Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, said he was satisfied with Thailand’s civil aviation standards after it had passed an inspection by the International Civil Aviation Organisation [ICAO]. He said this would benefit the aviation sector and the tourism industry. He thanked all sides for their contributions.
— NNT
Mains water outage near airport
The Phuket Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) has announced that the mains water supply will be shut-off in areas around – and including – Phuket International Airport in Thalang tomorrow (May 30).
— The Phuket News
Splendid Decay: Renovation of Bangkok’s Old Customs House back on track (Photos)
A long-neglected, crumbling landmark along the mighty Chao Phraya River may finally be getting some attention.
— Coconuts (paywall)
BMA declares six no-smoking zones
City Hall established six no-smoking zones in the capital as a part of a pilot project to curb the rising numbers of new smokers in the country.
— Bangkok Post
Talks on government formation proceeding – Palang Pracharat party leader
Negotiations on the formation of a coalition government involving the Palang Pracharat and Democrat parties are proceeding and the talks, so far, have not yet touched on the sharing of…
— Thai PBS News
Singer From Nazi Shirt Scandal Now Educating Fans on Holocaust
BANGKOK — An idol singer who provoked international outrage by wearing a shirt emblazoned with the Nazi flag onstage says the scandal taught her an invaluable lesson about world history.
— Khaosod English
Suvarnabhumi’s third runway closer to reality
The contracts for the construction of Suvarnabhumi Airport’s third runway are ready to be signed. But it isn’t likely to happen until later this year according to Airports of Thailand (AoT).
— The Thaiger
#Chitpas1700 : Netizens Squint at Democrat’s Unlikely Victory
Thai netizens are venting their incredulity on the internet Wednesday at politicians who gained party-list MPs seats from a recent byelection in Chiang Mai despite earning as little as 1,738 votes.
— Khaosod English
Bryde’s whale found dead off Petchaburi coast
An autopsy is being conducted on a dead Bryde’s whales found off the Petchaburi coast in the Gulf of Thailand.
— The Thaiger
Thailand travel tax. Good idea but…
“The changes to the law came into effect on May 20. Now, the panic button has been pressed. A workable package and collection process needs to be hammered out and fast.”
— The Thaiger
120 party-goers arrested in drugs raid on illegal pub
A Bangkok pub has been raided early this morning. Police and drug suppression officials found that alcohol wasn’t the only thing being offered to the crowd.
— The Thaiger
Ceremonies, Free Services to Honor Queen’s Birthday
The government on Wednesday announced a series of activities and celebrations to mark Queen Suthida’s upcoming birthday.
— Khaosod English
Khuan Khreng peat swamp forest fire extinguished
The wildfire situation in Thailand this year is more severe than ever due to high daily temperatures, the long dry season and a lack of rain. A fire at Khuan Khreng peat swamp forest in Nakhon Si Thammarat province on the night of May 24 covered an area of nearly 100 …
— Pattaya Mail
ICAO ‘pass’ to benefit tourism
Thailand’s ability to implement all of the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) standards will benefit tourism, says Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
— Bangkok Post travel
Introducing Thailand volunteerism guidebook
Thai people are generally interested in participating in volunteering activities, but lack information on the need and access.
— NNT
Hardline Thai Buddhists declare war on Instagram filter (Poll)
While the Buddha’s image is worshipped as sacred by many around the world, it’s also casually co-opted by non-adherents as #exotic and #woke decor
— Coconuts (paywall)
Day 3 of 2019 Samui Regatta, Thailand
Back racing! After a brief delay with the AP raised onshore, at 09:05 it was lowered and the sailors headed out to the startline where breeze awaited on the Nora Buri & Nora Beach Race Day.
— The Thaiger
Man arrested, untaxed dental equipment seized
A man has been arrested and dental equipment seized during a police raid on a commercial building in Muang district of this northeastern province.
— Bangkok Post
Roll the drums Phuket. Prepare the balloons. Chalong Underpass opens Friday.
But it’s not Friday yet and there have been plenty of other delays. Chalong Circle’s 350 metre underpass should be open on Friday according to local highway officials.
— The Thaiger
Toon takes to Thailand’s roads again for more charity runs
Artiwara “Toon” Kongmalai is one of Thailand’s most popular rock stars and celebrities. He fronts the band ‘Bodyslam’.
— The Thaiger
Robo-delivery vans are here as production begins
Forget drones. The future of deliveries may be robo-vans.
— Bangkok Post
What drives companies to use coworking space
Advances in technology, a more mobile workforce and unpredictable economic growth are starting to reshape the business environment and transform occupiers’ approach to office space decisions.
— Bangkok Post
My mother, the marriage migrant
People looked down on my mother because she used marriage to create a better life for us overseas. What’s so shameful about that?
— Isaan Record
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 30 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