Thailand road toll: 554 dead this month, 11,462 this year
Daily News Daily news reports fatalities at the scene of accidents yesterday claimed the lives of 21 people. Yesterday was a busy day on Thailand’s roads at the end of a long weekend. They say the numbers reported are only those that die at the scene.
— The Thaiger
Just 500 People Own 36% of All the Equity in Thailand’s Firms
About 36% of Thailand’s corporate equity is concentrated in the hands of just 500 people, highlighting wealth inequality in the country, a study released by the Bank of Thailand’s research institute shows.
— Bloomberg (paywall)
Exclusive: Thailand’s human traffickers flout 99% of court orders to compensate victims
Human traffickers in Thailand have ignored court orders to compensate victims in more than 99% of cases in recent years, fuelling fears that many survivors could be re-trafficked, data obtained exclusively by the Thomson Reuters Foundation revealed.
— Reuters
Thailand’s corporate confidence index falls for 7th consecutive month
Thailand’s corporate confidence index has fallen for the seventh month in a row, dipping to 46.2 points in September from August’s 46.5 points due to export contraction, trade tensions between China and the US, protests in Hong Kong, recent flooding in the north-eastern provinces and PM2.5 dust problems in Bangkok and surrounding provinces.
— Thai PBS News
Thai minister warns tourists of harsh penalty if found disrupting Bryde’s whale
Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa on Tuesday warned jet-ski tourists of serious consequences if they are found to disrupt the existence of the protected and rare Bryde’s whales off Phetchaburi province in western Thailand, off the coastline near the Gulf of Thailand.
— Xinhuanet
Strong baht and divisive politics threatening Thailand’s economy
The director of the Economic and Business Research Centre for Reform at Thailand’s Rangsit University, says that if the US Federal Reserve cuts the policy rate by another 25 basis points this month, the baht could reach 29 baht to the US dollar.
— The Thaiger
New controls on three toxic agri-chemicals take effect on October 20
A number of ministers and officials are vowing to continue pushing for a ban on three controversial agri-chemicals – Paraquat, Glyphosate and Chlorpyrifos – all still widely used in Thai agriculture.
— The Thaiger
Prayut ‘gives full support’ to chemical ban
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has thrown his full support behind a ban of the three toxic farm chemicals, while Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul insisted the premier should take action if the National Hazardous Substances Committee (NHSC) rejects the recommended ban.
— Bangkok Post
Rice price guarantee seeded with B9.4bn
The rice price guarantee scheme started on Tuesday, with eligible farmers set to receive the difference when market prices fall below the predetermined benchmark.
— Bangkok Post
EU open to resuming free trade talks with Thailand
The European Union aims to resume negotiations with Thailand on a free trade agreement (FTA), the Council of the European Union said in a statement, after earlier suspending trade talks following a 2014 military coup.
— Bangkok Post
Facial recognition mandatory for mobile phone usage in southern Thailand
Mobile phone users including foreigners travelling to southern Thailand need to submit their photographs for facial recognition or face their mobile phone jammed from November.
— The Malaysian Reserve
CP set to ink airport link deal
Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group has confirmed its consortium will sign a contract to develop the 224-billion-baht high-speed train project linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-tapao airports on Oct 25 as scheduled.
— Bangkok Post
Thailand: Thailand issues regulation on stamp duty payment for electronic documents
This summer, the Director-General of the Revenue Department issued an important regulation governing the payment of stamp duty on electronic documents.
— ITR
He Acquitted 5 Men of Murder, Then Shot Himself
The Thai judge’s verdict was not guilty, five men spared the death penalty or life imprisonment. Then the judge reached into his robes, pulled out a gun and shot himself in the courtroom.
— NYT
Chief investigator in ‘Billy’ murder promoted
The chief investigator into the murder of Karen rights activist Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen has been promoted out of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).
— Bangkok Post
Tightened monitoring of Bryde’s whales after jet-ski incident
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has been told to tighten up monitoring of Bryde’s, or Bruda whales in the seas off Thailand’s southern province of Phetchaburi after about 10 jet skiers were spotted in the area on Sunday.
— Thai PBS News
Thailand’s swift response to the ‘fall armyworm’ pest
In Thailand, corn is an indispensable staple crop, used as an important source of feed for a thriving poultry and livestock industry. About 1.04 million hectares of our land is used to produce corn, with this year’s yields estimated at a record high of 5.3 million tonnes.
— The Thaiger
Government continues to provide financial assistance measures to low-incomers
The Cabinet earlier extended policies that provide financial assistance to low-income earners through the state welfare card, covering allowances for utility bills and rebates from the Value-Added Tax (V-A-T).
— Newsline (video)
Government accelerates rehabilitation in flooded areas
According to a survey of damage from floods by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), there are still two districts of Ubon Ratchathani province, namely Mueang Ubon Ratchathani district and Warin Chamrap district currently facing inundation.
— Newsline (video)
Ministry seeks reversal of compensation to Hopewell
The Transport Ministry is seeking to reverse the Supreme Administrative Court’s ruling ordering it and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to pay hefty financial compensation to Hopewell (Thailand) Co.
— Bangkok Post
November 4th & 5th declared special public holidays for Bangkok and Nonthaburi
The cabinet has designated November 4th and 5th as special public holidays for Bangkok and its neighbouring province of Nonthaburi to ease traffic and facilitate the travel and security arrangements for ASEAN leaders and officials attending the 35th ASEAN Summit.
— Thai PBS News
2019 Winter Will be Colder and Longer, Met Says
Temperatures at the country’s highest peak dropped to single digits on Tuesday morning just as officials say the rest of Thailand will enter winter on Thursday.
— Khaosod English
Digital assets wizard with an energy and tech vision that Thailand needs to make 4.0 work
He has no time for a social life and he spends 7 nights a week speaking with audiences who pay him to hear about the exciting new age that will soon be upon us.
— Thai Examiner
IoT adoption set to surge on lower costs
Internet of Things adoption in Thailand is expected to receive a boost as IoT network operators continue to jump into the market.
— Bangkok Post
War Elephants beat UAE to top Group G
Thailand secured one of the biggest wins in their football history on Tuesday night when they beat the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier.
— Bangkok Post
Hospital rankings begin
The government on Tuesday unveiled 164 private hospitals rated “green”, meaning they offer friendly medicine pricing for patients.
— Bangkok Post
Thailand working to develop hi-tech future
One of the science and technology strategists behind the renowned Thailand 4.0 scheme stated that it is not too difficult to see Thais quickly moving up the economic ladder in the near future.
— OpenGov
Thai Political Foes Accuses Army Chief of Meddling
A Thai opposition party accused Thailand’s army chief on Saturday of meddling in politics and instigating hatred, hitting back at his attack on opposition politicians and academics a day earlier.
— Chiang Rai Times
CAT Telecom warns public of fraudulent websites
There have been reports of a fake website imitating a famous brand and asking users to complete a survey which includes their personal information, while luring users with phone numbers to call and redeem prizes.
— Newsline (video)
Dissident Judge Leaves Hospital, Officials Say Inquiry Ongoing
A judge whose suicide attempt to protest alleged injustice in court shook the country earlier this month was seen leaving hospital on Tuesday.
— Khaosod English
Thailand to hold by-election next week with race almost a rerun of March vote
Thailand is heading for a by-election next Wednesday (Oct 23) with three others in the pipeline, and their outcomes will be crucial for a governing coalition with a razor-thin majority in the Lower House of Parliament.
— The Straits Times (extremely annoying popups – paywall)
Cartoon ecstasy pills target Thai youths
Cartoon-character ecstasy pills are being smuggled from Europe via Cambodia and Vietnam, with dealers targeting young pubgoers, according to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB).
— Bangkok Post
Heavy rain washes away parts of Pattaya Beach again, tourists concerned about water quality
Heavy rain has caused flooding and beach erosion on Pattaya beach yesterday afternoon. Heavy rain had continued for many hours in Central Pattaya. Many areas were flooded. Water was flowing to Pattaya beach into the sea. The beach had also been washed away in certain locations.
— The Pattaya News
30,000 baht reward offered after prisoner walks away from Bangkok prison
Police in Bangkok are offering a reward of 30,000 baht for information that leads to the capture of an escaped convict.
— The Thaiger
Thailand’s Government Commences Rice Price Guarantee Scheme
Farmers who grow white rice will begin receiving cash handouts under the rice price-guarantee scheme, says Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit.
— Chiang Rai Times
Pattaya bids to host 2026 Youth Olympics
Pattaya is vying with Mumbai in India and Managua in Nicaragua for the rights to host the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
— Bangkok Post
Thailand’s F&B brand and price management: Secrets of success in an over stocked hospitality market
More and more nightlife establishments are opening up every year, meaning the amount of competition is increasing dramatically.
— Bangkok Post
Panel woes delay land appraisal
The Treasury Department has pushed back implementation of a new appraisal price for land by one year to 2021 after a hiccup in the formation of a new committee.
— Bangkok Post
Singha signals buy of major stake in Santa Fe
Singha Corporation has confirmed it acquired a majority stake of up to 90% of local steakhouse chain Santa Fe.
— Bangkok Post
Pickup truck driver blames GPS after motorbike driver killed in Bang Lamung
Pickup truck driver blames GPS after motorbike driver killed in Bang Lamung Bang Lamung -A motorbike driver has died after a collision with a pickup truck in Nongplalai at about midnight this morning.
— The Pattaya News
Fuzzy outlook for digital TV channels
The remaining 15 digital TV channels breathed a sigh of relief after their costs were hugely subsidised by the state following a Section 44 order in April, but their future remains uncertain as new technology lets viewers watch content via other platforms beyond traditional TV.
— Bangkok Post
Thai Driver Alexander Albon Turning Heads in Formula 1
Formula One has always had a solid following in Southeast Asia. Having Red Bull driver Alexander Albon performing as well as he is will only add to the sport’s popularity in the region.
— Khaosod English
Every Eco-Friendly Refill Shop in Thailand (So Far), in 1 Interactive Map
Here’s a list of all the known dedicated refill shops in Thailand right now, along with an interactive map.
— Khaosod English
Transgender person attacks Thai man on Walking Street with blade
Pattaya- Pattaya Law Enforcement reported that over the weekend at 10:00 AM a transgender person got into a confrontation with a Thai male, allegedly alcohol fueled, in front of Soi Diamond.
— The Pattaya News
More than just a pretty face: A look into the lives of Khon Kaen’s beer pretties
“Beer Pretty” is the name commonly given to the women, usually dressed in suggestive, tight skirts, who encourage customers to buy their brand of beer in restaurants throughout Thailand.
— Isaan Record
Tourists in Thailand are paying people to scare off pigeons to get the perfect Instagram shot
Scroll through pictures of Tha Phae Gate, an ancient wall in Chiang Mai, Thailand, known for its flocks of pigeons, on Instagram and you’ll see scores of apparently candid photos.
— The Telegraph
Feature photo John Le Fevre
This week’s Thailand morning news feature photo focuses on International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, October 17
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).
—
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Thailand morning news for October 16 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