Thailand morning news for July 15, 2020

Thai Government: Egyptian Embassy to blame for Covid-19 incident in Rayong
The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) in Bangkok, Thailand’s government watchdog for the virus, has laid the blame for an incident in which an Egyptian soldier tested positive for Covid-19 and breached quarantine in Rayong, squarely on the Egyptian Embassy.
— The Pattaya News

Prayut apologises, vows to step up measures
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has apologised to the people for lax Covid-91 measures which failed to effectively put dozens of foreign visitors in quarantine.
— Bangkok Post

Labour Ministry resumes migrant permit services
The Labour Ministry has resumed services nationwide by adopting social-distancing measures in order to complete the legalisation process for migrant labourers who registered online by March 30.
— Bangkok Post

Myanmar’s Karen Border Guard Force Denies Knowledge of Chinese Who Entered Thailand Illegally
The Karen Border Guard Force said it had no knowledge of 16 Chinese men who illegally entered Thailand and claimed to have worked at the group’s casinos.
— Irrawaddy

Thai Government opposition party warns not to use Egyptian soldier Covid-19 situation to extend emergency decree
Prominent leaders in opposition parties to the Thai Government have warned the government that they should not use the Egyptian soldier who tested positive for Covid-19 and breached quarantine in Rayong as a reason to extend the Emergency Decree.
— The Pattaya News

Rayong hotel where Egyptian soldier with Covid-19 stayed is closed for at least two weeks
The hotel in Thailand’s eastern province of Rayong, where the Egyptian military mission stayed last week, has closed for at least 14 days from today (Tuesday) for a full cleansing and disinfection.
— The Pattaya News

Officials sink claims fishermen arriving from international waters allowed into Phuket unchecked
Phuket Vice Governor Phichet Panaphong this afternoon (July 14) sunk claims posted online that a Thai fisherman had returned from Indonesia and was allowed to come ashore in Phuket without serving a 14-day quarantine.
— The Phuket News

Thailand’s AIS says Huawei among bidders to build 5G core networks
Thailand’s largest mobile operator Advanced Info Service Pcl (ADVANC.BK) said on Tuesday Huawei Technologies [HWT.UL] was among five companies bidding to build its 5G core networks as it ramped up investments this year.
— Reuters

Thailand changes entry rules after new COVID-19 cases spark second wave fear
Thailand’s government tightened regulations for the entry of foreigners on Tuesday, after two new imported coronavirus cases with possible exposure to the public raised concern about a second wave of infections.
— CNA

200 KFC restaurants in Thailand potentially up for sale
According to inside information, a Thai KFC franchisee is planning on dropping its USD200 million (6.3 billion Thai baht) fast-food chain investment.
— Sawadee Siam

Thai Muslims Debate Push for Same Sex Marriage Law
Muslims in Thailand took to social media this past week to debate the merits of the Cabinet’s endorsement of a draft law that would permit same sex marriage.
— Khaosod English

Condo One X residents furious as timeline for infected Sudanese girl revealed
Residents of Bangkok’s Condo One X on Sukhumvit 26 are furious as the Department of Disease Control (DDC) vehicles were spotted outside the complex today to test residents for covid-19.
— Sawadee Siam

Pheu Thai chief strategist demands answers about lax control over Egyptian military mission
The opposition Pheu Thai Party’s chief strategist, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, has accused the Government of lowering its guard when it allowed an Egyptian military mission to enter and stay in…
— Thai PBS News

Gov’t to ask visitors to two Rayong malls to quarantine two weeks
The government will issue its first pandemic alert today to shoppers in Rayong province, officials said.
— Coconuts Thailand

Thai farmers mystified as government classifies harmless herbs as “hazardous”
Following a backlash from the country’s farmers, Thailand’s Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has agreed to update its list of “Type 2” hazardous substances to remove 13 herbs and vegetables.
— The Thaiger

Six Myanmar nationals arrested for manslaughter in Samut Prakan
Police in Samut Prakan has arrested six men from Myanmar following a public brawl at a department store in the Muang district of Samut Prakan on Sunday.
— Sawadee Siam

Almost 400 at risk of Covid-19 after infected Egyptian soldier visited Rayong department store
Almost 400 people carry the risk of contracting Covid-19 after an Egyptian soldier infected with the virus and his group visited a Rayong department store, according to the Thai Chana platform.
— The Nation

BMA launches anti-dengue fever campaign
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has dispatched officials to spray insecticide in Bang Phlat district, in its bid to prevent dengue fever from mosquitos.
— Newsline (video)

Thai AirAsia to resume flights next month
Thai AirAsia will start its domestic flights at Suvarnabhumi airport in August, its executive chairman Tassapon Bijleveld said.
— Pattaya Mail

Thai Deep South: Security Budget Faces Cuts over Reduced Violence, COVID-19 Concerns
Thailand is decreasing security spending in its southern border provinces for the third time since 2018, citing a drop in insurgency-related violence, and amid a broader reduction in the defense budget with funds slated for helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Benar News

Rayong fresh market sees fewer customers
Fewer people than usual visited the fresh market in Rayong province this morning (July 14) after fearsome news that an Egyptian soldier infected with Covid-19 stayed in a hotel and freely shopped at the Laem Thong department store in Rayong city municipality.
— The Nation

UPDATE 1-Thai economic recovery slows but zero pct policy rate unlikely
Thailand’s economic activity may not return to levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic until 2022, but the country’s record-low policy interest rate of 0.50% is unlikely to go to zero percent, the central bank said on Tuesday.
— Reuters

Airports to avoid losses: AoT chief
The Airports of Thailand (AoT) is unlikely to post losses in the current fiscal year, despite the devastation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, says its president, Nitinai Sirismatthakarn.
— Bangkok Post

Govt condemned for putting people’s lives at risk for comfort of ‘privileged’ foreigners
Thai social media on Tuesday (July 14) was filled with messages slamming the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), the Army and the government for allowing Covid-19 patients to enter the country just because they are privileged.
— The Nation

Thammasat University Hospital Ready to Combat the Second Wave of COVID-19 with AI Technology
It has been almost half a year since the COVID-19 first spread, and we are still looking for a vaccine or any effective cure for this virus.
— QS Wow News

Cambodian border to reopen for goods
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has allowed Se Kaeo’s communicable diseases committee to re-open the Aranyaprathet checkpoint to transport goods between Thailand and Cambodia.
— Bangkok Post

Songkhla holds OTOP events to stimulate economy, tourism
Songkhla provincial administration is organizing two events to promote One Tambon One Product (OTOP) goods, with both events involving more than 400 shops from many areas.
— Newsline (video)

CCSA reveals timeline of ambassador’s daughter who arrived with Covid
The 9-year-old daughter of the Sudanese ambassador who tested positive for Covid-19 after arriving in Thailand on Thursday (July 10) was not taken shopping in Bangkok on the same day, as rumoured.
— The Nation

King grants biosafety vehicles for Covid-19 tests in Rayong
A source in Rayong province reported on Tuesday (July 14) that His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn has granted three biosafety vehicles to public health officials in the province to collect samples from people who visited Passione department store in Muang district on July 10.
— The Nation

Plug virus loopholes, orders PM
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered authorities to review privileges given to foreign diplomats and family members, and military delegations after an Egyptian soldier and the daughter of a Sudanese attache who tested positive were exempted from quarantine.
— Bangkok Post

B1.4bn loan for Myanmar power grids
A concessional loan worth 1.45 billion baht to help Myanmar improve its electricity system has been approved by the government, according to an official.
— Bangkok Post

BoT predicts two-year recovery path
Thailand’s economy is expected to take two years to fully recuperate, assuming there is widespread administration of a coronavirus vaccine, says the Bank of Thailand’s chief.
— Bangkok Post

Thai businesses to help Vietnamese partners join supply chains
Thai businesses will support their Vietnamese partners in taking part in regional supply chains and industrial production in the time to come, the Director of the Thai Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Suparporn Sookmark said at a programme in HCM City on July 14.
— Vietnamplus

Prayut lures Chinese back
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday urged Chinese investors to return to the kingdom now the coronavirus situation in both countries has largely subsided, saying the Thai government will fully support them, according to officials.
— Bangkok Post

PM: government aims to embrace digitalization
Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha said the government is expediting the digitalization of its work according to the digital government development plan, using personal rights and public interest as the main criteria.
— Newsline (video)

Bumrungrad denies govt claim it treated 2 Covid patients
Bumrungrad International Hospital has denied a report from the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) that two Covid-19 patients sought treatment at the Bangkok-based hospital.
— The Nation

Thailand begins deck landing trials for Bell 212, H145M helicopters on Bhumibol Adulyadej
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has begun deck landing qualification (DLQ) activities for H145M light utility twin-engine, and Bell 212 medium helicopters aboard its sole Bhumibol Adulyadej-class guided-missile frigate.
— Janes

Two motorways to be free for six days from July 24
The Cabinet has decided to waive toll fees at two expressways from just after midnight on July 24 to 11.59pm on July 29, government spokesperson Narumon Pinyosinwat said on Tuesday (July 14).
— The Nation

Closed borders pose tourism risk
If the country does not let foreign tourists in by the end of the year, some 60% of hospitality enterprises are at risk of going out of business, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry.
— Bangkok Post

Xi pledges cooperation with Thailand for regional solidarity, prosperity
Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China stands ready to work with Thailand to cement solidarity and cooperation among regional countries and safeguard the sound momentum of development and prosperity in the region.
— Xinhuanet

Hot models ‘veiled’ for Bangkok’s biggest motor show
The 41st Bangkok International Motor Show at Impact Arena is revving up to launch tomorrow under “new normal” measures to deal with Covid-19.
— The Nation

EU launches Covid-19 recovery programme in Thailand
The European Union today launched two projects under the Bt90-million “EU Covid-19 Response and Recovery in Thailand” programme.
— The Nation

MWA governor inspects the potential and efficiency of water production
MWA governor inspects the potential and efficiency of water production at Bang Len Pump Station and Mahasawat Water Treatment Plant relative to expected droughts and floods
— Bangkok Post

Checkpoints being built on borders with Laos and Thailand
Cambodia is constructing 16 border checkpoints along the Cambodia-Thailand-Lao PDR border areas in Preah Vihear, Pursat and Oddar Meanchey provinces to maintain order and security, said the Ministry of Interior.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Japan’s MUFG to expand lending business in Thailand with Grab’s big data
Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc (8306.T) will start lending to Grab users and drivers in Thailand to monetise its $706 million investment in the ride-hailing firm as growth in its home market slumps, its chief executive said.
— Reuters

Thailand develops new coconut variety
Miss Mananya Thaiset, Thailand’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has surveyed the development of a new species of coconut in Surat Thani province, being expedited after supermarkets in the United Kingdom discontinued the purchase of Thai coconut products following accusations of animal abuse by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
— Fresh Plaza

Tourism Authority of Thailand launches “Chiang Mai I Miss You” discount campaign
The Tourism Authority of Thailand kicked off its “Chiang Mai I Miss You” campaign aimed at bringing more Thai tourists to the northern city
— Pattaya Mail.

Thailand: The SEC grants further relaxation on the preparation and submission of financial statements for securities-issuing companies in light of the COVID-19 pandemic
In 2020, securities-issuing companies that are unable to hold their statutory AGMs due to the COVID-19 pandemic may submit their financial statements that have been reviewed or audited by an authorized auditor before they have the auditor’s appointment approved by the next meeting of the shareholders.
— Lexology

Bangkok gears up for motor show as restrictions ease
Bangkok on Tuesday prepared to host its twice-postponed annual auto show, with organisers saying it would showcase the country’s success in containing the coronavirus.
— Bangkok Post

COVID anxiety closes schools in Bangkok, Rayong
At least two Bangkok schools and more than 100 others in Rayong province today said they would close amid a spike in paranoia following two COVID-19 cases that have raised alarm.
— Coconuts Thailand

Some local elections this year, says minister
Long-delayed elections will probably be held for at least one type of local administration this year, Deputy Interior Minister Niphon Bunyamanee said on Tuesday.
— Bangkok Post

Visits by foreign diplomats, business reps suspended
The government has temporarily banned the entry of foreign diplomats and special business representatives after the young daughter of the Sudanese attache was found to be infected with the coronavirus after the family arrived from Khartoum.
— Bangkok Post

All flights from Egypt to be barred from landing in Thailand
All flights from Egypt will be barred from landing in Thailand, following an incident last week when members of an Egyptian military mission defied Thai regulations by not confining themselves.
— Thai PBS News

COVID-19 testing for staff at Sukhumvit condo who may have had contact with an African diplomatic family
Thai public health officials went to a condominium in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area today, to test staff who had close contact with the family of an African diplomat, a member of which was found to be infected with for COVID-19.
— Thai PBS News

United States embassy will no longer issue extension letters to citizens in Thailand
The American Citizen Services Bangkok official Twitter account has posted a notice advising American citizens in Thailand that they will no longer be able to apply for an extension letter to remain in Thailand beyond the end of the visa amnesty which expires on July 31st.
— Sawadee Siam

Officials confirm billion baht make-over for Pattaya’s Jomtien beach
Thailand’s Marine Department has confirmed a 1.1 billion baht project to widen Jomtien beach in Pattaya after years of sand erosion at the tourist favourite.
— The Thaiger

Minor Group Rep on Tourism Future: ‘We Really Need a Travel Bubble’
The director of a major hotel chain in Thailand on Tuesday urged the government to reopen the country’s borders to international tourists under special travel agreements.
— Khaosod English

Cop shoots neighbor over loud music
A police officer from the Krasang district of Buriram province has been charged with attempted murder over his neighbor’s shooting due to noise disputes.
— Sawadee Siam

Rayongers Queue up for Virus Test, Gov. Removed Over SNAFU
Dozens of Rayong residents lined up to take a swab test for the coronavirus on Tuesday amid growing concerns over a possible second wave of domestic outbreak.
— Khaosod English

Govt goes on offensive to defend coconut industry
The Foreign Ministry is urging Thai diplomats to explain to foreign importers and retailers that Thailand does not use monkeys to harvest coconuts on an industrial scale.
— Bangkok Post

“Let us stay – Why can’t Thai Immigration extend our visas?”
OPINION The current visa amnesty, and what will happen to foreigners after its conclusion (at this stage on July 31), is a constant source of confusion and stress for many foreigners.
— The Thaiger

Feature photo WorldSkills Asean Bangkok 2018
This week’s Myanmar morning news feature photo focuses on World Youth Skills Day, July 15, with an emphasis on World Skills Asean Singapore 2020

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 July 15 added by John Le Fevre on July 15, 2020
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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.