Thailand morning news for June 25

Thailand morning news for June 25
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Thailand morning news

NokScoot budget airline to downsize fleet and staff at end of June
Thailand’s low-cost airline, NokScoot, plans to take three aircraft out of service and reduce its staffing level at the end of this month, in a major reorganization caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Thai PBS News

Thailand eyes opening borders to those from Australia, NZ, Japan, Taiwan and some Chinese cities
Thailand’s National Communicable Diseases Committee has approved a proposed relaxation of travel restrictions, to allow certain foreigners, from countries deemed as low risk, such as New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Taiwan and some Chinese cities, to enter Thailand.
— Thai PBS News

BoT pauses rate, downgrades GDP
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) kept its benchmark rate on hold at 0.50% on Wednesday to preserve policy space amid heightened economic headwinds, but predicted a deeper GDP contraction of 8.1% for 2020.
— Bangkok Post

Covid-19 vaccine dose would cost about B1,000
The cost of a coronavirus vaccine would be about 1,000 baht per dose if Thai research in the experimental stage leads to mass production, according to the lead researcher.
— Bangkok Post

May exports fall 22.5% y/y, but gold shipments surge
Thailand’s exports in May dropped by a bigger-than-expected 22.5% from a year earlier, the weakest pace in more than 10 years, due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the commerce ministry said on Wednesday.
— Bangkok Post

Thailand post-COVID-19: Food and agriculture exports continue to ‘star’ – trade chiefs
Food and agriculture products are expected to help Thailand maintain its export trade worldwide post-COVID-19, despite the significant logistical challenges seen in all major export modes of transportation so far.
— Food navigator-asia

Thailand to Impose Digital Service Tax: Impacting Foreign Providers
On June 9, 2020, Thailand’s government announced that it had approved draft legislation that will amend the Thai Revenue Code to enable the collection of value-added tax (VAT) of seven percent on foreign digital platform providers and sales of digital products (e-services).
— Asean Briefing

Thailand trails trans-Pacific partnership critics in communications game
More than half a decade after abandoning the US-led multilateral programme, Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Thailand has finally got back on track to joining the grouping again.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Somkid challenges need for cabinet change
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak has sent one of his strongest political messages yet since taking the helm of economic affairs, saying any changes in the cabinet must come with increased efficiency.
— Bangkok Post

Arrival ban to end on July 1… some foreigners will be allowed in
Thailand will begin allowing foreigners to enter the country from July 1, easing the months-long arrival ban.
— The Thaiger

127 Thai National Parks to reopen on July First, reservation requested but not required
Starting July 1st this year, 127 national parks in Thailand will reopen to visitors under new normal conditions.
— The Pattaya News

Hospital network BDMS scraps Bumrungrad takeover
Healthcare tycoon Prasert Prasarttong-osoth, founder and owner of Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), the country’s largest hospital network, announced on Wednesday it had scrapped a plan to take over Bumrungrad International Hospital (BH).
— Bangkok Post

B450m worth of drugs, assets seized in 2 months
Government agencies seized about 450 million baht worth of drugs and drug-related assets during the past two months, Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin said on Wednesday.
— Bangkok Post

Democratic Revolt Anniversary: Army Honors Royalist Rebels
The army on Wednesday marked the anniversary of the 1932 democratic uprising by holding a religious ceremony for pro-monarchy rebels who attempted to restore the king’s absolute rule.
— Khaosod English

Thailand to launch project for medical, wellness tourists
Thailand will carry out a tourist project called the Medical and Wellness Resort of the World for visiting foreigners, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said.
— Xinhuanet

Thailand extension of ‘Emergency Decree’ inconclusive
The Thai Cabinet has assessed the pandemic situation including the progress of COVID-19 vaccine trials in the country.
— Pattaya Mail

Thailand pro-democracy protesters mark end of absolute monarchy
Political activists from several groups across Thailand staged peaceful protests around the country on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of the 1932 revolt which ended the absolute monarchy in the country.
— Reuters

Transport Ministry eyes nationwide rail-motorway link
The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning has been tasked with creating a master plan of eight possible routes in line with the Transport Ministry’s plan to develop integrated railway-motorway routes.
— The Nation

Airlines to get new relief measures
Aircraft parking charges will be waived and a discount on landing and takeoff fees offered to all domestic and international airlines in the latest relief package approved for aviation operators, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
— Bangkok Post

More Thai routes open as airlines ease out of lockdown
The Department of Airports is overseeing a steady increase in the number of routes and flights offered by two airlines, while new routes will open after the fourth phase of lockdown easing.
— Tha Nation

Thailand can produce tens of millions of doses if COVID-19 vaccine ready
Thailand has reported no new COVID-19 infections in the community for 30 consecutive days as of June 24.
— Vietnamplus

Only 2,000 foreigners have yet registered to be reunited with love ones as tourism to also reopen
A meeting on Monday is expected to finalise plans to allow over 50,000 foreigners to enter Thailand with the limited resumption of inward passenger travel to the kingdom from July 1st.
— ThaiExaminer.com

Thai university unveils COVID-19 antibody test robot
A development project to create a COVID-19 vaccine in Thailand is on track to start clinical trials in humans soon, during which the safety of volunteers and medical staff must be of the utmost importance.
— Pattaya Mail

Activists demand the democracy they were promised in 1932
Members of the Campaign for People’s Constitution marched to Parliament on Wednesday (June 24) demanding that the people of Thailand be given the charter they were promised in the 1932 democratic revolution.
— The Nation

Macaque attack: Humans try to take back Thai city from monkeys
Residents barricaded indoors, rival gang fights, and no-go zones for humans. Welcome to Lopburi, an ancient Thai city overrun by monkeys super-charged on junk food, whose population is growing out of control.
— Rappler

Japan business travellers first foreigners to be allowed back in Thailand
About 100 businesspeople per day from Japan – the largest foreign investor in Thailand – will be among the first foreigners allowed back into the country as the lockdown eases.
— The Nation

Energy minister comes up with plan to spark economy
Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong has come up with a plan to help mitigate the impact of Covid-19 and plans to propose it to Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam on Thursday (June 25).
— The Nation

Food export value tipped to fall 3% on virus impact
Thailand’s food export value is expected to dip by 3% this year from an earlier target of 1.02-1.06 trillion baht, as exporters believe the industry will be slow to recover from the impact of the pandemic.
— Bangkok Post

Warong resigns from ACT to form his own political group
Former MP for Phitsanulok Warong Dechgitvigrom has resigned from the Action Coalition for Thailand (ACT) party to set up a political group of his own.
— Bangkok Post

Cabinet gives nod for Asean agreement on agri-products standards
The Cabinet has approved the framework on standards and conformity that aims to facilitate trading in agri-products among Asean countries.
— The Nation

Many Thai Students Displaced as New School Term About to Commence
Thailand’s education ministry has announced 4500 schools will make non-traditional arrangements for students when the new school term starts on July 1.
— Chiang Rai Times

Bangkok school director suspected of food-budget corruption
A school in Bangkok’s Yannawa district gave students instant noodles for breakfast and sold free school milk at Bt5 a cup, claims an online anti-corruption watchdog.
— The Nation

Weapons find sparks new unrest fears
Police are on high alert after a cache of weapons and ammunition found on Tuesday in Tak’s Mae Sot district were suspected of being part of a plot to stir up political unrest.
— Bangkok Post

Religious events permitted this Buddhist lent under New Normal setting
The Sangha Supreme Council has decided to allow temples to hold religious ceremonies as normal during the Buddhist Lent period this year, which coincides with the Ministry of Public Health’s message encouraging temples to hold religious activities, albeit with COVID-19 prevention measures.
— Newsline (video)

Sri Sa Ket shallots, garlic join GI registration list
The government has added shallots and garlic from Sri Sa Ket province to the country’s geographical indication list, raising the number of Thai indigenous products with GI registration to 126 products in 76 provinces.
— Bangkok Post

Damning Link between a Bangkok Mall and Injustice in Laos
Six years ago, Central Embassy, Bangkok’s newest shopping mall, celebrated its opening with aplomb, attracting several thousand local celebrities to a glitzy affair.
— South China Morning Post

Thai flights ‘will reboot trade’
Cambodia’s private sector welcomes the possibility of resuming passenger flights to Thailand, which they say could help alleviate the crushing impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on sectors such as retail and tourism.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Massage parlours will be allowed to reopen, must track and report customers to government
Post-Covid nightlife in Thailand is likely to be a bit duller than before, but at least “soapie massage” is back on the menu.
— The Thaiger

TM30 immigration reporting requirements updated
The immigration reporting requirements for foreign visitors and residents have changed.
— The Thaiger

Thailand’s reopened nightlife to close at midnight
Entertainment venues, such as bars, pubs, karaoke bars and massage parlors, are expected to be allowed to operate up to midnight, when the CCSA meets on Monday to consider further easing of restrictions on business and leisure activities, in the fifth phase of lockdown relaxations.
— Thai PBS News

Thailand records one new COVID-19 infection
Thailand recorded one new COVID-19 case today, among quarantined returnees from abroad, and no new fatalities.
— Thai PBS News

Gov’t Hints at Extending Virus Emergency Law for 3rd Time
Top government officials on Wednesday refused to rule out the possibility of extending the Emergency Decree again for the third time amid growing voices of concern from the opposition and private sector.
— Khaosod English

Thailand reports one new imported COVID-19 case, marks 30 days with no local transmissions
Thailand on Wednesday reported one new coronavirus case detected in someone returning from abroad, marking 30 days without local transmission, a senior official said.
— CNA

Reenactment, Model Plaque Mark 88 Years of Democratic Revolt
About a hundred people gathered before dawn on Wednesday across Democracy Monument to commemorate the 88th anniversary of a revolt that ended the king’s direct rule in Thailand, then known as Siam.
— Khaosod English

Cabinet Approves Draft Laws Against Torture, Abductions
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved draft laws on prevention of torture and forced disappearances, a measure that has long been sought by human rights activists.
— Khaosod English

Ex-minister and his alleged ‘Hollywood’ style escape plan
Former Thai deputy commerce minister Banyin Tangpakorn was taken from the maximum-security Bang Kwang Central Prison to a court hearing on Monday morning under the watchful eye of two dozen heavily-armed prison guards and police commandos in an eight-vehicle motorcade – a rare sight for a solo criminal defendant.
— Thai PBS News

In Thailand, it’s statues of democracy leaders that are disappearing
Certain historical statues have been disappearing in Thailand, but they are not effigies of colonialists or slave owners torn down by protesters.
— CNA

Buddhist Holiday ceremonies, gatherings can proceed but should take precautions in Thailand
For the approaching Buddhist Lent this year, the Sangha Supreme Council is allowing temples to hold religious ceremonies as normal, while the Ministry of Public Health still encourages temples to hold religions activities with precautionary measures against COVID-19.
— The Pattaya News

Skate park and sport fields approved to be constructed under Bali Hai overpass
The Pattaya City Council has approved a 10 million baht budget for a new sport field under the Bali Hai overpass in South Pattaya this week.
— The Pattaya News

Runner hospitalised, claims his water-bottle was poisoned
A man took a swig from his water bottle after he went on a run at a Nonthaburi park, northwest of Bangkok, and later ended up at the hospital with symptoms of a stroke.
— The Thaiger

Draft bill exempting offenders under 12 from punishment endorsed by Cabinet
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a draft bill seeking to increase the minimum age of criminal offenders from 10 to 12 years old, in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
— Thai PBS News

Thai hospital claims first successful stem cell transplant involving donor infected with COVID-19
Thailand’s Ramathibodi Hospital has conducted what is believed to be the world’s first successful bone marrow stem cell transplant from a five-year old donor infected with COVID-19 to his seven-year old thalassemia-afflicted sister.
— Thai PBS News

Police Say Tak Weapon Cache Linked to ‘Political Group’
Police on Tuesday said military-grade weapons discovered in Tak appear to be linked to an unspecified political movement.
— Khaosod English

Cambodian man escapes from Banglamung police while being transferred to immigration for deportation
A Cambodian suspect has escaped from a Banglamung police truck while being moved to the Chonburi Immigration Office yesterday.
— The Pattaya News

BMA opens sky park over Chao Phraya River
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) on Wednesday officially opened Chao Phraya Sky Park — the first public park over the Chao Phraya River.
— Bangkok Post

UPDATE: Pregnant woman killed in hit-and-run, driver surrenders
UPDATE: Today, the car mechanic who ran over and killed a pregnant woman on Sunday handed himself over to the police.
— The Thaiger

Abbot Defends Botched Makeover of 300-Year-Old Temple
The abbot of a temple dating to the late Ayutthaya period said his choice to remodel the site with industrial material was practical and in accordance with his philosophy of Buddhism.
— Khaosod English

In period costume, Thai activists recreate defining moment of 1932 revolution
Dozens of pro-democracy activists gathered at the Democracy Monument early this morning to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the bloodless June 24 revolution by attempting to re-enact one of its most decisive moments.
— Coconuts Thailand

 

 

Feature photo Narcotics Suppression Bureau
This week’s Thailand morning news feature photo focuses on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, June 26.

 

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).

 

 

About Thailand morning news.

Thailand morning news roundup is the most comprehensive hand-curated selection of Thailand English language news headlines published. Each weekday we scour hundreds of local and international news sites and websites to find the most recent Thailand English language news today.

We filter our the dull, the boring, the repetitive, and the click-bait and package all of the Thailand daily news that you need to know to start your day into an easy to read, time saving format of Thailand news headlines and first paragraphs before 7.15am Bangkok time.

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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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