Thailand morning news for May 6

April consumer prices dive
The consumer price index (CPI), a gauge of headline inflation, fell 2.99% year-on-year in April, the biggest decline in 10 years and nine months.
— Bangkok Post

Government health official warns of near-certainty of “second wave” of Covid-19
With the easing of some restrictions put in place to slow and eventually halt the spread of the Covid-19 virus, a government health official is now warning of the rise of a “second wave” from next week is “inevitable”.
— The Thaiger

THAI told to shape up before it gets government financial support
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said today that Thai Airways International should be given a last chance to shape up if the flag carrier is to get a rescue package from the Government.
— Thai PBS News

Thailand reports a single new coronavirus case, no fatalities
Only one new COVID-19 infection was reported in Thailand today (Tuesday), the fewest since the outbreak of the deadly disease in January, and no new fatalities.
— Thai PBS News

Regional journos struggle as govts take driving seat
The media is facing a tough job delivering trustworthy frontline news as journalists in the region are being placed under lockdown by a lack of transparent data amid the coronavirus outbreak, a recent forum was told.
— Bangkok Post

CCSA praises private sector cooperation in preventing COVID-19
The government’s COVID-19 center today thanked reopened businesses for their cooperation with disease control guidelines, asking temples not to hold any religious ceremonies this Visakha Bucha day to prevent mass gatherings.
— NNT

Experts to investigate COVID-19 testing facility in Thailand’s Yala province
A team of experts, from the Medical Science Department and Thailand’s Prince of Songkhla University, has been sent to the southern border province of Yala to investigate what went wrong with the COVID-19 testing procedures there, said Dr. Opas Karnkavinpong, director-general of the Medical Science Department, today.
— Thai PBS News

Park ranger killed in clash with hunters
A park ranger has been shot dead in a clash while patrolling in Sap Lanka Wildlife Sanctuary in Lop Buri province.
— Bangkok Post

PM warns businesses to maintain strict social distancing or face closure
Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has warned stores that they must observe the rules on maintaining strict physical distancing between their customers, or they may be closed down again.
— Thai PBS News

Coronavirus impact may last another 9 months: Prayut
Thailand may see the economic impact from the coronavirus pandemic spread over another nine months, the prime minister said on Tuesday, as disruption from the global crisis drags on tourism and domestic activity.
— Bangkok Post

PRD as appeal hub for 5000 baht aid
The Public Relations Department, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, opened a support hub for those who did not receive the 5,000 baht aid.
— NNT

Plan ‘last chance’ for THAI, warns Prayut
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has said the financially-ailing Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) will be given one last chance to turn itself around.
— Bangkok Post

BAAC ready to pay 5,000 baht in compensation to farmers, starting mid-May
Regarding the government’s financial aid of 5,000 baht per farm household for three months, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) is now ready to transfer the cash subsidy to 10 million registered farmers, who have been affected by COVID-19.
— NNT

Narathiwat Quarantine Full of Bugs, No Electricity
A viral video showing an insect-infested state quarantine facility in southern Thailand is circulating online Tuesday.
— Khaosod English

Virus Shutdowns Ease in Bangkok, But Face Masks Stay On (Photos)
Before praying and offering incense at the tourist-popular Erawan Shrine, visitors must have their temperatures taken – and the gilded Thai dancers strap on their face shields.
— Khaosod English

Cross-border movement down 7.6%
Thailand’s cross-border trade fell by 7.6% year-on-year in the first quarter as the coronavirus hit the global economy and led bordering countries to close dozens of checkpoints.
— Bangkok Post

Ramadan Lockdown Brings Joy, Suffering in Thai Deep South
Some families in Thailand’s mostly Muslim Deep South region have found an unexpected silver lining in observing Ramadan under the COVID-19 lockdown.
— Benar News

Cabinet okays processed food roadmap
The cabinet has approved the first phase of a food and food processing development plan from 2020-2027, aiming to develop value-added products and increase competitiveness in the global market.
— Bangkok Post

Militants slain by Thai forces committed various attacks on innocent residents: Thai Army
The Thai Army on Tuesday released a report indicating that the firearms seized from three insurgents killed during a recent clash with security forces in Thailand’s restive south had been used in various attacks on innocent residents.
— Xinhuanet

False positives in 40 cases
A second test found all forty of the newly suspected Covid-19 cases in Yala on Sunday turned out to be false positives, as the Public Health Ministry has decided to run another test at its main lab to leave no room for doubt.
Thai scientists yesterday gave details of a new simulation project aimed at finding new ways to treat the often fatal lung inflammation in Covid-19 patients.
— Bangkok Post

Scientists to model drug treatments
Thai scientists yesterday gave details of a new simulation project aimed at finding new ways to treat the often fatal lung inflammation in Covid-19 patients.
— Bangkok Post

Govt: domestic flight passengers do not need to be quarantined
Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Natapanu Nopakun said that there is no regulation requiring passengers flying domestic flights to observe a 14-day quarantine.
— Newsline (video)

Labor Ministry opens model farm help easing COVID-19 economic impacts
The Ministry of Labor has established a model farm in Ang Thong Province, as part of the royal initiative, in order to provide assistance to members of the public in creating jobs for those affected from economic fallouts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Newsline (video)

Migrant workers contract Covid-19 at Thai detention center
Fears are growing that immigration detention centers around Thailand may become hotbeds of Covid-19 as another 18 foreign detainees were found to have the novel coronavirus on May 4.
— UCA News

50,000 set to leave Phuket
Officials continue to thoroughly screen individuals who have registered to leave the resort island as an estimated 50,000 people are expected to leave for other provinces after it ended lockdown restrictions on April 30.
— Bangkok Post

Thailand’s rice exports forecast to fall this year
Thailand’s rice exports are forecast to fall this year due to lower output caused by drought and weaker competitiveness, says the Thai Rice Exporters’ Association.
— Pattaya Mail

SSO compensates insured persons losing jobs from COVID-19
The Social Security Office (SSO) has confirmed it has enough funds to compensate all insured persons who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, asking employers to urgently verify the status of employees who have filed for unemployment assistance, in order to process the payment.
— Newsline (video)

690 curfew breakers spur booze ban threat
A sudden rise in the number of people breaking the curfew to drink alcohol between Sunday night and early Monday morning has prompted a warning that the government may have to reinstate the sales ban.
— Bangkok Post

Naval radar base seen as heritage risk
A local conservation group in Songkhla is trying to build up public support against the navy’s plan to build a radar base in the compound of Khao Daeng, an ancient city with archaeological significance.
— Bangkok Post

Mahidol tops uni rankings
Mahidol University was the top-ranked Thai institution in Round University’s World University Ranking 2020, a Russia-based tertiary education ranking agency.
— Bangkok Post

Experts hail ‘golden year’ for wildlife
The easing of coral bleaching and absence of tourists due to the Covid-19 pandemic is spurring hopes of restoring years of damage to marine ecosystems, according to Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a well-known marine scientist.
— Bangkok Post

Regulator eyes creation of local OTT platforms
The development of over-the-top (OTT) platforms by Thais is needed to ensure the benefits will not fall solely into the hands of big foreign players, says the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC).
— Bangkok Post

No partying, drinking sprees allowed on Thailand’s Pattaya beaches
Authorities are stepping up patrols along the beaches of Pattaya to keep people from partying or tending to drinking sprees, confirmed Pattaya Governor Sonthaya Khunpluem on Monday.
— Xinhuanet

Central Group approves B2.3bn reply to PM’s call
Central Group has approved 2.3 billion baht to boost the sustainable grass-roots economy, including 1.5 billion baht to buy products directly from growers and community enterprises, including farm produce and SME products, for sale in stores to support 25,000 farmer households in 42 provinces.
— Bangkok Post

Funding for state cloud approved
The cabinet yesterday approved 4.75 billion baht to finance the Government Data Center and Cloud (GDCC) service between 2020 and 2022.
— Bangkok Post

Handout appeal deadline this Friday
The deadline to file appeals for rejected applicants of the 5,000-baht monthly handout of aid money is this Friday, says the Finance Ministry, which anticipates the number of filers petering out.
— Bangkok Post

Shippers maintain full-year view of 8% export decline
Despite the easing of lockdown measures and higher demand in several export categories, Thailand’s shipments are still forecast to contract by 8% this year, says a key trade group.
— Bangkok Post

Drive to create new digital hub takes on urgency
As the digital drive gains steam during the pandemic, Thailand must capitalise by turning into a global tech hub, says Digital Council of Thailand (DCT) president Suphachai Chearavanont.
— Bangkok Post

Schools get leeway on July reopenings
As the Covid-19 situation in Thailand appears to have been brought under control for now, the Office of Basic Education Commission (Obec) has decided to let each school decide whether they should reopen on July 1 or opt to use distance-learning television (DLTV) and online learning.
— Bangkok Post

PTTEP unveils new oil find off Mexico
PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP), the oil and gas drilling arm of national oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc, has announced a new oil discovery off the shore of Mexico.
— Bangkok Post

South MPs eye relief for stranded Thais
Five MPs from southern provinces have asked Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to help Thais stranded in foreign countries, including giving them 5,000 baht in aid.
— Bangkok Post

Royal water project to reinvigorate farming
Pid Thong Lang Phra, a foundation dedicated to promoting the sufficiency economy vision of King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, has launched water-development schemes to address the scourge of mass unemployment caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
— Bangkok Post

Justice vowed after forest protection officer killed
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday ordered local police to go after those who shot dead a forest protection officer at Sap Langka Wildlife Sanctuary in Lop Buri’s Lam Sonthi district.
— Bangkok Post

PM shores up shaken ruling party leaders
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has signalled the end of conflict within the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) while throwing his support behind PPRP heavyweights — leader Uttama Savanayana and secretary-general Sontirat Sontijirawong — encouraging them not to be distracted by political issues that have shaken their leadership.
— Bangkok Post

Ready for Takeoff: 28 Airports Reopen After Virus Lockdown
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) said on Monday that it has granted permission to 28 airports in Thailand to resume domestic services.
— Khaosod English

Doctor stresses lifestyle changes crucial to preventing second outbreak
The chief of Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute says Thailand won’t face a second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak if everyone keeps on wearing a face mask, washing hands frequently, and exercising regularly for health; warning that regular drinkers and smokers may face a higher chance of death if infected.
— NNT

87th Anniversary of the PRD
This year the Public Relations Department (PRD) celebrates its 87th anniversary, and promises to keep publishing news that is easily accessible by all everyone.
— NNT

Remembrances of Red Trauma (5) – Recollections of a reporter : Bloody April – May 2010
“I can still remember that heavy smell of blood wafting through the air, as the dead bodies of the protesters were being piled together up on the UDD stage, together with the weapons they managed to prise from the hands of soldiers.
— Isaan Record

Are businesses applying the Thai government hygiene standards?
According to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), small, local restaurants are the biggest offenders when it comes to ignoring government hygiene measures to control the reduce any return of the virus.
— The Thaiger

Some Pattaya residents raise concerns on overcrowded construction worker transportation in the Chonburi area
Pattaya City was officially announced as a white zone today, which means that no sign of the Covid-19 infection has been found in about three weeks, despite thousands of proactive tests of people in high risk categories, such as those working in Immigration, supermarkets, taxi drivers, hotels, condo security and other roles that still see regular interaction with the public as a whole.
— The Pattaya News

One COVID-19 patient left at Bamrasnaradura Institute of Infectious Diseases
Thailand’s Bamrasnaradura Institute of Infectious Diseases, which has been at the forefront of treating people suspected of contracting COVID-19, and was accepting up to 800 cases a day during the peak of the pandemic, now has only one in-patient still under treatment.
— Thai PBS News

Army: Slain insurgents were ‘wanted criminals’
Firearms seized from three insurgents killed during a clash with security forces in Nong Chik district on April 30 had been used in many attacks in the far South, a 4th Army spokesman said on Tuesday.
— Bangkok Post

Third round tests being conducted on 40 people in Yala
Although 40 people in Yala province initially tested positive to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), second round tests, conducted by Songkhla Medical Sciences Center, came back negative.
— NNT

Pattaya City slightly eases restrictions in beach areas, exercise on beach sidewalks and promenades officially ok effective May 9
Pattaya City Law Enforcement and city leaders confirmed that after a meeting this afternoon they would be slightly easing some restrictions on area beaches effective as of May 9.
— The Pattaya News

Stores threatened with closure after stampede to buy booze
Stores that fail to enforce disease control measures will be closed, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam warned on Tuesday after people crowded into shops to buy alcoholic drinks following the lifting of the ban in most provinces.
— Bangkok Post

Cops raid ‘Heaven Herb’ weed delivery service, arrest 12
Eleven Thais and a Hong Kong national were arrested this morning after police found hundreds of marijuana plants and kilograms of drugs millions of baht at locations in Bangkok and its outskirts.
— Coconuts Thailand

Lack of social distancing at BTS stations in Bangkok
This morning with thousands of people heading off to work, they ended stranded at BTS stations after services were hit by a “technical error”.
— The Thaiger

Update on Chiang Mai’s Covid-19 situation
A report of the situation in the Chiang Mai states that at this time there are still no reports of any additional Covid-19 infections being found in the northern city.
— The Thaiger

Large queues form to file claims for 5,000 baht subsidy
Hundreds of people gathered at the Public Relations Department (PRD) this morning (Tuesday) to file petitions to receive the 5,000 baht/month cash subsidy, promised by the Thai government, after they did not receive the first payment in April.
— Thai PBS News

Obesity on the rise in the Land of Smiles
Thailand has a health problem and it appears to be an even bigger concern than the current Covid-19 pandemic. The World Health Organisation says nearly one third of the Thai population is now overweight and 9% of the country is obese.
— The Thaiger

Rich Brian, Phum Viphurit, Niki headline ‘Asia Rising Forever’ online concert
With all gigs canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, concertgoers will get a chance to see some of their favorite artists perform Wednesday – via interscreen.
— Coconuts Thailand

2-hour limit on shopping mall visits mulled
The prime minister has raised the prospect of a two-hour time limit on shopping centre visits to help curb the novel coronavirus.
— Bangkok Post

Russians caught partying on Koh Phangan
Seven Russian tourists were arrested and charged with violating the emergency decree while partying on the island of Koh Phangan on Sunday night, police said.
— Bangkok Post

Ceasefire in Doubt After 4 Shot Dead in Pattani
Security officers on Tuesday said they are investigating gun attacks that killed four people on Sunday in Pattani, where a major armed militant group previously pledged a halt on its secessionist campaigns.
— Khaosod English

Officials issue reminder of nationwide time restrictions on alcohol sales
With the alcohol ban having been lifted in all but a handful of provinces, government officials are warning retailers and consumers that the restrictions on what time alcohol can be sold still remain in place.
— The Thaiger

Pet groomers reopen but owners quarantined outside
Chewy and Miley, both two-year-old Schnauzer dogs, are getting their hair cut at a groomer in Bangkok for the first time since the new coronavirus outbreak began in Thailand in January.
— Bangkok Post

Feature photo Tris_T7
This week’s Thailand morning news feature photo focuses on Coronation Day, May 5.

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 May 6 added by John Le Fevre on May 6, 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.