Thailand English-language News for December 28

In Thailand English-language News for December 28, 2017, Newsline presenter Sandra Hanutsaha tells us about:

00:40 | Large numbers of people continue to visit the royal crematorium exhibition at Sanam Luang in tribute to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, despite cold and rainy weather. Between November 2 and December 26 more than 3.6 million people visited the site.

01:49 | Many people in Yala and Rayong provinces have volunteered for social service activities to honor the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

03:19 | Deputy prime minister Prawit Wongsuwan yesterday said that the latest order by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to provide more time for political parties to complete mandatory tasks ahead of the next election is aimed at creating a level playing field for all. He said that the NCPO plans to lift the ban on political activities on April 1, 2018.

05:31 | Deputy prime minister Prawit Wongsuwan has instructed all security units to ensure road user and public safety during the New Year holidays. All available security personnel have been deployed to staff road check points and to maintain law and safety at public venues.

06:33 | The Government continues to roll out economic stimulus measures despite the year rapidly drawing to a close. At the weekly Cabinet meeting yesterday approval was given for measures aimed at boosting tourism in 55 minor provinces between January 1 and December 31, 2018. Expenses such as accommodation, food, souvenirs, package tour costs, etc., incurred in these provinces over the next 12 months will be tax deductible up to a cap of Bt15,000 (about US$457) per person.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet is considering a proposal by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) on the implementation of the second phase of the welfare card programme, which will see people earning less than Bt30,000 ($919) a year entitled to vocational support from the government.

Under the propossal the ministries of the interior, agriculture and cooperatives, education, and labor will be responsible for coordinating efforts to assist those eligible to become self-reliant and find a suitable way out of poverty.

08:19 | The government is planning to speed up implementation of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project with the adoption of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Fast Track approach, which it will rebadge as the PPP EEC Track to encourage participation by local and foreign investors.

12:24 | Thailand is considering building its own satellites to enable it to pursue earth exploration and research ambitions, with the total budget for one satellite of about 100 kilogram (about 220lbs) and a second research satellite weighing about 50 kilograms (110 lbs) estimated at Bt775 million ($ 23.75 million).

Meanwhile, the government is also been considering the setting up of a National Innovation Biobank to accommodate the integration of three targeted industries: herbal medicine, future medical technology, and an industry for the elderly.

14:00 | Dusit Zoo has put four Eld’s deer fawns born at the zoo on display. Listed in 1992 as endangered, Eld’s deer can no longer be found in the wild. The zoo has also prepared special activities for visitors during New Year holidays with those born on December 31 or January 1 receiving free entry.

15:16 | Newsline speaks with deputy government spokesperson Werachon Sukondhapatipak on the achievements of the government since it seized power through a military coup on May 22, 2014.

• and more.

Newsline is a daily Thailand English-language news and current affairs programme produced by the National News Bureau of Thailand (NNBT) under the Thailand Government Public Relations Department (PRD) for *NBT World, the NNBTs 24/7 English language television service delivering Thailand government news and information to the Thai, Asean, and wider Asian communities. AEC News Today publishes Thailand English-language News M-F.