Thailand English-language News For October 4

In Thailand English-language News for October 4, 2017, Newsline presenter Cholaphansa Narula tells us about:

00:40 | Thais continue to pay respect to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Grand Palace, while ‘we do good deeds with our hearts’ programme volunteers are providing services to visitors.

01:41 | The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has ordered security units to increase intelligence and surveillance activities to prevent disturbances during the upcoming royal cremation ceremony. Accordingly the Ministry of Defense (MoD) has opened a joint command center to ensure orderliness and provide safety for members of the public.

03:12 | Medical units nationwide have been placed on standby to service people attending the royal cremation ceremony between Oct 25-29. All are advised to prepare themselves beforehand, particularly the elderly, who should carry a card with their name, health conditions, and the contact numbers of relatives in case of an emergency.

04:27 | The Ministry of Culture (MoC) has is to release online compilation videos of the reign and work of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The videos included biographical information, along with the ingenuity, wisdom and achievements of the late monarch. An electronic book has also been compiled, which can be downloaded for free from www.m-culture.go.th (which world in Thai language only). Brochures will also be supplied to royal funeral attendees.

06:19 | Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has assured United States President Donald Trump of Thailand’s determination to hold a general election next year. Both countries acknowledged the long-standing bilateral relationship between the two countries. General Prayut invited President Trump and his daughter/ adviser Ivanka to visit Thailand to inspect the country’s work on combating human trafficking. The two sides then discussed a range of new and ongoing trade agreements.

08:04 | The Cabinet has expanded a measure to help SMEs coping with Foreign Exchange (FX) risk. Bt500 million (about US$14.9 million) has been approved to arrange seminars to educate SMEs on the prevention of FX risk. Attendees will receive coupons worth Bt30,000 ($900) valid until June 30, 2018 that can be applied against foreign exchange transactions.

11:14 | Recipients of government welfare cards have been busy shopping for essential household items with some using up their entire monthly allocation in one purchase.

12:43 | Due to a shortage of labour, the government has approved foreign workers remaining in Thailand temporarily to work in the fishery industry, provided they have the appropriate documentation. Foreign workers without work permits wishing to work in the fishing industry can register at the designated centers in 22 provinces by no later than October 31, while employers who wish to hire foreign workers should register before October 10. Foreign workers must be aged over 18, while employers must provide an employment contract, employee medical records, and present a crew member list before November 15th.

14:04 | Lieutenant General Sakhon Thongmunee, acting commissioner of the Thai Tourist Police Division, has announced a new crack down on illegal tours, especially in Chiang Mai and Phuket provinces. The number of Tourist Police at its headquarters has been increased from 1,000 to 4,000 in a bid to ensure tourists’ safety and boost credibility in the tourism sector.

15:04 | The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) has adjusted its forecast for 2017 Thai export growth to 6 per cent as a result of an 8.9 per cent growth in the sector in the first eight months, while the recent visit to the White House by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is expected to see more investment and trade.

16:23 | The Family of Sufficiency Economy Foundation (FOSEF) has organised the Leader Camp 2017 aimed at informing Thai students about the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej sufficiency economy philosophy. The three day event saw more than over 500 students and 55 teachers participate.

17:56 | A huge cliff aged more than 550 million years old in Mu Ko Phetra National Park of Satun Province has now become a popular tourist site due to its scenery and history. Newsline takes a look at the new tourist attraction in the historical geopark in the area.

20:43 | Newsline takes an eye-opening look at the lifestyle of Cambodian labourers and garment workers who have chosen to stay in their own country earning around $150 per month and their hopes for a better future with a promised $10 a month increase, rather than seeking employment abroad.

• 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 via cable and satellite. It is also available via android and iOS apps. AEC News Today publishes Thailand English-language News M-F.