NLA passes 2019 fiscal budget bill
The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) endorsed the 3.3-trillion-baht budget on Thursday that will finance fiscal year 2019 beginning on Oct 1.
— Bangkok Post
Budget will entrench power of military: student activists
IT TOOK lawmakers just three hours to approve the Bt3-trillion budget for next year – and with all 206 legislators voting in favour of the bill, analysts believe the military government is sticking to its old school of thought.
— The Nation
Thailand’s Queen Mother leaves hospital
Thailand’s 86-year-old Queen Mother Sirikit was discharged from a Bangkok hospital on Thursday, the Royal Household Bureau said in a statement, after being hospitalized for influenza.
— Reuters
Amata: Chinese EV firms sniff around EEC
SET-listed Amata Corporation Plc, the industrial estate operator, is in talks with Chinese automotive companies that are interested in joining the government’s electric vehicle (EV) scheme in the flagship Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
— Bangkok Post
HSC eases its farming chemical ban
The government’s Hazardous Substance Committee (HSC) Thursday revised its decision to ban three major chemicals in vegetable and herb farming.
— Bangkok Post
As debt levels rise, more Thais struggle to keep up
Pimpa Panlao, 31, is struggling to pay off an 80,000 baht ($2,440) bank loan and spends a third of her income from selling women’s accessories at a Bangkok market to repay the loan.
— Reuters
Activists want 160 detained Montagnards freed
Human rights activists are calling for the release of over 160 ethnic minority Montagnards from Cambodia and Vietnam arrested by joint force authorities in Nonthaburi’s Bang Yai district on Tuesday.
— Bangkok Post
Chao Phraya riverside residents in Ayutthaya, Ang Thong told to face possible flooding
People living on both sides of the Chao Phraya River in the central provinces of Ayutthaya and Ang Thong were told to brace for possible flooding as more water is being drained out of Chao Phraya dam in Chainat and Pasak Cholasit dam in Lop Buri province.
— Thai PBS
Initial impact of Thailand 4.0 analysed
A new report from the global research and consultancy firm Oxford Business Group (OBG) shines a spotlight on the Thailand 4.0 initiative and the development of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), which together have helped foreign investment levels to recover.
— Bangkok Post
Suspected Rebel Kills 2 in Thailand’s Deep South
A suspected insurgent shot dead a defense volunteer and a woman in Pattani town in Thailand’s restive Deep South, while unidentified masked gunmen set fire to trucks and offices after tying up electricity workers in nearby Yala province, police and witnesses said Thursday.
— BenarNews
Thailand, Cambodia edging closer to cross-border rail deal
Cambodia and Thailand are both reviewing draft agreements for a deal on the transportation of goods and people across their shared border, a Cambodian official said, adding that the final agreement is likely to be signed before the end of the year.
— Bangkok Post
Justice Minister opens seminar on financial security in digital age
The Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister, ACM Prajin Juntong, opened a seminar on economic progress and combating crime in the digital age to achieve financial security through technological application.
— NNT
DPM calls for anti-graft cooperation
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam urged four key state agencies to consolidate their efforts in promoting good governance in the fight against corruption on Thursday.
— Bangkok Post
50 foreign prisoners to return to their home countries to finish sentences
Fifty foreign inmates in Thai prisons have been approved to serve their remaining sentence behind bars in their home countries.
— The Nation
Crypto crime tipped to go through roof
Crimes involving cryptocurrencies are expected to increase in the near future as Thailand is still badly in need of personnel equipped with knowledge and modern technology to deal with cybercrime, a seminar was told Thursday.
— Bangkok Post
WHO views implementation of universal healthcare in Thai private hospitals
A World Health Organization (WHO) delegation led by its Deputy Director General of Programs has visited private hospitals in Bangkok implementing universal healthcare, looking to create a model for use in other countries.
— News Today (video)
SCB’s digital transformation takes shape
Siam Commercial Bank’s cost-to-income ratio is expected to peak by the first quarter of next year after hefty investment under the five-year SCB Transformation programme.
— Bangkok Post
UPS strengthens Asia operations as economies surge
“Thailand,” added Russell Reed, Managing Director, UPS Thailand, “is currently seeing major public and private investments in infrastructure as the country’s economy develops from a manufacturing to a value-based innovation economy, deemed Thailand 4.0.
— The Nation
Land Transport to review move to increase fine for driving without license
The Land Transport Department will review its proposal to increase the amounts of fine for motorists driving without driving licenses following strong opposition from members of the public and objection from Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. It will also invite public feedback on the proposal.
— Thai PBS
Following in the late King’s footsteps
Diplomats from 25 countries travel to Rayong province to take in the sufficiency philosophy and how it connects with tourism.
— The Nation
Water levels in Mekong river continue to rise
The water levels in the Mekong River continue rise, prompting local authorities in the North East to warn riverside communities of possible flooding.
— News Today (video)
DPM defends draft drugs law
Deputy Prime Minister Gen Chatchai Sarikulya on Thursday defended a new bill opening up drug dispensing and urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to raise awareness of the controversial proposal.
— Bangkok Post
Phuket light rail to be completed by ‘about 2023’, says Vice Governor
Construction of the Phuket light-rail project will start in 2020 and be completed by ‘about 2023’, Phuket Vice Governor Thawornwat Kongkaew told a meeting of officials yesterday
Read more at https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-light-rail-to-be-completed-by-about-2023-says-vice-governor-68450.php#33qGREuXIIsmWhiw.99
— The Phuket News
Auto refinancing under review
The Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand are conducting a study to set a framework for issuing licences for auto and motorcycle refinancing aimed at creating fair practices for consumers and encouraging low-income earners to shun loan sharks.
— Bangkok Post
Police mull arrest warrants against two web pages for posting alleged British rape victim’s claim
Police are considering arrest warrants against administrators of two web pages for posting the British tourist’s claim that she was drugged, robbed and raped while vacationing on Koh Tao island in Surat Thani province in June this year.
— Thai PBS
CRC Thai Watsadu bets on rebranding to double sales in next five years
CRC Thai Watsadu Ltd, a unit of Central Retail Corporation that operates home improvement centres, yesterday said it is merging its HomeWorks stores into its baan & BEYOND network.
— The Nation
Gavel falls on final state rice auction
The government is inching closer to fully unloading its hefty rice stocks after selling a combined 267,300 tonnes for animal feed and energy purposes at Thursday’s final auction.
— Bangkok Post
Thai egg firm seeks to crack consumer e-commerce market with new logistics link-up
Thai egg producer Kasemchaifood is seeking to branch out from its b2b base and move into the consumer market via e-commerce after linking-up with logistics firm DHL.
— Food Navigator-Asia
PM Prayut presents contribution to Indonesia for relief efforts from Lombok earthquake
The Prime Minister, Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, presented a contribution of three million baht to the Indonesian Ambassador to Thailand, Ahmad Rusdi, as a token of support and sympathy from the Thai government and the people of Thailand to those affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Indonesia’s Lombok Island on July 29th and August 5th, 2018.
— NNT
Military EOD unit developing plan to retrieve WWII bombs
Ratchaburi Governor Chayawut Chantorn has assured local residents of their safety after World War II bombs were found in the water under Chulaborn Bridge.
— Chiang May Mail
Cafe Amazon moves beyond petrol stations
After 17 years in business, Cafe Amazon has become a crucial non-oil business for PTT, the national oil and gas conglomerate.
— Bangkok Post
Ford confirms Mustang for Thailand
After letting the Thai grey market enjoy sales of the iconic Mustang, Ford Thailand has confirmed official imports of it with the first batch arriving in October.
— The Nation
The Nai Harn Phuket – Award for effective water management
The Nai Harn has received a Best Water Treatment Management award from Thailand’s Regional Environment office in Phuket.
— The Phuket News
4-point plan proposed to save digital TV
The Association of Digital TV Operators has proposed what it believes will be a new long-term survival model for the industry, incorporating several measures to relieve the financial burdens of terrestrial digital TV operators and catch up with current ecosystems.
— Bangkok Post
Govt agencies sign MOU to promote good governance
Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Wissanu Krea-ngam chaired the signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding between the Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Office of the Ombudsman, the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Office of the Auditor General.
— NNT
SPCG budgets B70bn for Japan plans
SET-listed SPCG Plc, Thailand’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) provider by power capacity, has announced capital spending of more than 70 billion baht on four solar projects in Japan.
— Bangkok Post
PM to unveil vision of connectivity at BIMSTEC Forum in Nepal
The Prime Minister is preparing to unveil Thailand’s vision of connectivity with member countries, at the fourth BIMSTEC Forum being held in Nepal.
— NNT
Additional welfare card money only being provided to participants in career training
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has explained that an additional 100 to 200 baht to be provided to holders of welfare cards only applies to those involved in career training programs, as the close to one year old project has already spurred over 450 billion baht in cash circulation.
— NNT
Fitch: Brokerages must diversify services to compete
Thai securities companies that are able to build up their franchises and continue to diversify to reduce their reliance on brokerage revenue are likely to fare better in the challenging operating environment, Fitch Ratings says.
— Bangkok Post
Thailand ranks top in Travel Weekly UK Best Destinations in The World survey
Travel Weekly UK has unveiled the results of its ‘Best Destinations in The World’ survey and Thailand has made it into the top 10 of four important categories.
— TAT News
Central to build foreign shopper lures
Central Pattana Plc, the operator of Central shopping malls, has allocated about 1 billion baht a year to enhance services and facilities dedicated specifically to foreign shoppers with high spending power.
— Bangkok Post
Thai works goes on show in Germany
Thai contemporary art is all set to make a splash in Germany with the opening today of the exhibition “Absurdity in Paradise” at the Museum Fridericianum in Kassel.
— The Nation
Feature photo John Le Fevre
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).
Thailand morning news by AEC News Today is your one stop source for Thailand news on matters of governance and policies affecting Asean business communities. It is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.
Thailand morning news for August 31 added by John Le Fevre on
View all posts by John Le Fevre →
John Le Fevre
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.
Latest posts by John Le Fevre (see all)
- COVID-19 in Asean: update for July 26 — 16 mln case barrier breached, Vietnam records community transmission – July 26, 2020
- COVID-19 in Asean: update for July 25 — new high for daily infections, 16 mln infection barrier to break today – July 25, 2020
- COVID-19 in Asean: update for July 24 — Asean tops 230,000 cases, nudges 90,000 active – July 24, 2020
- Thailand morning news for July 24 – July 24, 2020