Thailand morning news for February 11, 2019

Not happening: Thai King slaps down attempt to drag royal house into politics
Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun has slapped-down an attempt by a newly formed political party to drag the Thai royal house into the coming general election.
— AEC News Today

Thai Riot Police Put on Alert as Coup Rumors Spread
PHICHIT — Riot police were ordered to mobilize and prepare to defend important facilities Saturday in the central province of Phichit, according to a leaked order from the provincial governor marked urgent.
— Khaosod English

Haze and air pollution return to Bangkok this week
Air pollution around Bangkok is expected to worsen again this week with an increase in the level of PM2.5 dust particles.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Thailand launches Huawei 5G test bed, even as US urges allies to bar Chinese gear
The 5G test bed in Thailand, the United States’ oldest ally in Asia, will be Huawei’s first in Southeast Asia.
— Asian Age

Opinion: Thailand Can Do the Right Thing For #Hakeem
Is Thailand merely an innocent caught in the middle of a diplomatic power play between Australia and Bahrain over the fate of refugee footballer Hakeem AlAraibi?
— Khaosod English

Australia abandoned hundreds of asylum seekers. Now it’s rallying behind one refugee.
Since Australia began redirecting hundreds of asylum seekers to offshore processing camps in 2013, it’s become rare for human rights observers to applaud its prime minister’s treatment of refugees.
— The Washington Post

Thailand to submit request to join CPTPP
Thai media on February 9 quoted Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak as saying that he had ordered the Commerce Ministry to submit a request to become a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
— Vietnam Plus

Party that nominated Thai princess for PM faces ban after king’s rebuke
The Thai political party that nominated a princess as its candidate for prime minister could be banned from a general election in March after an activist said on Sunday he would file a petition seeking its dissolution.
— Reuters Canada

Thaksin’s election ‘nuke’ bombs junta’s longevity thoughts, threatens free speech
The Thai military junta’s plans of continued political domination received what can only be described as a nuclear strike today, with the elder sister of the current king of Thailand registering as a candidate for prime minister in the March 24 elections.
— AEC News Today

Pressure mounts for EC to dissolve Thai Raksa Chart
Pressure is mounting on the Election Commission to dissolve the Thai Raksa Chart Party for nominating Princess Ubolratana as its prime ministerial candidate, even though it has now agreed to withdraw the nomination.
— Bangkok Post (annoying pop-ups)

Bhumjaithai touts pot policy
The Bhumjaithai Party has hit the campaign trail in Bangkok by proposing marijuana as a new cash crop for the country, said the party’s MP candidate, Sawai Chotkasupha.
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)

Thai Raksa Chart vows to contest election
Thai Raksa Chart (TRC) vows to continue its election fight following the controversial nomination of Princess Ubolratana as its prime ministerial candidate, a move which has put the future of the party…
— Bangkok Post (annoying pop-ups)

How corrupt we are
Thailand was ranked 99 out of 180 countries and territories in the 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which shows that despite some progress, many countries are still failing to make serious inroads against graft.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Speed boat carrying Chinese tourists crashes into oil tanker off Phuket, 1 seriously injured
A number of Chinese tourists were injured, one seriously, when a speed boat in which they were travelling struck an oil tanker in the seas off Phuket province this afternoon…
— Thai PBS World

Princess-bid execs may resign
The Thai Raksa Chart Party is mulling whether its executives should resign from their posts to make sure its election strategy remains intact in the wake of their unprecedented nomination of a princess for prime minister.
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)

Haze emphasises need to fast-track train projects
Haze emphasises need to fast-track train projects
— Bangkok Post (annoying pop-ups)

AIS launches automated DigitALL store in Phuket
AIS launches automated DigitALL store in Phuket
— Bangkok Post (annoying pop-ups)

Thai Raksa Chart Accepts Royal Command, Thanks Ubolratana
The Thai Raksa Chart Party issued a statement Saturday saying it had accepted the royal command which most likely put an end to the brief candidacy for prime minister by Ubolratana Mahidol.
— Khaosod English

Election gives Cobra Gold a boost
This week’s 2019 Cobra Gold light military drills will once again celebrate the military ties between Thailand and the United States.
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)

Thailand’s Investment Outlook for 2019
Thailand’s economy is driven by strong domestic demand. While export growth has been affected by the US-China trade war, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the country to focus on policies for growth and shift from over-reliance on its electronic and automotive industry.
— Asean Briefing

Royal command ends Thai princess’ bid for PM
Thai Princess Ubolratana’s unprecedented attempt to become the country’s next prime minister was abruptly nixed Saturday after her party agreed to comply with a command from the king opposing the plan.
— The Asean Post

Can the Future Forward Party shift Thai politics?
The upcoming Thai election has got everyone excited. Everyday there are new twists and turns in the unfolding drama.
— The Asean Post

Draft amendment of wildlife protection act passes NLA’s first reading
The National Legislative Assembly of Thailand (NLA) accepted in principle the draft amendment to the Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act, B.E. 2535.
— NBT World (video)

Agency calls for 200 million baht to tackle Thailand’s unwanted pregnancies
An agency has proposed that Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) budgets 200 million baht to purchase and distribute condoms and contraceptive implants as a possible solution to the country’s unwanted pregnancies.
— The Thaiger

Silently swindled in an ageing society
Apart from maintaining good health and sticking to nutritious food, senior citizens today may need to be more vigilant as they could fall prey to people who want to steal their money and valuables.
— Bangkok Post (annoying pop-ups)

Phuket Opinion: That sinking feeling
The water crisis that spurred officials and the Phuket Governor into urgent action this week have shown the world the appalling state of the island’s basic infrastructure and just how unsustainable Phuket has been developed as a tourism destination.
— The Phuket News

Spraying water, burning bans to combat toxic dust in Khon Kaen
Actions are being taken to combat the high levels of hazardous dust particles currently prevailing in all 26 districts of this northeastern province, according to governor Somsak Jangtrakul.
— Bangkok Post (annoying pop-ups)

Governor orders Phuket dog shelter to ‘brace for influx’
Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana has ordered officials operating the Phuket Stray Dog Shelter in Thalang to prepare for a marked increase in the number of dogs arriving at the shelter once the campaign to eliminate rabies and round up all the unclaimed, infected dogs across the island begins in March.
— The Phuket News

Two nabbed with 6.4m meth pills in North
Police have arrested two men with a total of 6.4 million methamphetamine pills in two separate actions in this northern province, Pol Gen Chalermkiat Srivorakhan said in a press briefing on Sunday.
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)

Sightings of pink dolphins off coast of Nakhon Si Thammarat
A pink dolphin has made our Sunday better with these photos in the Gulf of Thailand. The breed is quite famous for the Gulf waters off Khanom in Nakhon Si Thammarat, near Koh Samui.
— The Thaiger

Thai AirAsia X flies to Brisbane June 2019. Thai Airways cut services to Australia.
Brisbane Airport announced that the low-cost carrier Thai AirAsia X would start operating from the Queensland capital flying to Bangkok four times a week from June 2019.
— The Thaiger

Speedboat collides with oil tanker off Phuket
Several Chinese tourists were injured, one seriously, when the speedboat taking them back to Phuket after a day on Koh Phi Phi struck a small oil tanker on Saturday afternoon.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Schools to drop 3 allowances for enrolment
MOST STATE schools will drop three special conditions for admission as part of an effort to end corruption.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Thailand election: Many hope vote ends military rule
When voters in Thailand head to the polls next month many will be hoping for an outcome that leads to improved human rights, particularly free speech.
— Al Jazeera

SCB to cut retail borrowers’ average DSR
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) will lower its retail borrowers’ average debt-servicing ratio (DSR) to 50% amid rising uncertainties and in compliance with the central bank’s requirement.
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)

Thailand Board of Investment Helps Promote Medical Robotics
Under its Thailand 4.0 vision, Thailand plans to leverage on its reputation and excellence in medical services and medical devices and strengthen its position as the regional medical hub.
— AEC News Today / PR Newswire (media release)

Where is the US-Thailand Alliance Amid the 2019 Cobra Gold Military Exercises?
This week, the United States and Thailand will kick off the 2019 iteration of the annual Cobra Gold exercises – an engagement that began as a bilateral drill between the two allies and has now grown into Asia’s largest multinational drill.
— The Diplomat

Prachachart vows to sweep all 11 House seats in deep south
The Prachachart Party aims to take all 11 House seats in 11 constituencies of the three Muslim-dominated southern provinces – Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat – in the March 24 election, party secretary-general Tawee Sodsong announced at a rally on Saturday night.
— Bangkok Post (annoying pop-ups)

Malaysia could play a ‘vital role’ in mediating the conflict between Thailand’s army and Muslim separatists – but will the junta allow it?
Peace talks to end a 15-year war in Thailand’s southernmost provinces between Muslim guerilla fighters and the army hit a snag last weekend, when Bangkok’s new peace negotiator did not turn up for a scheduled meeting.
— South China Morning Post

Sena lines up 22 projects
SET-listed Sena Development Plc plans to launch 22 new residential projects worth a combined 24 billion baht in 2019.
— Bangkok Post (annoying pop-ups)

Govt’s PM2.5 plans
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, took the opportunity this weekend to highlight its measures to tackle the problem of PM2.5, or particulate matter, in Bangkok and its vicinity, as well as in various provinces.
— NNT

Student satirists deliver their annual kick
Colourful floats took aim at politics, pollution and persecution at the annual Thammasat-Chula football match on Saturday afternoon at the National Stadium in Bangkok.
— Bangkok Post (annoying popups)

Ministry of Commerce is organizing 63rd Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair
The Ministry of Commerce is organizing the 63rd Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair to serve as a trading platform that brings together businesses involved in the gem and jewelry industry from around the world to expand their operations in procuring raw materials, trading and building networks.
— NBT World (video)

Somkid wants continued growth during political transition
The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs has asked the Ministry of Commerce to make sure the Thai economy continues to grow during political transitions.
— NBT World (video)

Saudi ban on travel to Thailand lifted with restrictions
The Saudi authorities have lifted the ban on travelling to Thailand under restrictions, said Almarsd.
— Gulf Digital News

Horror on Thailand beach as two headless bodies and a woman’s head wash up
Two headless bodies and a woman’s head have washed up on a popular tourist beach in Thailand.
— News.com.au (video)

Junta Rule Challenged as Unis Clash on the Field (Photos)
No subtlety was spared Saturday at an annual athletic contest between students of two top national universities. Chulalongkorn University students made a huge statement during the annual varsity football match with Thammasat University, fielding floats and audience placards to …
— Khaosod English

14 arrested in crackdown on money-lending network
Fourteen suspects were arrested for racketeering after police raided 30 locations in Bangkok and surrounding provinces in a crackdown on the Yai Jeab illegal money-lending network on Friday.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Contract plan upsets Exat staff
Thousands of employees at the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) have signed a petition opposing the board’s decision to offer extended contracts to Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) in exchange…
— Bangkok Post (annoying pop-ups)

Giving something back
The height of glamour, the Bangkok Chefs Charity Gala Dinner is an affair marked by dazzling attire and luxurious food.
— Bangkok Post (annoying pop-ups)

VIDEO: British pianist performs at Thai Elephant Sanctuary
PHOTO: Tree Hugger Paul Barton is a British classical pianist who seems to have made some new friends. At the Elephants World Retirement Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi province in Thailand, Barton has gotten himself a rather ‘big’ fanclub.
— The Thaiger

Feature photo ILO in Asia and the Pacific

This week’s Thailand morning news feature photo acknowledges International Day of Women and Girls in Science, February 11.

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 February 11 added by John Le Fevre on February 11, 2019
View all posts by John Le Fevre →

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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.