Two dead, 14 hurt in Pattani blast
Two people were killed and 14 others wounded in a motorcycle bomb attack near a fresh market in Nong Chik district of Pattani Monday afternoon, police said.
— Bangkok Post
Chiang Mai victory gives bloc zero political gain
The anti-regime alliance has no reason to celebrate the Future Forward Party’s (FFP’s) landslide victory in a Chiang Mai by-election, thanks to the Election Commission’s MP calculation method, which will also add two seats to the pro-regime side – giving them a net gain of one seat.
— Bangkok Post
4 days later, Sattahip authorities aid homeless outside district office
Sattahip authorities came to the aid of a homeless woman begging for food and water in front of the district office for four days. After watching the dirty, hungry unidentified woman camping out at a pavilion on the beach in front of his office for nearly a week, Deputy District Chief Pikul Sopa …
— Pattaya Mail
Thailand passes ICAO inspections
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) said Thailand achieved an effective implementation of standards score of 65.07%, which exceeds the minimum pass threshold of 60% set by United Nations’ aviation watchdog.
— Bangkok Post
Thai researchers win international awards
Thai researchers have won international awards for inventions under support of the National Research Council.
— NNT
PPRP dangles cabinet posts
With negotiations to forge a coalition government ongoing, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) spelled out on Monday which cabinet portfolios the mid-sized Democrat and Bhumjaithai parties would be offered if they were to join its ranks, according to political sources.
— Bangkok Post
Tourists number projection remains at 40 million
The University of the Thai Chambers of Commerce’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting is still positive the total number of visitors to Thailand this year will reach 40 million from campaigns promoting tourism in local cities and the extension of VISA on Arrival fees waiver.
— NNT
So who wields influence now?
The passing of Privy Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda is unlikely to diminish the political power wielded by the “three military brothers” led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, according to a military source.
— Bangkok Post
Smoking rate on the rise despite govt efforts
More than 70,000 Thais die from smoking-related illnesses each year, and the number of new smokers – some as young as 10 years old – is on the rise, despite the country’s decades-long effort to curb smoking rates, which was initiated by the late Privy Council president, Prem Tinsulanonda.
— Bangkok Post
Thai authorities to help migrant workers renew expired permits
Senior officials at the Interior Ministry yesterday said Thai authorities will review expired permits of 300,000 migrant workers.
— Khmer Times
Five cannabis drugs set for debut
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine hopes to distribute two traditional medicines and three ready-to-mix recipes that contain cannabis to hospitals and traditional medicine practitioners next month, assuming it can obtain enough of the extract.
— Bangkok Post
Prem Tinsulanonda: Man who let his action do the talking
For someone whose name was largely associated with “half-baked democracy”, to be generally accepted as a “statesman” is unique.
— Thai PBS News
Stellar fleet line-up on Day 1 of Samui Regatta, Thailand
Samui Regatta is a highlight event on the regional regatta circuit that attracts a high calibre fleet of boats and sailors from around Asia to enjoy some top racing off the tropical island, followed by nightly prize-givings on the beach.
— The Thaiger
Cabinet to give nod to draft rail deal
The cabinet is set to approve a draft joint venture contract for the 225-billion-baht high-speed train development project linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-tapao airports at its meeting today.
— Bangkok Post
Regional UN policy forum calls for greater empowerment, inclusion of marginalized groups
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) opened its 75th session in Bangkok on Monday, with global and regional leaders calling for greater empowerment and inclusion of marginalized groups to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
— Xinhuanet
Met Office forecasts heavy rain this week
The Meteorological Department expects heavy rain in many areas this week due to the southwest monsoon bringing seasonal weather to much of the nation, but especially in the western regions.
— Pattaya Mail
PM: Govt accelerates solutions to people’s problems
The Prime Minister has reiterated that the government has implemented solutions to the problems of people in the community, despite the transition period. He pointed out that the prices of palm oil and rubber have gradually gone up thanks to the government measures.
— NNT
Thailand-Laos forest planting activity held
Thung Chang district in Nan province of Thailand has held an ASEAN forest planting activity as part of the campaign promoting security and strength in villages along Thailand-Laos border, enhancing both countries’ relations.
— Vietnamplus
Pattaya again patches up flood-battered beach
Pattaya again has been patching huge holes in its rebuilt beachfront caused by poor storm-drainage management.
— Pattaya Mail
Asean MP group urges end to political ‘harassment’
Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) have urged Thai authorities to end their harassment of Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and to refrain undermining anti-military parties in Parliament.
— Bangkok Post
Volunteers divers collect 230kg of trash off Phuket
A team of volunteer divers assisted the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) in collecting 230kg of trash from the sea at Koh Mai Thon and Koh Hae in Phuket over the past weekend.
— The Phuket News
Was Prem Tinsulonanda a hero or scoundrel? Reactions are split.
To some, he was a political hero who safeguarded the nation’s critical institutions. To others, he was an authoritarian who enabled dictators.
— Coconuts (paywall)
Alibaba in talks for WHA EEC land
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group is vying to build up its footprint in Thailand by negotiating with WHA Corporation for the latter’s industrial estate land in Chachoengsao.
— Bangkok Post
Does this tweet mean we’ve hit peak Thanathorn, Thailand?
No further sign is needed that hamfisted attempts to take down Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juanroonruangkit have only made him more popular than the fact a photo of him eating noodles is one of the hottest things online…
— Coconuts (paywall)
Golden Land goes sleepless
SET-listed developer Golden Land Property Development Plc looks set to launch the first 24-hour retail site in inner Bangkok at mixed-use complex Samyan Mitrtown in September, planning to tap rising demand from the younger generation, including students, freelancers and first-time workers.
— Bangkok Post
Nan holds Thailand-Laos forest planting activity
Thung Chang district in Nan province has held an ASEAN forest planting activity as part of the campaign promoting security and strength in villages along Thailand-Laos border, enhancing both countries’ relations.
— NNT
Issan goods on sale at Central Festival show
Ubon Ratchathani officials have brought their Issan-made products roadshow to Pattaya to help Northeast residents earn some extra cash.
— Pattaya Mail
Prem willed his fortune to help the poor: aide
Late Privy Council president and statesman Prem Tinsulanonda before his death expressed his intention to donate all his money and assets to help the poor, his close aide said on Monday.
— Bangkok Post
‘We need more time’, Democrats tell Palang Pracharath
Democrat Party members remain undecided even after the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) on Monday formally invited it to join its coalition, according to its secretary-general.
— Bangkok Post
Toxic chemicals responsible for port fire and evacuation of locals
Highly flammable toxic chemicals found inside the burned out cargo at Laem Chabang Seaport in Chon Buri, just north of Pattaya, hadn’t been declared.
— The Thaiger
International media report death of statesman Prem Tinsulanonda
Recognized as one of Thailand’s most influential political figures, Gen Prem Tinsulanonda’s death was reported worldwide.
— Thai PBS News
King saddened by loss of the nation’s great benefactor
His Majesty the King has acknowledged, with great sadness, the loss of General Prem Tinsulanonda, whom he described as a great national benefactor, according to an announcement from the Royal…
— Thai PBS News
SCB launches open API
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) has become Thailand’s first bank to launch an open application programming interface (API), allowing software developers and corporations to develop new services integrated with banking activities.
— Bangkok Post
Dream home becomes more elusive
Dreams of purchasing a second home or speculative investment in condo units have been stymied by tighter mortgage lending rules, with the consequences still being assessed.
— Bangkok Post property
Road Rage incident on Soi Khao Noi causes man to wave a gun at van full of Chinese tourists.
Pattaya- A 50-year-old tour van driver has made an official police and court complaint against a 38-year-old Thai man regarding a road rage incident on Soi Khao Noi on May 21 in which the 38-year-old man brandished a firearm and pointed it at the van full of Chinese tourists, terrifying them.
— The Pattaya News
Photo of the Day
The pro-Prayut Palang Pracharat party’s invitation to the Democrats was extended by party leader Uttama Savanayana and core party members, namely Somsak Thepsuthin, Suriya Juangroongruangkit and party secretary-general Sontirat Sontijirawong,…
— Thai PBS News
Pheu Thai-led alliance vows to fight on to end junta’s pursuit for power
The Pheu Thai-led coalition of seven parties today reaffirmed their determination to stop the junta and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in their efforts to retain power.
— Thai PBS News
Thailand’s pro-army party seeks allies to cement power
Two Thai political parties have been invited to join a new government led by military junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha as prime minister, a pro-army party said on Monday, more than two months after a disputed election.
— Reuters
Phuket marks third-highest hand, foot and mouth disease infection rate in the country
The Ministry of Public Health is calling on parents and schools to be on the lookout for hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) – a mild, contagious viral infection common in young children – with Phuket as of Friday (May 24) having the third-highest infection rate in the country.
— The Phuket News
Democrats receive official invitation to join Palang Pracharat
PHOTO: Thai PBS Palang Pracharat have sent an official invitation to the Democrats to join their party.
— The Thaiger
Pattaya officials looking to limit pet ownership
Pattaya Mail are reporting that there’s been a renewed push to limit the number of pets residents can keep and make registration compulsory in Pattaya.
— The Thaiger
Pattaya yoga festival aims for world record
The 7th International Yoga Festival showcased five types of competitions, academic conference, workshops and lots of yoga enthusiasts.
— Pattaya Mail
Thai army honors General Prem with national flag draped over his remains
The body of Thailand’s statesman General Prem Tinsulanonda will be covered by the Thai national flag as it is to be moved from Phra Mongkulklao hospital to Wat Benjamaborpit at…
— Thai PBS News
About 100 Burmese teenagers with knives gather near Patong beach
About 100 Burmese teenagers armed with knives were gathered near Patong’s beach in Loma Park just after midnight (Monday).
— The Thaiger
Future Forward scores landslide win in Chiang Mai’s election re-run
The Future Forward party won an additional constituency seat in the election re-run in Constituency 8 of Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Mai on Sunday, bringing its total House seats…
— Thai PBS News
Southern violence kills 3, injures 4
A bomb killed a policeman and injured four others in Songkhla’s Chana district while gunmen shot dead two paramilitary rangers in Narathiwat’s Bacho district on Sunday evening.
— Bangkok Post
Airport digital revenue eyed
SET-listed Samart Telcoms (Samtel), an ICT solutions provider, aims to raise revenue derived from airport digital solutions to 25% of total revenue by 2022 from 17% expected this year.
— Bangkok Post
Thai officials: US won’t tariff auto exports
Shipments of Thailand’s automobiles and auto parts are unlikely to face penalty tariffs by the US because the export values are deemed insignificant.
— Bangkok Post
Dusit Thani lines up B2.6bn expansion
Dusit Thani Plc plans to splurge at least 2.6 billion baht to expand its hotel and residential business over the next 1-2 years.
— Bangkok Post property
Princess Sirindhorn presides over bathing rite for Prem
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on Monday bestowed bathing water for the Privy Council president and statesman.
— Bangkok Post
Nui and Freedom Beach buildings to be demolished within two months
After a drawn out dispute between locals and business owners, the Royal Forest Department yesterday (May 26) confirmed that all illegally built structures on Nui Beach and Freedom Beach in Karon will be demolished within two months.
— The Phuket News
Police check video to find bombers after attack near Jana district rail station
Police investigators have been checking CCTV footage, captured at and behind Jana district railway station in Thailand’s southern province of Songkhla, for clues to the identity of suspects following an…
— Thai PBS News
Ramadan in the workplace: accommodating diversity
The Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan is now drawing towards its close. The duration of the month depends on the lunar calendar, and therefore varies somewhat each year.
— Bangkok Post
For electric vehicles, tire inflation and efficiency go hand in hand
What if there were a way to increase an electric vehicle’s (EV’s) energy efficiency by 3 to 7 percent? A recent ExxonMobil study has revealed that proper tire inflation can do just that.
— Bangkok Post
Toon hopes for huge turnout on new run for small hospitals
Artiwara “Toon” Kongmalai will hit the road again next month, and he expects a big crowd of runners to join his latest project to help underfunded small and mid-sized hospitals.
— Bangkok Post
Anti-Junta Rappers Awarded Creative Dissent Prize
An international civil rights group has awarded a creativity award to the artists behind a viral rap video lambasting Thailand’s junta and justice system.
— Khaosod English
Festival of tradition honours King
Bangkok nights are filled with joy as Mahorasop Sompoch performances are staged at Sanam Luang, during a week of festivities to celebrate the coronation of King Rama X.
— Bangkok Post
Guinness World Record attempt at this years Bikini Beach Run on June 8th at 10:00AM
Central Festival Pattaya- The annual and popular Bikini Beach Run will be taking place on June 8th, 2019, at 10:00 AM. This year, the organizers are making an official attempt to have the largest amount of people running in bikinis in the world!
— The Pattaya News
Police raid fails to stop Ekkamai condo’s Chinese Airbnb listings
Numerous Airbnb listings remained active today for an Ekkamai condo raided by the cops and allegedly used as an unlicensed hotel by Chinese operators.
— Coconuts (paywall)
Scheduled power outage in Kathu
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has announced that the electricity supply will be temporarily shut off in parts of Kathu on Tuesday (May 28) as work is carried out on installing new high-voltage cables.construction
— The Phuket News
Tourist Police raid the C Ekkamai condo to arrest people running rooms as ‘hotel’ – Bangkok
Follow up to a story last week where residents of a condo tower in Bangkok were complaining that many of the rooms were being run as a quasi-hotel.
— The Thaiger
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Feature photo Thailand Government PRD
This week’s Thailand morning news feature photo acknowledges World No-Tobacco Day, May 31.
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. Due to The Nation‘s habit of hijacking urls and diverting them to promotion pages we no longer include it in our clippings.
Thailand morning news for May 28 added by John Le Fevre on
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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)
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- 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