News
- Updates related to COVID-19:
- Today Thailand reports a newly confirmed cases, a total of 3,158 cases. Out of the total number, 3,038 have been discharged from hospital (or at 96.2%); 62 are being hospitalised. The death toll is at 58. The new case arrived from Egypt and has been in state quarantine. This is the 31st consecutive days that there is no local transmission in Thailand.
- At the National Infectious Disease Committee meeting yesterday, the head of Disease Control Department said in the first stage of travel bubble, Thailand aims to sign an MoU with COVID low risk countries like New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Taiwan and with some Chinese cities.
Politics
- Deputy PM Somkid delivered a keynote speech at the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives yesterday with a strong political message by saying that “If the present team cannot get the job done, they should not stay on” and that “If the new team has no ideas about how to do it, or cannot do it, then don’t come. “What is the point of change?”. It is reported that the economic czar and 3 ministers under his wing will very likely be sacked in the next cabinet reshuffle, as they lost their leadership in the main ruling Palang Pracharat Party.
- PM Prayut attended the opening ceremony of Chao Phraya Sky Park — the first public park over the Chao Phraya River yesterday. He said that he would like to be a bridge for the people to cross-over.
- Yesterday, as activists held an anniversary of the revolution in 1932, the army organised its own ceremony to mark the anniversary with a religious ceremony for pro-monarchy rebels who attempted to restore the king’s absolute rule. Army Chief Apirat has ordered this unprecedented ceremony.
Business
- Thailand’s export in May declined to the lowest in 4 years by -22.5 percent YoY, and import by -34.4 percent, resulting in a USD 2.69 billion trade surplus. In steep decline was Thailand’s export of automobile and parts (-62.6 percent), while gold export surged (+735 percent). This led Commerce Ministry to admit that Thailand’s annual export may shrink by more than 5 percent. From January – May, Thai export contracted by 3-.71 percent (USD 97.9 billion) and import by -11.6 percent (USD 88.8 billion), leaving a trade surplus of USD 9.09 billion. Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1940612/state-agrees-export-dip-exceeds-5-
- The Bank of Thailand (BOT) kept its policy rate on hold at 0.50 percent yesterday to preserve policy space. It forecasted steeper GDP contraction of 8.1 percent for 2020; worse than the 1997 Tom Yum Kung crisis. The Thai economy will hit rock bottom in Q2 with a double-digit decline, but will rebound in 2021 by 5 percent. For 2020, export is projected to decline by 10.3 percent, for which the central bank will continue to monitor the Baht appreciation. Tourist arrival is projected to shrivel to 8 million. Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1940620/bot-forecasts-record-contraction
- A 310-billion-Baht agricultural rehabilitation scheme will be implemented this month, of which 50 billion Baht will directly support the rehabilitation and 260 billion will be offered as soft loan by the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BACC). Collectively, the scheme will create new SMEs and build up their supply chain, while creating 200,000 technology savvy farm workers and supporting 16,000 farming communities as well as 7,255 agricultural cooperatives. Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1940676/b310bn-farm-rehab-scheme-to-begin https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/news/detail/886471
- The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has signed an MoU with the Department of Airports (DoA) to support 5G technology for its regional airports, with Krabi airport serving as a pilot project. The move is part of the smart airport project. AIS, True Move and Huawei collaborate on providing the 5G solution. Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1940568/nbtc-signs-deal-with-airports-to-back-5g
- About 100 businessmen per day from Japan – the largest foreign investor in Thailand – will be among the first foreigners allowed back into Thailand as the lockdown eases. Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) confirmed that Japan will continue resuming their businesses in Thailand and that thousands of Japanese businessmen wish to return to Thailand. Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30390233 https://www.thansettakij.com/content/business/439660
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has appointed permanent Secretary Anant Suwanrat to chair the taskforce for agricultural development in the EEC. The task force aims to promote the use of modern technology to promote the marketing and processing of agricultural products; use market demand to guide manufacturing plans and develop 5 basic cluster groups. Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30390201
- The Transport Ministry is calling for relevant agencies to launch a master plan to construct 8 new motorways that will run parallel with rail routes, to better improve transport links with neighbouring countries. The routes are grouped into two clusters, namely the North-South line and the East-West line. Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1940500/govt-pushes-mega-motorway-plan
ASEAN/World
- Former DPM and FM Surakiat Sathirathai published his opinion piece in Bangkok Post on Peace, security in Asia is possible if the will is there.
- A media interviewed the 3rd Army Area Commander about the discover of armoury cache near Mae Sot District, Tak province. The commander said the armoury might involves three possible groups: illicit drug, illegal labours and those with political motives. The commander said that part of M79 grenade launchers which were widely used to stir political turmoils in Bangkok in early 2010s are reportedly from this area. The media asked about the Chinese special economic zone in Shwe Kokko town. The commander said the investment may impact Thailand security on employment, illegal gambling and transnational crime.—Inside Thailand Thai News Agency.
