Headlines summary as of 14 August 2020

News

• Updates related to COVID-19:
  • Today, Thailand reports 17 newly confirmed case, a total of 3,376 cases. Out of the total number, 3,173 have been discharged from hospital (at 93.99%); 145 are being hospitalised. The death toll is at 58. The newly confirmed cases are Thais returned from the US (1), India (15) and Australia (1). This is the 81st consecutive day that there is no local transmission in Thailand.

Politics

• Yesterday, the PM held a national televised address calling the nation to get over ‘old politics’ and unite to weather the recession storm. The PM laid out the reason to appoint non-politician to be ministers as part of the Ruam Thai Sarng Chart’s goal to involve talent from every part of society.—all media outlet (for the full English translation of the speech: Public Relations Department)
• In the weekly cabinet meeting, the PM has assigned tasks for the newly appointed Deputy PM as followed—Siam Rath (DPM Anutin moved up the acting order from no.4 to no.3, replacing DPM Jurin).

Acting PM Order	Name	Quota/ party	Responsibilities
1	Gen Prawit Wongsuwan	PPRP	Digital Economy Ministry Natural Resources Ministry Interior Ministry Labour Ministry
2	Wissanu Krea-ngam	PM	Justice Ministry (except DSI) Culture Ministry Education Ministry + Industry Ministry
3	Anutin Charnvirakul	Bhumjaithai party	Tourism and Sports Ministry Transport Ministry Public Health Ministry
4	Jurin Laksanawisit	Democrat	Commerce Ministry Agriculture Ministry Human Security and Social Development Ministry
5	Don Pramudwinai	PM	Foreign Ministry Higher Education Ministry
6	Supattanapong Punmeechaow	PM	Finance Ministry Energy Minister +EEC policy office

• The reason why DPM Wissanu is getting more responsibility to look after the Industry ministry is due to the tribunal of Australian Akra gold mine. As a law expert, having Wissanu in the position would help the cabinet to weather through this big legal process, according to a source.—Krungthep Turakij
• The issue of political amnesty is back on bulletin:
  • A coalition Democrat MP Thepthai discussed the study by the House committee on law, justice, and human rights that he would like to propose to bring the 2007 Constitution back in as an impromptu constitution while allowing the drafting committee to draft a new constitution. He also propose an amnesty of political offenders, including those who were charged with Article 112 lèse-majesté as the PM had said that it is not the current King’s intention to charge anyone with this law.—The Standard
• The issues related to student protests are still on high agenda:
  • Former Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn gave an interview saying that the student protestors’ demands would create a harmonious condition for the constitutional monarchy regime. He warned protestors to rationalise the demands and need to leave some spaces for the more conservative wings to manoeuvre.
  • One senior Palang Pracharat MP told Thai Enquirer that many members within the government would feel uncomfortable and would find it hard to continue to serve the government should there be a bloody crackdown. The MP said that other senior figures in the coalition “don’t want to be another Abhisit [Vejjajiva] or Suthep [Thaugsuban] and be known to the people as murderers”.
  • Dr Supat Hasuwannakit, the director of Chana Hospital in the Southern province of Songkla posted on his social media said he truly regretted joining the People’s Democratic Reform Committee which led to and legitimised the 2014 coup. He posted that he now realised there is no shortcut to the big changes in Thai society, all national government or transitional government are nothing but a form of autocratic regime.–ThaiPBS
  • The PM said yesterday that authorities are looking to identify people and its financial sources who rallied for monarchy reforms at Thammasat University on Monday. The PM said most of Thai people can’t bear with this direct rally against the monarchy.—all media outlet
  • Deputy Police spokesperson denied the rumour that the police has issued an arrest order against Parit Chiwarak, vocal student activist on violating the lese majeste law. The spokesperson said it is accurate that local police in Loei province has received the complaint and now compiling evidences.–ThaiPBS
  • The Free People Movement is beating the drums for this Sunday’s protest at the Democracy Monument from 3.00-9.00pm with three demands (drafting a new constitution; dissolving the parliament; and stopping the harassment of dissidents); two standpoints (no coup d’etat; and no (royally endorsed) national reconciliation government) and one dream (for Thailand to have the truly constitutional monarchy).
  • The student protests have garnered more support from younger entertainment stars with their social media posts demanding for the protection of freedom of expression, human rights and the cease of dissident’s harassment.—The Standard POP

Business:

Cabinet’s Decisions – 13 August 2020

• Establish an Economic Situation Administration Centre, chaired by PM Prayut, to supervise the government’s economic rehabilitation efforts.  The centre comprises 22 committees, represented by economic ministers, the Interior and Labour ministries, the central bank governor and the heads of three private-sector organisations.  It will convene its first meeting on Wednesday 19 August
• Set up a committee to oversee economic management, chaired by former Deputy Transport Minister Pailin Chuchotthaworn, who is currently an adviser to PM Prayut
• Approved 3 projects worth 1.11 billion Baht, allocated from the 400-billion-Baht budget set aside for economic and social rehabilitation
• Approved for 2.6 billion Baht to pay health volunteers for their contributions in containing the pandemic for 7 months (March-Sept) at the rate of 500 Baht monthly.  This is allocated from the central budget.
• Approved 11.8 billion Baht from the central budget to address drought and flood problems nationwide.  This fund is reserved for emergency purposes and will be used to finance 14 projects run by five agencies.

Sources:  Bangkok Post   Bangkok Post  Thansettakij Naewna

Others

• The government has a combined annual fiscal budget of 758 billion Baht for the government’s new economic team to combat the pandemic for FY 2020 and 2021.  There are four main portions contributing to this sum.  The first portion (180 billion Baht) is allocated from the 1-trillion Baht loan decree.  The second portion (350 billion Baht) is from the 400 billion Baht economic and social rehabilitation budget.  The third batch (88 billion Baht) comes from an act related to the fiscal 2020 budget transfer and the fourth batch (140 billion Baht) is allocated from fiscal 2021 budget for pandemic remedy measures.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• Thailand’s total Durian export from January – June 2020 is valued at USD1.14 billion (35.45 billion Baht), which marked a 73 percent growth YoY.  Commerce Ministry further revealed that export to China surged by 140 percent YoY, valued at USD1.02 billion Baht and accounted for 73 percent of Thailand’s total Durian export.  Department of Trade Negotiations attributes this increase to free trade agreements that are making Thai Durians more competitive in foreign markets.  Sources:  The Nation  Prachachat Turakij
• Thailand claimed the title of “least miserable” economy according to Bloomberg Misery Index.  It is based on Bloomberg surveys of economists’ estimates for 2020 price growth and joblessness in each economy, in which inflation and employment rate are used to define a happy economy.  Source:  Bloomberg
• Commerce Ministry’s Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN) organised a series of public hearing seminars entitled ‘Thailand’s Next Steps after RCEP’, asserting that Thailand plans to complete RCEP negotiations in August before seeking the approvals of the cabinet and parliament in October.  By November, Thailand expects to be able to officially sign RCEP Agreement at the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit.  DTN’s Director-General Auramon will organise seminars throughout September in various regions of Thailand to promote RCEP as an instrument in jumpstarting the Thai economy and attracting investment in the post-COVID19 period.  Sources:  The Nation Thansettakij
• Savings deposits at the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives are edging up as a result of the government’s 5,000-baht cash handout for 3 months to those affected by the outbreak.  The BAAC aims to have net savings deposits of 65 billion Baht, up from the existing 30 billion Baht, for the fiscal year 2021.  Source:  Bangkok Post

Opinion

• A Thai social activist, professor and according to many ‘royalist’, Sulak Sivaraksa voiced his support on the student protests’ 10 propositions on monarchical reform. He said the groups that are against the students’ monarchical reforms are nothing but a ‘far-right’ group who are “more monarchical than the monarch himself”. He suggests a way forward for Thais who are critical to the King is to view the King as a human who has strengths and weaknesses.—101 World
• Parit Wacharasindhu, a former MP candidate for the Democrat Party, wrote an article pointing the Senate as an institution that “symbolizes and encapsulates all that is wrong with the current political system”. He suggested that “only in abolishing the Senate will we strike at the root cause of the existing political problem”. He said that abolishing the Senate is the minimum reform to satisfy the protestors and anything more than this might be difficult to get the consensus even amongst the democratic wing in the society. —Thai Enquirer

Headlines summary as of 12 August 2020

News

• Updates related to COVID-19:
  • Today, Thailand reports five newly confirmed case, a total of 3,356 cases. Out of the total number, 3,169 have been discharged from hospital (at 94.43%); 129 are being hospitalised. The death toll is at 58. The newly confirmed cases are people returned from the US, India and Egypt. This is the 79th consecutive day that there is no local transmission in Thailand.
  • Tomorrow, all educational institutions in Thailand will return their study timetable to normalcy, with heightened public health measures.—all media outlet
  • Department of Disease Control told the press yesterday that they got contact from the Japanese authority that a Japanese national who travelled back from Thailand is tested COVID positive. Public Health officials are tracing the potential transmission.—all media outlet

Politics

• The ‘Thammasat and Protest’ group announced the cancellation of today’s protest at Lumphini Park for fear of potential violence from the third party.—Isra News
• Seven newly-appointed cabinet members gathered at the Government House before taking an oath to HM the King today.—The Reporters
• The student protest on Monday has drawn a lot of reactions from many sectors:
  • The PM said in a brief media interview that the protest “really went too far”. The PM said “There are a lot of people in trouble waiting for their problems to get fixed, not just the young people. So is doing all of this appropriate?”.–Reuters
  • In response to the student protests, the PM announced that the working panel will hold national wide discussion sessions with the ‘younger generation’ starting mid-August. Then, the result of each discussion will be summarised and send to the PM.—Than Settakij
  • Main Opposition Pheu Thai Party’s chief strategist discouraged the student movement’s 10 monarchy reform propositions, citing this would adversely lead to violence and , potentially, a coup d’état.—Siam Rath
  • Former Democrat MP candidate, Mr Parit Wacharasindhu posted on his Facebook account giving morale support towards the student protestors.—Thai Post
  • The Defence Ministry spokesperson told the press that security apparatus concerns that the students monarchy reform demands are sensitive issue and could lead to confrontation.—Wassana nanuam

Business:

Face Masks

• Commerce Ministry permits for locally-manufactured face masks to be sold to the public from 11 August onward, with the retail price capped at 2.50 Baht per piece.  This is because there is currently an oversupply of 1.2 million face masks, which exceeds the needs of medical staff, patients and risk groups of 2.3 million pieces per day.  The oversupply is also attributable to Thailand currently importing 20 million face masks, while the number of local production facilities has increased substantially with a combined production capacity of 4.5 million masks per day. However, the ban on face mask export is still in place in preparation for future COVID-19 outbreaks.  Source:  Thansettakij

Others

• A survey by the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce reveals that Thailand is no longer in a position to compete with neighbouring countries in terms of wage costs, investment incentives and international trade preferences.  Results show that foreign companies are opting to relocate to Vietnam and Myanmar, with Vietnam expected to draw investments from China due to its border advantages. 
• Thailand’s advantages remain its skilled labour, advanced infrastructure and manufacturing industries as well as its capability in containing the pandemic outbreak.  Disadvantages include political instability and high wages.  UTCC urges Thailand to focus on promoting its image as a production hub for health products such as rubber gloves, medical devices and supplements. 
• In Thailand, UTCC expects Chinese investors to remain active in expanding investment in electronics and IT, Japanese investors on office supplies and air conditioners and Malaysian operators in hard disk drives.  Source:  Bangkok Post   Thansettakij

• The Board of Investment expects to help 4,000 Thai and foreign companies form business partnerships this year through two international events, although this is half of last year’s tally.  The events will feature a mix of online digital technology and ordinary trade show, to be held from 23-26 September.  The events include Subcon Thailand, notably ASEAN’s largest international industrial subcontracting event and Intermach, an innovative machinery showcase.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• Local airlines are gearing up for fierce competition to capture limited domestic demand, with Thai AirAsia (TAA) planning to fly from both at Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi airports with 4 new domestic routes from 25 September.  Thai Vietjet also sets sight on covering 13 domestic routes to 11 destinations nationwide.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) has approved of 7.7 billion Baht, or 32 percent of its 20 billion Baht emergency loan to assist households with their expenses amid the coronavirus crisis. The bank’s emergency loans have a fixed monthly interest rate of 0.1% and a credit line of up to 10,000 baht per borrower.  No collateral is needed and the repayment period is 2 years and 6 months.  Source:  Bangkok Post

Opinion

• Krungthep Turakij editorial recommended the government to reduce all the causes that would stir the protestors even further. The editorial also recommended the student protests to take a careful stance on issues involving monarchy.—Krungthep Turakij
• Move Forward Party leader gave an interview with 101 World on ‘Inconvenient Truth’, providing support for the Thammasat University student movement. MP Pita said that the student’s 10 demands are within the constitutional guaranteed freedom.—101 World

Headlines summary as of 11 August 2020

News

·         Updates related to COVID-19:

• Today, Thailand reports no newly confirmed case, a total of 3,351 cases. Out of the total number, 3,163 have been discharged from hospital (at 94.39%); 130 are being hospitalised. The death toll is at 58. This is the 78th consecutive day that there is no local transmission in Thailand.
• The appeal court has ruled in accordance with the trail court in punishing 6 months jail term without suspension upon the construction tycoon Mr Premchai for the illicit possession of rifles.—Thai Post

Politics

• The student protest marked another unprecedented milestone as around 3,000-4,000 students (according to AP and Reuters) at Thammasat University, Rangsit campus openly criticised the monarchy which some of the protestors claimed has gone beyond the constitutional monarchy regime has allowed.
• The representative(s) from the German Embassy in Bangkok went to observe the demonstration.—Thai Rath
• Mr Pavin, Thai political dissent who is taking refuge in Japan, appeared on stage via video recording supporting the student protest demands.
• A ‘Thammasat and Protest’ group read their 10 demands for the monarchy, including the demand for the monarch not to pen down endorsement for any further coup d’état and aligning the budget for the monarchy with economic conditions, banning the monarch from expressing political opinions.
• The group announced they will hold a demonstration at Lumphini Park from 5.00pm on 12 August. (However, the post (at 11.20am) does no longer have the wording on tomorrow protest)
• This morning the PM said he closely followed the protest and that he does feel unease with this.—Daily News, Krungthep Turakij
• An expert in Thai politics Kevin Hewison at the University of North Carolina said the protest at Thammasat University “has evolved into the first movement that directly links the monarchy to the regime. It’s historic.”–Bloomberg
• Pro-government groups began to ask for responsibility of the University’s executive for allowing this inflammatory demonstration to take place. The vice rector Parinya said he apologise that this has happened. When the organiser wrote down the request form, the students mentioned only to criticise the government.–ThaiPBS
• A vocal Senator Mr Khumnoon spoke this morning requesting the government to hold an ad hoc Parliamentary session to discuss the student protests in order to avoid the political conflict as occurred in bloodshed 6 October 1976.
• Former Thammasat University academia and pro-government think tank member Mr Suvinai posted on his Facebook Page that there is now a movement in Twitter to stir student protestors to break into the Chulalongkorn University after the protest in Lumphini Park.
• Yesterday, the pro-government protest “the Coordination Centre of Vocational Students for the Protection of National Institutions” gathered in front of the Parliament. The group said they will set up centre in every province to monitor the anti-monarchical actions.
• Deputy PM Wissanu said that the seven newly appointed cabinet members will join the weekly cabinet meeting on Thursday after taking the Oath (apparently on tomorrow).–Matichon
• The Interior Minister said in a Senate meeting that the Ministry is not yet ready to hold the local elections as the Election Commission staffs are not ready in training local staffs. Minister Anupong said that after COVID-19, the election stations need to be equipped with temperature checking machine and hand-gels which would also take time to procure.–Matichon

Business:

• Social Security Office (SSO) is considering extending low-interest loans to registered workers affected by the pandemic since the arrangement currently extends only to employers.  SSO is also considering allowing subscribers of Social Security Fund to withdraw money from retirement fund to alleviate their economic hardship.  However, this practice is currently prohibited by law and would take time to revise.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• Japan Credit Rating Agency’s assessment describes Thailand’s economic outlook as ‘stable’.  It rated Thailand’s long-term government bonds at A- and the Baht currency at A despite the projection that Thailand’s economy would contract by 8 percent.  Source:  National News Bureau of Thailand fb page, 9 August
• Federation of Thai Industries contended that the government may need to borrow an additional 1 trillion Baht to address the impacts of COVID-19, which could be spent on boosting grassroot economy.  Source: Bangkok Post
• Tourism Authority of Thailand projects that in the worst-case-scenario, the tourism sector could generate 676.7billion Baht worth of revenue in 2021; notably a 9 percent decline from the previous worst-case scenario forecast for this year and a 75 percent drop from 3 trillion Baht earned in 2019 year.  At best, tourism is expected to generate 1.52 trillion Baht of revenue in 2021.  Source:  The Nation
• Thai Airways and Thai Smile became the first Thai carriers to receive the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) accreditation.  SHA is a partnership between the Ministry of Public health, Tourism and Sports, Tourism Authority of Thailand and the private sector to develop Thai tourism post-COVID19.  Source:  National News Bureau fb page, 9 August
• The Trade Competition Commission (OTC) is setting guidelines for online food delivery services to prevent unfair trade practices and keep online food delivery platforms from taking advantage of restaurants.  The draft guideline is completed will be open to public hearing.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• Tourism and Sports Ministry will propose to the Center for COVId-19 Situation Administration the opening of 5 islands, namely Phuket, Phi Phi, Samui, Pha Ngan and Tao since the areas could be easily monitored and regulated in terms of care and quarantining of tourists.  Source:  National News Bureau of Thailand fb page, 10 August
• Commerce Ministry reported that its online business matching activities, organised since April, are positively received and is expected to generate sales value worth 10.6 billion Baht within 1 year.  The highest number of orders were placed on Thai fruits, worth 5.8 billion Baht, most of which are longans for delivery to China, Hong Kong, India, Bangladesh, UAE, Singapore, Bahrain and France.  Auto parts are also popular among American buyers and rice among African buyers.  Source: Nation TV
• Commerce Ministry revealed that the trade diversion resulting from US-China Trade War has caused Chinese demands for products from Thailand and other countries in its supply chain to decline, which started in Q4 of 2018 but has been easing in the first 6 months of 2020.  Meanwhile, Thai export to the US market saw consistent expansion.  Trends indicate that Chinese and US companies are using Thailand as a base for production and export since 2018.  Source:  Nation TV

Headlines summary as of 10 August 2020

News

• Updates related to COVID-19:
  • Today, Thailand reports no newly confirmed case, a total of 3,351 cases. Out of the total number, 3,160 have been discharged from hospital (at 94.30%); 133 are being hospitalised. The death toll is at 58. This is the 77th consecutive day that there is no local transmission in Thailand.
  • The Office of the Private Education Commission (Opec) said more than 3,000 foreign teachers will enter Thailand for posts at private-run schools across the country. The teachers will undergo alternative state quarantine.—Bangkok Post
• The case of Red Bull heir is still developing:
  • The office of Attorney-general told in a press-conference that the office has instructed the Thonglor Police Station to look into the evidence on the car’s speed and the usage of illicit drugs again. The investigation must be finalised by 20 August.—The Reporters
  • The Police Committee told the press that they have found out the culprit in the case and the committee will submit the name list to the Police Chief for his consideration on punishment tomorrow.—Thai Post
• The 4th Army is mulling asking the cabinet to lift the emergency decree in four more districts of the Deep South Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat as the number of violent situation has this year fallen by 58% compared to last year, while the number of deaths associated with the violence dropped by 70%.—Bangkok Post

Politics

• The by-election result in Samut Prakan’s Constituency 5 has secured the other seat for the coalition as the candidate from the main ruling Palang Pracharat (PPRP) with 46,747 votes against the opposition parties.—all media outlet
• The Digital Economy Minister came out to warn the protestors not to post anything in violating the Monarchy. He said that for any Thais, violating the monarchy is not considered acceptable. He also stressed that he has given social media platform (Facebook, Twitter and YouTube) to take down ‘inappropriate’ posts as the court has ordered in 15 days; or else the platforms will have to face a fine.—Nation TV
• The anti-government protestors were on high bulletin last weekend:
  • On Friday morning, the Free Youth Movement announced its new organisation “Free People Movement” at a press conference at the Democracy Monument. The group reiterated its three demands: stop harassing the people; draft a new constitution and dissolve the parliament, on two significant conditions: no coup d’état and no (monarch appointed) national reconciliation government. The movement feared that the government might get away with the pressures by holding a snap election without any amendment to the constitution, so the movement indicates the ultimatum that all senators, hand-picked by PM Prayut with the unprecedented power to vote the PM, need to be gone. They announce the next demonstration on 16 August.—all media outlet
  • On Friday afternoon, human rights activist Anon Nampa and Panupong Jadnok were charged and arrested on charges of sedition and defying an emergency decree imposed to control the coronavirus. They were held overnight at a police station as the court said the police was too late to ask for court detainment. The police also briefed the press that apart from the two, there are 29 more students and activists who are being charged or the same grounds. Free People Movement announced a flash mob at 4.00pm on Saturday.
  • On Friday night, politicians from the main opposition Pheu Thai (Chief Strategist Khunying Sudarat) and Move Forward Party joined the protestors in front of the police station which had arrested the activists.
  • On Saturday morning, the two went to the court with a small group of protestors gathered in front of the court. The upheaval rose high, as there was a rumour that the two will be detained in a prison where fortune teller Mr Suriyan Sucharitpolwong died suspiciously. (Wassana Nanuam). The soothsayer whose surname was given by the current King was put in jail for an alleged corruption in the King’s campaign of ‘Bike for Mom’. In order to lessen the tension, the court had to hold an urgent press conference that if the two were to be put in jail, they will be detained in the Bangkok Remand Prison; not the prison as indicated by the rumour.—Thai Rath, The Standard
  • On Saturday evening, the two activists were released on bail terms (not to repeat the same actions). Meanwhile, around a thousand (Reuters estimated more than 1,000; AP estimated around 800) of anti-government demonstrators rallied in Bangkok CBD denouncing the arrest of the activists and repeating their three main requests. At the end of the flash mob, other activists who got the arrest orders appeared on stage and announce that they will join the demonstration on 16 August (the arrest order indicated that the police must arrest all the 31 activists by 10 August).
  • Another interesting development in the flash-mob was a campaign asking university graduates not to attend the graduation ceremony. (Background: the Royal family members presented the certificate to graduates of all state university in Thailand, the tradition conducted to forge bonds between the monarch and the graduates. Manager).—The Bangkok Insight
  • On Sunday, student protest leaders in the central province of Pitsanulok was taken by unknown state officials for ‘attitude adjustment’. The Phitsanulok protest organiser posted on their Facebook page outlining the processes they passed through. The border patrol military unit which the protestors claimed was taken by denied involvement.—BBC Thai
  • After the bail-out, Anon joined the demonstration in Chiang Mai. He reiterated the speech he gave on 3 August where he claimed the monarch has extended the power beyond the democratic with constitutional monarchy regime has allowed. He also underlined the ultimatum in demanding the junta hand-picked Senators to resign by 30 September. The police said there were 500 protestors while the organisers claimed 1,000 participants.—BBC Thai
  • This morning, another group of protestor gathered in front of the Parliament demanding the drafting of the new election. Authority concerns that there will be a clash between the group and the pro-government group led by Lt Gen Nanthadet Meksawat, a former key member of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (a group led by key members of Democrat Party formed after the Yingluck government amnesty bill and the main proposition of General Prayut coup d’état in 2014).—all media outlet 
• The authority’s perspective on constitutional amendment is still evolving:
  • Democrat party’s deputy leader Ong-art Klampaibul said the third largest coalition party is on the same page with the charter amendment proposal to scrap the Senate’s power in joining the House to vote on PM. He also disagreed with the provision of security forces’ head serving concurrently as the senator.—Naew Na
  • The Senate also holds different stances on the amendment. Senator Seree Suwanpanont responded to the proposition of Senator Wanchai Sornsiri in scrapping Senator’s  PM vote power by saying that the majority of the Senate is still undecided over the issue.—Krungthep Turakij

Business:

• The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) will start a new study on CPTPP with hope to submit the study for the government to join the pact next year. Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) chairman Supant Mongkolsuthree said the CPTPP is an opportunity for Thailand to export products to new markets. Concurrently, the House and the cabinet (via Trade Negotiations Department) also establish panels to study the impacts of CPTPP.—Bangkok Post, Manager, Naew Na
• The FTI said they will present its economic rehabilitation plan to newly appointed Finance Minister Predee, asking the government to let Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation extend the debt guarantee for SMEs under the central bank’s soft loan scheme for another two years from the existing two-year plan. One of the proposals is to have the government speeding up 50-billion-baht fund to assist micro enterprises and SMEs overall in gaining easier access to commercial bank loans.—Prachachrt Turakij
• The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) reported on Friday that the consumer confidence index rose to 50.1 in July from 49.2 in June, 48.2 in May and 47.2 in April. The president of UTCC said the easing of restriction, the government’s economic stimulus package and the better COVID-19 situation in Thailand has resulted in the better consumer sentiment.—ThaiPBS 

 Opinion:

• With Mr Preedee is set to become the next Finance Minister, it is expected that one of his missions is to restructure the budget in an attempt to squeeze some budget for economic recovery. The report said that the new Finance Minister eyes to cut-down the roads renovation budget of Transport Ministry which is now under the second largest Bhumjaithai party control. However, the mission is not a path paved with roses, as the Minister is eyeing to use the budget PR the party in their constituencies.—Krungthep Turakij
• An opinion piece views the political landscape with the demand on drafting the new constitution and demand reform while PM Prayut who has been in power for almost 6 years has not been able to deliver which, in Thailand, would more often than not lead to the coup d’état.–ThaiRath 

Headlines summary as of 7 August 2020

News

• Updates related to COVID-19:
  • Today, Thailand reports 15 newly confirmed case, a total of 3,345 cases. Out of the total number, 3,148 have been discharged from hospital (at 94.11%); 139 are being hospitalised. The death toll is at 58. The newly confirmed cases are Thai nationals returned from Egypt (4); Saudi Arabia (10); and Japan (1) and have been in state quarantine since. This is the 74th consecutive day that there is no local transmission in Thailand.
• Their Majesties the King and Queen will hold an event in the Grand Palace on 12 August to celebrate the birthday of the Queen Mother.—all media outlet

Politics

• After the King’s endorsement of the new cabinet line-up, the PM justified the portfolio with the press this morning. As for the Foreign Minister Don who will also serve as Deputy PM, the PM said he plans to ‘upgrade’ the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to cover on business and economic aspects in response to the COVID-19 effects. The PM plans to have the former diplomat Don to do PR on EEC or investment incentives. As for the Deputy Labour Minister Narumon, the PM said he is planning to have Labour Ministry as the other economic Ministry.–Matichon
• Reuters summarised Thai politics since 2014 military coup.–Reuters
• The Free People Movement held a press conference this morning announcing that they are going to hold a mass gathering on 16 August from 3.00-9.00pm. They are reiterating their 3 main propositions: drafting a new Constitution; dissolution of the Parliament; and stop harassing the protestors. The organisers said that the gathering does not aim to plan for prolonged gathering. The organiser said should the vocal human rights lawyer Anon who openly questions the current monarchy status which is getting beyond the constitutional monarchy regime want to join the demonstration, he is welcomed to.
• The by-election in Samut Prakan’s constituency 5 is set to be held on this Sunday. PPRP is set to re-secure the seat as two largest opposition Pheu Thai and Move Forward parties both file their candidates.—Thai Rath
• Four large parties are testing the water for the expected Bangkok gubernatorial election: Pheu Thai with a disarray of who might be the candidate; Democrat with Police Chief Chakthip; PPRP with a candidate team, potentially Watanya Wongopasi or Taya Teepsuwan as the head; and Move Forward with Ariya Banomyong.–Prachachart

Opinion:

• The fragility of Prayut Regime: many academic studies have described Prayut regime with two significant characteristics; namely, the military holds the hegemonic roles while weakening other political institutions and the military is joining hands with conglomerate to take the lead. However, the author sees that the Eastern Tiger faction in the army which is the power base for the current leadership is fading from the top Army positions. With this and the lesser political capital within the main ruling PPRP, the Prayut regime is getting more and more fragile each day.—Matichon Weekly

Business:

CPTPP

• Director-General Auramon of Trade Negotiations Department, Commerce Ministry informed the Cabinet that Thailand had not applied for CPTPP membership at the 5^th August annual CPTPP member meeting and would have to wait until next August’s meeting to apply.  The parliament-appointed CPTPP Committee supports the view that Thailand will join CPTPP when it is ready, considering that its study will not conclude until 30 September.  Source:  https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30392552
• Members of the TPP at the 5^th August meeting postponed discussions over Thailand joining the trade bloc as deliberations on the Thai side faced delays amid political uncertainties.  These include former DPM Somkid’s resignation, the appointment of the new economic team and the delay in the results of parliamentary committee’s CPTPP studies.  Moreover, other TPP members such as Chile, Brunei, Malaysia and Peru have hit delays in ratifying the trade agreement as those governments prioritize their response to the coronavirus.  Source:  Asia Nikkei Review

Others

• Thailand’s July headline inflation reported a drop of 0.98 percent YoY.  Despite being the fifth straight month of decline, July’s contraction had slowed from -1.57 percent in June, -3.44 percent in May (the biggest drop in nearly 11 years) and -2.99 percent in April as the economic activities started resume following the easing of the lockdown.  Inflation for the first 7 months of this year is -1.11 percent.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• At an event marking Bangkok Post’s 74^th anniversary, entitled Bangkok Post Forum 2020: Thailand Rebounds, Policy in the ‘New Normal’, PM Prayut affirmed that the government is pursuing remedial measures to revitalise the domestic economy, assist SMEs and promote export and tourism to ensure GDP will not drop below -10 percent.  He also urges Thais to unite to move the country past the economic crisis and restore investors’ confidence in the Eastern Economic Corridor, Southern Economic Corridor and other special economic zones.  He noted that Thailand’s agricultural sector needs to be upgraded and export structure must be adjusted to meet the needs of global market.  Source: Bangkok Post
• Thai airlines will seek a meeting with PM Prayut to ask for the 25-billion-Baht soft loans that have been delayed since March in the absence of a finance minister.  During these 4 months, airlines struggles and some, such as Nok Scoot, inevitably exited the market.  Airlines will also propose the government extend relief measures for an additional six months from September, such as excise tax cut for jet fuel.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (Osmep) is looking for new financing sources for its 50-billion-Baht SME Fund since it is likely to miss out on funding from the government’s 400-billion-Baht economic and social rehabilitation budget due to legal complications.  The SME Fund is envisaged as a channel for SMEs to access soft loans to survive the pandemic.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• Finance Ministry’s Public Debt Management Office affirms that the USD1.5 billion borrowed from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) comes with favourable conditions.  The borrowing is part of the government’s plan to borrow 1 trillion Baht to revive the economy.  Source:  https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1964135/pdmo-applauds-terms-of-1-5bn-extended-by-adb
• PM Prayuth’s government had handed key positions in the energy and finance departments to former executives in a state-owned company and a commercial bank after sacking the economic team headed by former DPM Somkid.  Among the incoming leaders are Supattanapong Punmeechaow, former president and CEO of state petrochemical enterprise PTT Global Chemical, who will become a deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister. Predee Daochai, previously a Kasikornbank co-president, will become the Finance Minister. Although Somkid’s team had been praised for its expertise in economic policymaking, it failed to address sloppy management of state enterprises. It is hoped that Supattanapong, with his background in managing a government enterprise, will be able to lead his team to implement reforms in the state sector.  Source:  Asia Nikkei Review
• The Codex Alimentarius Commission has approved several food-related standards that could affect farmers and food manufacturers in Thailand.  The Codex meeting, held from 13-21 July, approved Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) for food manufacturing and has adjusted the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).  The National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards has therefore revised its agricultural commodity and HACCP standards and make the necessary adjustments to comply with international requirements.  Source: The Nation

Headlines summary as of 6 August 2020

News

• Updates related to COVID-19:
  • Today, Thailand reports two newly confirmed case, a total of 3,330 cases. Out of the total number, 3,148 have been discharged from hospital (at 94.53%); 124 are being hospitalised. The death toll is at 58. The newly confirmed cases are Thai nationals returned from the US and have been in state quarantine since. This is the 73rd consecutive day that there is no local transmission in Thailand.

Politics

• Breaking: A media reports that the PM told the press that he has already submitted the new cabinet line-up to HM the King. The next process is for the King to give endorsement and then the new cabinet will give an oath. All the process, the PM has affirmed, will be finished by mid-August.—The Reporters
• Political parties are voicing their opinions on constitutional amendment:
  • Deputy PM and Democrat party leader Jurin briefed the press that the 52 seats coalition party will seek cooperation from other parties to introduce the draft. The third largest coalition party aims to amend section 256 (Constitutional amendment). Democrat Party, however, said that they have no opinion regarding the role of the Senate.—Nation TV
  • The secretary-general of the newly established Kla Party voiced the party stance on charter amendment that amending section 256 is not enough; section 272 (which allows the junta hand pick Senate to join the House in voting for the PM nomination) should be amended too.—Nation TV
• A media reports on the possible Bangkok governor election as a political tactic to reduce pressure against the government. It is estimated earlier that the Police Chief Chakthip will run for the gubernatorial seat as the main ruling PPRP candidate. Meanwhile, a source said that the Move Forward Party and Progressive Movement might nominate Professor Suchatchavee Suwansawas, the rector of King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang to be the Bangkok governor candidate.—Thai Rath
• The organiser of the Free People Movement (formerly Free Youth Movement) announced that, after they scheduled to hold a mass rally last Saturday, the newly established movement will hold a press conference on 7 August and will announce the next mass movement.—Thai Rath
• Apiwat Kantong, vice minister of the Office of the Prime Minister, filed a complaint against human rights lawyer Anon Nampa accusing him of defaming the monarchy and violating the public health regulations of the emergency decree. Anon, on Monday, demanded reforms to the monarchy. The lawyer said the government has allowed the monarchy to exercise his power to be above the constitutional monarchy regime has allowed.–Prachatai

Business:

• The Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted unanimously to keep the policy rate at a record low of 0.50 percent at its meeting yesterday.  BOT asserts that policy interest rate cannot be a key driver of Thailand’s economic growth, instead citing fiscal as well as monetary policies and economic restructuring as the main engines.  BOT also highlighted its concern for the strong Baht.  Source:  Bangkok Post

• The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) downgraded Thailand’s 2020 economic growth to a decline of 7-9 percent and is convinced there are no positive signs to attract investors into Thailand in the second half of this year.  A panel will also be established at the end of August to propose an economic rehabilitation plan to the new economic cabinet.  In the pipeline are also plans to establish committees focusing on economic reform and tax measures to help businesses affected by the pandemic.  Source:  Bangkok Post   Thansettakij

• Monthly social security contributions by employers and employees will be cut for the second time as part of the Covid-19 relief measure after it was approved by the cabinet earlier this week.  Contributions from the employer and employee will be reduced from 5 to 2 percent from September until November.  Source:  Bangkok Post

• The price of domestic gold continues to reach all-time highs as prices quoted in US dollars surge past USD2,000 an ounce, with month-to-date online gold futures logging heavy trading volume.  Month-to-date trading volume was 35,682 contracts on Wednesday on the Thailand Futures Exchange, compared with 34,681 contracts in the whole month of July. This could come to a halt if a COVID-19 vaccine is successfully developed.  Source: Bangkok Post

CPTPP

• FTA Watch has been monitoring the 5^th August CPTPP virtual meeting in Mexico, in which no other countries had shown intention in acceding to the trade pact.   FTA Watch praises the new-generation Thais for querying the government’s trade and economic policies, which led to the establishment of the parliament sub-committee on CPTPP and opened up a platform for the previously-oppressed dissident voices.  FTA Watch also showed support for the 3 requests put forth by the youth movement, namely to stop harassing dissident voices, to draft a new constitution and to dissolve of the parliament and start a new election.  Source:  https://www.isranews.org/article/isranews/90933-cptpp.html

Tourism

• Tourism operators proposed the ‘Safe and Sealed’ plan to the Tourism and Sports Ministry to replace the travel bubble scheme.  This plan will allow foreign travellers to visit Thailand in Q4, but only from cities with no infections for at least 30 days under conditions set by tour operators in designated hotels and provinces.  It is expected to draw 500,000 tourists and generate 50 billion Baht in revenue. Tourism operators also called for the government to establish a tourism fund to provide soft loans, given that Thai hotel sector saw 30-40 percent of 1.5 million jobs vanish in the past 6 months and just 50 percent of hotels have reopened.  Source:  Bangkok Post

• A 6-billion Baht tourism community development plan is being considered by NESDC to develop 10,000 new tourism communities and upgrade existing ones to spur the local economy.  The plan, proposed by the National Village and Urban Community Office, seeks an allocation from the 400 billion Baht budget the government set aside for economic and social rehabilitation as part of the Stimulus Phase III package.  Source: Bangkok Post

Automotive

• Toyota Motor Thailand reported its domestic sales fell in the first half this year by 45 percent YoY to 94,222 units and also reduced its domestic sales target to 220,000 cars.  Overall, total car sales in Thailand dropped by 37.3 percent to 328,604 units in the first 6 months.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• In April, manufacturers of auto parts had to cut their production capacity to 30 percent, with around 80-90 percent of the companies temporarily closing down.  Since June, most companies were able to rev up their production capacity to 50 percent due to the resumption of businesses, yet production capacity is not expected to reach 80 percent this year.  Currently auto part production relies on demands for new cars, given that 80 percent of the auto parts are supplied to OEM car manufacturers and 20 percent are used as spare parts.  Source: Thansettakij