Headlines summary as of 24 July 2020

News

• Updates related to COVID-19:
  • Today, Thailand reports 10 newly confirmed cases, a total of 3,279 cases. Out of the total number, 3,107 have been discharged from hospital; 114 are being hospitalised (at 96.75%). The death toll is at 58. The newly confirmed case Thai nationals returned from Sudan, Pakistan, Germany, the Netherlands and the US (6, all of which are Thai military who returned from the military exercise in Hawi”i), and have been in state quarantine since. This is the 60th consecutive day that there is no local transmission in Thailand.
  • Mr Suwannachai, director-general of the Disease Control Department has affirmed that Thailand will be able to handle and curb a second wave of Covid-19 as lessons have been learned from the first outbreak.—Bangkok Post
• Thai media quoted CNN saying that the Criminal charges in Thailand have been dropped against the heir to the Red Bull energy drink fortune who was accused in a 2012 hit-and-run that killed a police officer. Deputy head of Thonglor police station told Reuters that arrest warrant has also been withdrawn.—all media outlet
  • The Police spokesperson has made a news conference confirms the media report and will inform the International Police to revoke the arrest warrant and the heir to the top 5 richest person in the country can return to Thailand. The Police said they follow the recommendation made by the Office of Public Prosecution.
• Students from Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University are campaigning to sign a petition to oust Associate Prof Panitarn from being lecturer at the faculty. The student club cited conflict of interest, power harassment, lack of punctuality, and the grading style is not compatible with the 21^st Century learning style.–Prachatai

Politics

• The Army Chief has returned to the news bulletin as he has invited Mr Satish Sehgal, a key person of  the now defunct People’s Democratic Reform Committee to the army headquarter to discuss on some protestors’ comments regarding the monarchy. The Army Chief will hold a press conference after the discussion.
• The possibility of local election is looming large as the permanent-secretary of Interior Minister has issued an order asking local authorities to prepare the budget allocated for local elections. The order said that with suggestion from the Election Commission, local election can be held as soon as the cabinet approved so.—Manager Online
• The issue of cabinet reshuffle is still on agenda:
  • Yesterday, the MPs of Action Coalition for Thailand Party handed over the CVs of Prof. Anek Laothamatas to be vetted for portfolio. The MPs and children of the academia said that it is up to the PM to decide which position their father will be working on, the party has no preference.—all media outlet
  • A report said that despite early speculations Mr Palin will be the nominated for Energy Minister, he has not agreed to the offer and may not join the cabinet. This allows the government spokesperson Prof. Narumon to be back on a race and will be nominated for the newly assigned Deputy Labour Minister.—Krungthep Turakij
  • PTT Global Chemical has announced that Mr. Supattanapong Punmeechaow has resigned from the company’s Board of Directors, effective from 23 July. Earlier reports expect that he will be nominated for Energy Minister.—Krungthep Turakij
  • The cabinet’s line-up, according to the Krungthep Turakij is as followed:

• Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Wirachai Songmetta who was transferred to an inactive post at the Government House in January as he generated a negative image of the Royal Thai Police has returned to the post by an order penned by the PM. The deputy police chief is reported to be too “proactive” in probing into the case of shots fired at Pol Lt Gen Surachate Hakparn. Media expects that should the Pol Gen Wirachai returned and to become the prominent candidate for the Police Chief this October; moreover, that would mean Pol Lt Gen Surachate who is very close to Deputy PM Prawit might be able to return to the his police post.—Inside Thailand
• Today, there will more flash mobs in provinces, including in Bangkok’s Triam Udom high school and Kasetsart University’s Bang Khen campus. A student movement mobilised in front of the Government House this morning, burning the PM and Deputy PM Prawit’s portraits.

Business:

Trade Data and FTA

• Thailand’s June 2020 export dropped by 23.2 percent (USD 16.4 billion) and import by 18.1 percent (USD 14.8 billion), leaving a trade surplus of USD 1.6 billion.  Performing well were exports of food products, ie: canned and frozen seafood, fruits and vegetables.  Major industrial products also saw expansion, such as semi-conductor devices, transistors, computer and parts as well as PPE items such as rubber products.  However, these increases are bogged down by a drastic drop in the export of rubber and sugar (over -50 percent decline) due to the drought.  Export of automobile, jewellery (excluding gold) and oil continues to drop, corresponding with the global economic slump.  Export to China continued to increase for the third consecutive months, followed by the US, Europe and UAE.
• For the first half of 2020, Thai export decreased by- 7.1 percent (USD 114.3 billion), and import contracted by -12.6 percent (USD 103.6 billion) with a trade surplus of USD 10.7 billion.  Source:  Commerce Ministry Press Release June 2020 Trade Data
• In the first 5 months of this year, Thailand’s export of agricultural and processed agricultural products to 18 FTA partner countries, including Australia, expanded by 2.26 percent, valued at 11.3 billion USD.  This accounts for two-third of Thailand’s total agricultural export and has cemented Thailand’s position as the world’s 9^th agricultural exporter, advancing from the its 11^th ranking in 2019.  The most notable expansion in agricultural export was to Hong Kong (20 percent) and China (16 percent).  Commerce Ministry attributes the export expansion to the preferential tariff offered by FTAs, which have helped Thai products remain competitive in the wake of the pandemic.
• Overall, Thailand’s top agricultural and processed agricultural product exports to the global markets are fresh pork which saw a 693 percent increase, followed by fresh Durian (66.5 percent expansion), fresh fish (29 percent) and fresh chicken 27.9 percent.  Source:  Matichon Weekly

Others

• A UBS Group report suggested that Thailand and Taiwan could be added to the US watch list for currency manipulation after meeting all the criteria set out by the Treasury Department.  The Bank of Thailand dismissed the claim, saying that it has to manage foreign exchange rate when offshore flows immediately move into Thailand’s financial market and not to distort the Baht’s value to gain trade advantage.  Source: Bangkok Post
• Government Savings Bank has extended its debt moratorium period for customers affected by the pandemic for another 3 months, from September to December 2020.  The bank’s debt moratorium covers 3.1 million customers, equivalent to 1.14 trillion baht worth of loans due this September.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• Federation Thai Industries expects that the pandemic could leave up to 8 million people unemployed by year-end since unemployment in the first six months already stands at 3.3 million people.  FTI calls for the government to launch new assistance measures for the unemployed. 
• FTI also revealed that the Thailand Industrial Sentiment Index in June rose to 80 from 78.4 points in May due to the easing of the lockdown.  However, SMEs remain fragile as they face liquidity issues, higher operating costs and lack of access to finance.  Source:  Bangkok Post  Krungthep Turakij Thansettakij  The Nation
• Thailand’s total car production in the first half of 2020 fell by 43.1 percent YoY to 606,132 units, largely due to the lockdown measures, the closure of factories and weak purchasing power.  Car production for domestic sale in the same period fell 48.9 percent (259,754 units), while manufacture for export fell 37.8 percent (346,378 units).  Car sales have declined accordingly, but in June it reported an increase of 43.5 percent compared to May, reflecting signs of recovery. Source:  Bangkok Post
• Thailand’s major companies such as Central Pattana, Italian-Thai Development and Minor International are socking cash away instead of paying big dividends to shareholders in the first half of 2020, as they brace for more financial turbulence from the pandemic.  Thailand’s central bank has advised commercial banks to withhold interim dividends and suspend stock buybacks to preserve their capital.  Nonetheless, retail investors are undeterred and are actively hunting for stocks that were depressed by the pandemic.  Since the beginning of the year, more than 100,000 new retail trading accounts have registered with the Thai stock market.  Source: Asia Nikkei
• In reviewing his 1-year performance, Commerce Minister Jurin revealed that Commerce Ministry has driven 16 projects.  His top priorities are price guarantee for farmers, export stimulus, cost-of-living supervision and trade talks, including concluding RCEP.  He noted that a joint public and private sector consultative committee on commerce was established for the first time to drive exports and promote cooperation between state officials and the private sector to tackle trade-related obstacles.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• Despite the pandemic, international film crews will visit Thailand and are anticipated to bring in 1.7 billion Baht.  Tourism and Sports Ministry expects the arrival of film crews and three other groups (medical tourists, Thailand Elite card members and exhibitors) in August to be a test run for the country before leisure tourists are welcomed back in September.  Source:  Bangkok Post

Opinion

• An opinion on the younger generation flashmobs, as “tensions mount, Thailand will either find a new constitutional balance that subsumes the military, monarchy and judiciary within it or end up with longer-term authoritarian rule and economic stagnation. Listening to these young voices and making concessions and compromises with them is better than putting everything on the line with a winner-takes-all response.”—Bangkok Post
• An interview with the former student activist Sirawith “Ja New” Seritiwat. He commented on the latest wave of flash mobs and recommended the organisers to see the big picture and keep hold of the shared mission.–Prachatai

Headlines summary as of 23 July 2020

News

• Updates related to COVID-19
  • Today, Thailand reports eight newly confirmed cases, a total of 3,269 cases. Out of the total number,  3,105 have been discharged from hospital;  106 are being hospitalised (at 94.98%). The death toll is at 58. The newly confirmed case Thai nationals returned from Egypt (4), Sudan (2) and the US (2), and have been in state quarantine since. This is the 59th consecutive day that there is no local transmission in Thailand.
  • National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) released its latest result a majority are worried there could be a resurgence of Covid-19 because some people fail to take appropriate measures to protect themselves from the virus and there are still infected people arriving from overseas.–Bangkok Post

Politics

• The cabinet line-up is still on high agenda:
  • Media report that yesterday’s afternoon the PM made call to Mr Suthep, the de facto leader of Action Coalition for Thailand Party (ACT) on swapping the party quota of Labour Minister with Higher Education Minister portfolio.–Naew Na
  • Justice Minister Somsak interviewed on the report that Industry Minister Suriya will not be nominated for Energy Minister as this would mean the main ruling Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) will have no political power to bargain for portfolio at all.—Daily News
    • On a somewhat separate yet interesting issue, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)’ set up a subcommittee to probe into Anongwan Thepsuthin (Somsak’s partner) relating to alleged irregularities in a soil and forest resource project worth 770 million baht when serving as natural resources and environment minister. But his morning the NACC spokesperson said the NACC does not have any knowledge on this.
  • Nation TV reports that Industry Minister Suriya and Government spokesperson Narumon will not be part of the new cabinet as expected and that the highly competitive Energy Minister seat will be allocated to either Mr Pailin or Mr Supattanapong.
  • Siam Rath quotes a source in the main ruling PPRP has submitted three candidacy to the PM for the cabinet line-up without any specific position.
• University student flash mobs are getting in a full swing:
  • Yesterday, there were student protests in provinces of Maha Sarakham and Chonburi.
  • Media reports that a school in Prae province has issued a warning for students not to participate in political gatherings as the school might not issue graduation certificate for the participants.–Bangkok Insight
  • Bipartisan political parties, including Move Forward Party, Pheu Thai Party, Democrat Party and Bhumjaithai Party urged parliament to engage student activists protesting against the government in a process organised in such a way to allow them to communicate their concerns.–all media outlet

Business

CPTPP

• The parliament-appointed CPTPP Sub-Committee is preparing to report the progress of its studies to the cabinet after convening 6-7 meetings with stakeholders.  It expresses concerns over the UPOV clause, pharmaceutical patent and ISDS.  It reasons that Commerce Ministry’s studies did not comprehensively study the service and investment liberalization and the impacts on e-commerce, state procurement, social and security.  The sub-committee will continue with its studies to meet the new deadline in September following a 60-day extension.  Source:  https://www.nationtv.tv/main/content/378786342

Others

• Asia Nikkei Review contends that PM Prayut’s new economic team will be facing the worst downturn since the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis since the Thai economy is expected to emerge as Southeast Asia’s worst performer this year (-8.1 percent GDP contraction). The changes in the government’s economic team and central bank Governor will make it difficult for Thailand to navigate 4 economic challenges, namely shocks to domestic demand and tourism, strong currency, high household debt and near-zero interest rate.  PM Prayuth has thrown USD60 billion of stimulus at the economy, but what Thailand needs is a wholesale change in strategy to raise competitiveness and living standards.  A key priority is to diversify the economy away from export/tourism and regulatory changes to build more vibrant ecosystem for startups and unicorns.  Unemployment and corruption remain key concerns.  Source:  https://asia.nekkei.com/opinion/Thailand-s-rulers-must-act-fast-to-reverse-COVID-19-economic-damage
• A group of 30 farmers rallied in Bangkok, calling for the government to revise its ban on the use of paraquat and chlorpyrifos in agriculture, such as by limiting their usage instead of imposing a total ban.  If the government insists on banning the chemicals, it should ban the import of agriculture products from countries still using paraquat and chlorpyrifos on crops.  Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1955931/farmers-rally-for-use-of-banned-chemicals
• Thailand risks dropping to No 5 in rice exports over the next decade if the country does not develop long-term rice strategy.  For short-term strategy, Thailand must invest more in R&D for rice seed development and lower the production cost.  In the long-term, it must overhaul its entire supply chain for the rice industry.  Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1955959/rice-exports-poised-to-drop-in-next-decade
• Bad loans at the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Bank) rose by almost two percentage points in the first half from the end of 2019 as Thai export is ravaged by the pandemic.  Its NPL stood at 6.37 percent of total outstanding loans in June, a surge from 4.6 percent at year-end 2019.  EXIM bank forecasts that Thai export will contract by 8-10 percent.  Source:  https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1955919/exim-bank-sees-npls-increase-from-2019
• New business registration in June reported a 3 percent YoY increase (totalling 5,731) due to the easing of the lockdown.  The top three sectors for new registrations were building and construction (612), real estate (217) and logistics services (188).  The number of businesses that ceased operation in June totalled 1,336, a 6 percent increase YoY, mainly in building and construction, real estate and management consulting services sectors.  For the first 6 months in 2020, the number of business registrations totalled 33,337, down 13 percent YoY.  Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1955947/business-registrations-up-in-june
• The Digital Government Technology & Innovation Center (DGTI) was launched at Kasetsart University’s Si Racha campus in Chon Buri.  It is a collaboration between the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA) and Kasetsart University. DGTI would serve as a main channel for matching digital innovations and government agencies to explore new technologies that would enhance their administration and services.  Source:  https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1955975/dgti-seeks-to-bolster-digital-state

• Thailand’s commercial banking sector reported a drop in aggregate net profit for both the second quarter and first six months, mainly from higher provisions set aside to cushion against rising NPLs.  Combined net profit was 30.4 billion baht in the second quarter, down 41 percent year-on-year. First-half combined net profit was 77.2 billion baht, down 27 percent year-on-year.  Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1955943/net-profits-dip-as-loan-buffers-spike
• Chiang Mai is promoting its image as a medical hub and wellness city in the post COVID-era.  It has over 1,534 hospitals, medical facilities and elderly care centres, spas, product and academic centres.  It also more than 150 long-stay and tourism wellness operators and accommodations that are well geared to attract affluent tourists who can generate 30 billion Baht annually for the local economy. Source:  https://www.prachachat.net/local-economy/news-494498
• Gold price has climbed by more than 22 percent YTD from the end of 2019 as the precious metal is among safe-haven assets for investors to hedge against downside risks and geopolitical uncertainty.  Silver climbed to the highest in almost seven years.  Source:  https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1955955/prices-pick-up-for-3rd-straight-day-closing-in-on-all-time-high

ASEAN/World

• A somewhat critical piece against “Five Eyes Network” as an attempt to create “World Government”.–Manager Online

Headlines summary as of 22 July 2020

News  

Updates related to COVID-19:

• Today, Thailand reports sic newly confirmed cases, a total of 3,261 cases. Out of the total number, 3,105 have been discharged from hospital; 98 are being hospitalised (at 95.22%). The death toll is at 58. The newly confirmed case Thai nationals returned from the Egypt (4), US (1) and Germany (1), and has been in state quarantine since. This is the 58th consecutive day that there is no local transmission in Thailand.
• CCSA spokesperson said that the test result of 7,207 cases with possible contact with the COVID-19 positive Egyptian soldier in Rayong and the Sudanese diplomat’s daughter in Bangkok are all negative.
• Breaking: CCSA has announced that the centre will extend the emergency decree for one more month to be terminated at 31 August 2020. The proposition will need to be sealed off by a Cabinet resolution, scheduled to be given next Tuesday. The secretary-general of the National Security Council affirms in the press conference that the emergency decree will not be used to control the protests. He said that for protest cases filed earlier, it is up to the police’s consideration whether to apply the emergency decree.
• Yesterday, the CCSA’s subcommittee on lockdown restriction has agreed to extend the state of emergency until the end of August. The PM defended the extension by saying that the decree has nothing to do with the rising anti-government.
• Yesterday, the cabinet has approved an extension of the automatic visa amnesty for foreigners who remain in Thailand due to COVID-19 from 31 July to 26 September.—Khao Sod English
• A medical science professor of Chulalongkorn University said on his personal FB Page that the travel bubble plan, which would allow small groups of foreign tourists to visit Thailand, should be shelved for at least another six months, because of the high-risk of COVID-19 infection. Associate Professor Dr. Thira said not a single country has escaped a second wave of infections after allowing foreign arrivals.—Thai PBS World

Politics

• The issue of cabinet reshuffle is still on top news bulletin:
  • After the weekly cabinet meeting, the PM said he had finalized the portfolio lists and the lists are in vetting process. The PM said that with six cabinet members resigned, the announcement will be made as soon as possible.—All media outlet (Bangkok Post)
  • Yesterday, PPRP’s leader General Prawit said the PM has allocated 2-3 cabinet portfolios for the main ruling Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP). The PPRP held its MPs’ meeting and submit their proposed list for cabinet line-up as followed:
    • Industry Minister Suriya as Energy Minister
    • PPRP’s secretary-general Anucha as Industry Minister
    • MP Suchart as Labour Minister
    • Government spokesperson Narumon as PM Office Minister
    • Deputy PM Prawit also as Interior Minister (the general declined, saying that he could not even manage to walk by himself)
  • The complications will be from the highly contested seat of Energy Minister when earlier reports said that the PM has eyed former deputy transport minister Pailin to look over the energy sector. The other contestation is in in Labour Minister as the former Democrat juggernaut and de facto leader of minute Action Coalition for Thailand Party.—Thai Post, Thai Rath
  • So far, the cabinet line-up is as followed:

Media/Position

Deputy PM

Energy Minister

Finance Minister

Deputy FM

Industry Minister

Foreign Minister

Deputy Defence

Defence Minister

Interior Minister

Deputy Interior

Labour Minister

Minister of PMO

Digital Econ Minister

Higher Education Minister

Deputy Agriculture Minister

Other names (potentially joining supra-cabinet economic counsellor reports directly to the PM)

PPRP proposed lists

Suriya Jungrungreangkit

Anucha Nakhasai

Prawit Wongsuwan

Suchart Chomklin

Narumon Pinyosinwat

Bangkok Post

Predee Daochai

Pailin Chuchottaworn

Predee Daochai

Krungthep Turakij

Thossaphorn Sirisamphan

Pailin Chuchottaworn

Predee Daochai

Busaya Mathelin

Anek Laothamatas

Takorn Tantasit

Pailin Chuchottaworn

Than Settakij

Thammanat Prompao

Narumon Pinyosinwat

Suchart Chomklin

Thai Rath

Pailin Chuchottaworn

Gen  Anupong Paochinda

Gen Prawit Wongsuwan

Anek Laothamatas

Boontuck Wungcharoen; Piti Tantakasem; Supattanapong Bhanmeechao

Matichon

Pailin Chuchottaworn

Predee Daochai

Lecturer from Ramkhamhaeng Univ

Boontuck Wungcharoen; Kan Trakulhoon; Piti Tantakasem; Supattanapong Bhanmeechao;

Matichon TV

Suriya Jungrungreangkit

Predee Daochai

Anucha Nakhasai

Anek Laothamatas

Narumon Pinyosinwat

Suchart Chomklin

Khao Sod

Pailin Chuchottaworn

Predee Daochai

Gen  Anupong Paochinda

Gen Prawit Wongsuwan

Boontuck Wungcharoen; Piti Tantakasem;  Supattanapong Bhanmeechao

Daily News

Pailin Chuchottaworn

Predee Daochai

Chatumongol Sonakul

Takorn Tantasith

Boontuck Wungcharoen; Piti Tantakasem;  Supattanapong Bhanmeechao; Thossaphorn Sirisamphan

Siam Rath

Takorn Tantasith

Channel 3

Pailin Chuchottaworn

Predee Daochai

Thai Enquirer

Predee Daochai

The Reporters

Pailin Chuchottaworn

Predee Daochai

Suriya Jungrungreangkit

Anek Laothamatas

Anucha Nakhasai

Suchart Chomklin

The Journalist Club

Prasarn Trairatvorakul

Pailin Chuchottaworn

Predee Daochai

Thossaphorn Sirisamphan

Wassana Nanuam

Bansarn Bunnag

Inside Thailand

Pailin Chuchottaworn

Predee Daochai

Anucha Nakhasai

Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit

Gen  Anupong Paochinda

Gen Prawit Wongsuwan

Suchart Chomklin

Santi Promphat

• The flash mobs have been spread to all over the country, including in university as they resumed their study from this week onwards. After the cabinet meeting, the PM warned young protesters against violating the monarchy and urged them to bring their concerns to Parliament.—all media outlet

Business:

Cabinet’s decisions, 21 July 2020

• Workers affected by COVID-19 who have contributed to Section 33 of the Social Security Fund for less than 6 months are entitled to receive the remedial payment from the Labour Ministry.  The payment, worth 15,000 Baht covering a period of 3 months (June-August 2020), will be made to 59,776 workers.  Source:  Thai Khu Fah fb page, 21 July 2020
• Approved 3 additional projects worth 4 billion Baht that have applied for the 400 billion Baht budget allocated for economic rehabilitation.  The projects aim to create employment and range from elderly care and provincial-level development to fire prevention projects.—Krungthep Turakij 
• Improve the Rao Tiew Duay Kan (We Travel Together) domestic tourism stimulus campaign by increasing the value of daily subsidies for the purchase of services and goods from 600 Baht to 900 Baht, applicable only to weekday trips. 
• Expand the registration criteria for accommodation operators in the Rao Tiew Duay Kan campaign to include unlicensed hotel operators hotels and small/boutique hotels that do not fit the hotel licence criteria.  Hotels that have hiked their room rates to take advantage of the government subsidy offered by the campaign will be blacklisted.—The Nation Thailand  

Tourism

• Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) forecasts that more than 30 percent of tourism-related businesses have divested the market in the first half of the year.  Most are tour and bus operators, restaurants, souvenir shops and hotels catered to Chinese and other foreign group tours.  The Tourism Department said 1,111 tour operators from January to June gave up their licences, with license withdrawal in the second quarter making up 65.4 percent of all withdrawals in the first half.  An additional 30 percent of outbound operators will shut down if the travel bubble is not implemented this year.—Bangkok Post 
• Phuket is drawing up short, medium and long-term campaigns to revive its economy, given that COVID-19 has devastated its tourism industry which sustains 80 percent of its economy.  In the short-term, it will boost tourism by targeting domestic travellers.  In the medium and long-terms, the province will diversify and develop non-tourism sectors such as education, health and wellness, seafood and gastronomy businesses.—Bangkok Post 
• Phuket’s public health authority and Vachira Phuket Hospital are investing 2.97 billion Baht to turn the island into a world class medical and wellness tourist destination by 2022.  A medical complex is being developed on a 141-rai piece of land and will feature international wellness and dental centres offering souvenir shops and tour packages; premium long term care centres for the elderly, hospice home and rehabilitation centre, among others.  The project is expected to attract 1 million tourists whose spending will inject 50,000 million Baht into the local economy.–Prachachart 

Others

• The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and a CP-led consortium contracted to build the high-speed railway linking three airports yesterday met Pattaya City executives to gather input for the final study into the project’s route and design, to be completed in October.—Bangkok Post 
• Gold price ascended to a nearly 9-hear high, the highest since September 2011, as investors continued to seek refuge in safe haven asset.  This is attributable to the global economic slowdown and the volatility of the weakening dollar and strengthening Baht.—Bangkok Post
• Two final candidates have been shortlisted to become the next Bank of Thailand governor, with one an insider and the other an external applicant.—Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 21 July 2020

News  

Updates related to COVID-19:

• Today, Thailand reports five newly confirmed cases, a total of 3,255 cases. Out of the total number, 3,105 have been discharged from hospital; 92 are being hospitalised (at 95.39%). The death toll is at 58. The newly confirmed case Thai nationals returned from the Japan, Egypt and Sudan, and has been in state quarantine since. This is the 57th consecutive day that there is no local transmission in Thailand.
• CCSA will hold a meeting later this week and will decide on further easing COVID-19 related restrictions allowing the following groups for foreigners to enter Thailand with 14 days state/hospital quarantine:
  • Migrant workers (from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar) in the construction industry.
  • Migrant workers (from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar) in food export businesses.
  • Foreign visitors who co-organise trade exhibitions.
  • Foreign visitors in film production group.
  • Foreign workers who hold Thai Elite Card.
  • Foreigners who wish to join medical and wellness tourism.

Politics

• Cabinet reshuffle remains on high-agenda:
  • Yesterday, two ministers from the coalition parties announced its resignation: PMO Minister Tewan announced in the morning that his resignation would pave a way for the PM to reshuffle the cabinet. Meanwhile, in the evening the Labor Minister Chatumongkol did not cite any reason for his resignation. He last month stepped down as leader of the Action Coalition for Thailand
  • This has made the cabinet with six vacant portfolios.
• The Royal Thai Army has (again) become a target of pro-democracy movements:
  • Following the former deputy Army spokesperson who called the protestors “naïve and ignorant” on her personal Facebook and deleted, protesters rallied at the headquarters of Thailand’s army on Monday. An activist on stage tore off the portrait of Army Chief Gen Apirat in front of the Army HQ.—all media outlet
  • The Army spokesperson distanced itself from the colonel, saying the post was her personal opinion and not the position of the army.
  • A document which showed that the army plans to buy a new aircraft for general use worth 1.34 billion baht in the 2021 fiscal year was circulated online, sparked heated debate on such a luxurious procurement in time of economic hardship.

Business:

Food Export

• Commerce Minister Jurin proclaimed that Thailand could step up as the world’s top 10 food exporter during the launch of the Thai Food, World Food Road Map.  Despite the pandemic, Thailand’s food export figures in May still reported a 15 percent increase, mainly in frozen chicken as well as frozen, chilled and dried fruits.  The road map aims to establish Thailand as the hub in agricultural products and quality food, with strategies focusing on organic agriculture, adding value to food items by using technology and innovations, finding new export markets and appointing trade commissioners for every province.  Source:  Tharnsettakij Newspaper, 19-22 July
• Federation of Thai Industries contended that Thailand could surpass Belgium as the world’s top 10 food exporter in 2020.  It anticipates a 3-5 percent growth in food export to 1 trillion Baht particularly for tuna, canned fruits, animal feed, chicken products and seasoning items, all of which surged in the first five months of this year during the COVID-19 outbreak.  Meanwhile, Belgium’s export has declined as its primary markets are European countries, in which demands are slumping. Source:  https://www.thansettakij.com/content/Macro_econ/442484
• Thailand’s rice export is likely to plunge the lowest in a decade, dropping to 6.5 million tonnes this year, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Association.  This is largely due to the drought that reduces supply, weakened global demand caused by the pandemic and strong Baht.  From January – May, Thailand’s rice shipment contracted by 31.9 percent and export value by 13.2 percent YoY.  Source:  https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1954663/rice-exports-primed-for-decade-low

Others

• Bank of Thailand said it does not need financial assistance from the IMF during the pandemic because unlike the 1997 financial crisis, Thailand currently has a strong financial sector and economic fundamentals.  It foresees that Thailand’s recovery could take two years with a swoosh-shape similarly to the Nike logo.  BOT affirms it will extend the 500 billion Baht soft loan to the end of 2021 and noted that the Baht appreciation is a concern for foreign investors.  Source:  https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1954747/bot-rules-out-imf-help-cites-fundamentals
• Government Savings Bank is considering extending the debt moratorium measure beyond September to continue helping those affected by COVID-19.  Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives has also requested additional emergency loans of 10 billion Baht to aid farmers.  Source:  https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1954699/gsb-mulls-extending-debt-moratorium-measure
• Ministry of Commerce’s Department of Negotiations gears up for the upcoming remote ASEAN SEOM meeting scheduled to take place in late July.  As part of the agenda, ASEAN senior officials will be discussing with 11 negotiating partners, including Australia, on modernizing existing FTAs and will explore the possibilities of doing FTAs with Canada, Eurasia and EU.  Source:  https://www.thansettakij.com/content/Macro_econ/442556
• Most financial institutions reported lower first-half net profits and higher bad loans, mainly from higher provisions for loan losses, in line with rising loan delinquency prospects triggered by the coronavirus outbreak.  For example, Kasikornbank and its subsidiaries announced a net profit for the first half this year of 9.6 billion baht, down 52.2 percent YoY.  Source:  https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1954703/banking-profits-slip-away-in-first-6-months
• Thailand Tech Startup Association has urged the government to devise measures to boost the competitiveness of local start-ups, which are struggling to compete with dominant foreign players.  The Association asked the government to offer incentives for the private sector and government ministries to use local startup’s services.  Source:  https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1954875/ttsa-seeks-support-for-startups
• Best Inc, a Chinese logistics firm backed by e-commerce titan Alibaba, plans to invest 300 million Baht in the second half of 2020 to boost its express delivery service, Best Express, in Thailand.  The company wants to tap into Thailand’s booming logistics industry, which is projected to rise by 35 percent to 6.6 billion Baht this year, owing largely to the lockdown.  Source:  https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1954691/best-betting-on-thai-market

Opinion

• An opinion piece on the hope to have RCEP the key to East Asia’s recovery
• An interview with Sunai Phasak, Senior Researcher at Human Rights Watch, on the reason government is extending the emergency decree in “Ending the rule of the junta in medical gowns”.—thisrupt
• Why mainland Chinese love to consume Western products, but remain loyal to its Chinese nationalist principles.—A Day Bulletin

Headlines summary as of 20 July 2020

News  

Updates related to COVID-19:

• Today, Thailand reports a newly confirmed cases, a total of 3,250 cases. Out of the total number, 3,096 have been discharged from hospital; 96 are being hospitalised (at 95.26%). The death toll is at 58. The newly confirmed case Thai nationals returned from the Singapore, and has been in state quarantine since. This is the 56th consecutive day that there is no local transmission in Thailand.
• Over the weekend, Thailand reported
  • 3,249 cases (+10)
  • 3,096 discharged
  • 95 hospitalised
  • 58 death toll
• CCSA announced the result of COVID-19 test of people who might be in contact with the Egyptian soldier in Rayong and Sudanese diplomat’s child in Bangkok. Out of 6,585 samples in Rayong and Bangkok, 6,287 cases are tested negative (214 waiting result). The CCSA spokesperson said that the case could be “closed” if there is no positive test result until Thursday and Friday. 
• The CCSA spokesperson said yesterday that consider easing of lockdown restrictions in the sixth phase by allowing the entry of foreign migrant workers from Thailand’s neighbouring countries to ease the labour shortage and enable economic rehabilitation this Wednesday. The smaller circle of CCSA chaired by the National Security Council Secretary-general will discuss whether to extend the security decree scheduled to terminate the end of this month.—ThaiPBS World, Manager, Naew Na, Thai Rath
• Suan Dusit Poll published its survey result that a vast majority of Thais — 94.51% — say foreigners should be barred from entering the country to prevent a second wave of the Covid-19 spread.—Bangkok Post
• The situation in the deep-South is getting back to media attention as:

• Authorities yesterday arrested and charged six insurgents suspected of planting two bombs which injured four villagers in Pattani last week.
• Human rights advocacy groups have urged the army to stop collecting DNA samples during the military draft process in the four restive southern provinces. Collecting DNA samples is not a normal part of the military draft. The army initiated the practice last year by starting pilot projects in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and four districts in Songkhla province — Chana, Thepha, Saba Yoi and Na Thawi. These areas have been mired in insurgency violence for 15 years.—Bangkok Post

Politics

• The mass protests since the COVID pandemic crisis kicked off over the weekend:
  • On Saturday, Free Youth Movement took the street in front of Democracy Monument. The police has estimated that the participants were at around 500; but the organisers estimated that there were more than 2,000 people attended. The group has laid out three demands:  the dissolution of parliament, an end to harassment of government critics, and amendments to the military-written constitution that critics say virtually guaranteed victory for Prayuth’s party in elections last year. The organisers gave the 2-week ultimatum to the government to make the demands meet; or else, they will escalate the protest.–Reuters, AP , The Guardian, Channel News Asia, Nikkei Asian Review, Aljazeera, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times,  Taipei Times, The Jakarta Post, DW
  • The movement announced earlier that they would stay overnight, but after some chaos from misunderstandings, the movement adjourned the protest on Saturday’s night.
  • The virtual engagement of the protest reached its historic threshold when the #เยาวชนปลดแอก (Free Youth) was retweeted for more than 12 million times, the highest number this year, beating #กราดยิงโคราช (Active shooting at Korat) which got 8.5 retweets.—The Matter
  • The protests spread to other provinces yesterday in Chiang Mai and Ubon Ratchatani with several hundreds of people joined in, demanding the resignation of the PM.
  • The Commander of the Metropolitan Police said that they are scheduled to meet this morning to set up an investigation committee to press charges against the protestors.—Krungthep Turakij
  • The Army deputy spokesperson posted on her personal FB on Saturday and deleted it soon after. She calling the protestors ‘childish protest’. This has sparked online backlash and that there will be a protest at 5.00pm this afternoon in front of the Army Headquarter.—Thai Enquirer
  • More protests have been scheduled in Chonburi on Wednesday, Maha Sarakham & Lumphun on Friday, and Roi Et on 2 August. The New Life Network is scheduled to protest today at 1.00pm in front of Government House.
  • A pro-government ‘Walk for the Uncle’ group announced on its FB Page that they will also mobilise a government support gathering once the COVID-19 vaccine has been developed.
• Cabinet reshuffle is still on high agenda
  • Breaking: PMO’s Minister Tewan Liptapanlop has just announced his resignation to pave way for the PM to make a cabinet reshuffle.
  • On 21 July, main ruling Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) is scheduled to hold a meeting and will discuss a list of people who will be nominated for cabinet seats.—Bangkok Post
  • Breaking: Deputy party leader Paiboon just gave an interview that the PPRP will nominate Industry Minister Suriya to fill in Energy portfolio as Mr Palin has conflict of interest.—The Reporters
  • Over the weekend, prospective people who were expected by the media to fill in the ministerial seats of the so-called “Fantastic Four” who resigned last Wednesday turned down the opportunity. NESDC Secretary General, Thossaphorn Sirisamphan; Bank of Thailand Governor, Veerathai Santiprabhob and former BOT Governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul have announced that they will not be part of the portfolio as they are willing to help the government from behind the curtain.
  • A media quoted a source in PPRP who said that the Deputy Agriculture Minister Thammanat eyes for the Deputy Interior Minister. The portfolio will be filled by Chon Buri MP Suchart Chomklin. The report also speculates that government spokesperson Narumon could be a likely candidate for the PMO Minister as the Deputy PM Prawit and PPRP leader pushed for her candidacy.—Than Settakij

Business:

CPTPP

• A study by Chulalongkorn University entitled “CPTPP Impact on Access to Medicines” reveals that the trade pact will make the country further reliant on imported drugs while leaving state-owned drug maker (Government Pharmaceutical Organization) in a difficult position.  It will also cost Thailand more in medicine production and procurement.  The study was submitted to the Parliament-appointed CPTPP sub-committee.—Bangkok Post 

Others

• Asia Nikkei – Thailand may be competing for Hong Kong migrants with nations such as the UK and Australia.  The number of Hong Kong citizens becoming Thailand’s Elite Card visa holders soared 380 percent on the year for the 9 months through June 31.  Elite Card refers to Tourism Authority of Thailand’s long-term residency program for a period ranging from 5-20 years.  The surge is attributable to China’s enactment of the security law in late June, which Hong Kong citizens fear might jeopardize their freedom.—Asian Nikkei Review
• New York Times – Thailand’s success in containing the spread of COVID-19 could be attributed to a combination factors such as the Thai culture, genetic composition, lifestyle and robust healthcare system.  Among them is also the closedown of its international borders, which is inevitably having adverse effects on its economy, poverty and unemployment figures.  The latter is reflected in the Thai Tourism and Sports Ministry’s estimate that 60 percent of hospitality businesses could close down by the year-end.  It is also hurting the country’s large population of migrant workers, some of whom are stuck in Thailand with no employment or wages.—The New York Times

• More than 3.6 million people have registered for the government’s tourism stimulus campaign (Rao Tiew Duay Kan) since its launch last Wednesday.  Some hotels that are joining the project have hiked up their room rate, prompting the government to threaten to delist them from the campaign.—Bangkok Post
• Thailand has started a new supply-chain to transport perishables into China, the country’s no. 2 export market after the US.  The first of its kind in Thailand, this two-mode system by trucking agriculture produce to Vietnam and then moving the goods by trains into China, has proven to be cheaper and faster.  Already, exports to China increased by 15.3 percent by value in May from the same month a year earlier. –Bangkok Post
• The Ministry of Finance has borrowed 30 billion Baht from the Government Savings Bank through a four-year term loan.  This being the first batch of loan under the 1 trillion Baht borrowing decree for combating COVID19.  This announcement was published in The Royal Gazette on 17 July 2020.—Krungthep Turakij

Politics

• The Energy Minister became the highly competitive premium seat in the next cabinet reshuffle when the Energy Minister Sondhirat resigned with others yesterday. Media reaches a rather consensus that PM-backed Mr Pailin Chuchottaworn will replace the resigned position. However, Industry Minister Suriya has long eyed for the position. Who will be the next Energy Minister will show how much political power the PM have.–Matichon
  • MP Anucha denied the reports that there will be a movement by MPs to go against Mr Pairin to be the next Energy Minister, and the position needs to be secured for Industry Minister Suriya only. The MP said that someone in the main ruling Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) leaked the rumour.—all media outlet
• Breaking: Related to the expected name for the next cabinet portfolio, Mr Thossaphorn Sirisamphan, the secretary-general of Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, denied the rumour that he will join the cabinet in the next reshuffle. He said in a statement that he will assist the government from behind the scene, after his upcoming retirement in September.—Than Settakij
• It is coming to be a decisive moment for traditionally big political parties as the third largest ruling Democrat Party is scheduled to hold its annual general meeting this Sunday. And the main Opposition Pheu Thai Party is scheduled to hold its AGM this Tuesday.–Prachachart
• The Royal Gazette published the Prime Minister Office order to appoint National Reform Committee. This 5-year-term committee composes of 185 personnel, overseeing reforms in 13 areas, including politics, public administration, media, and education.
• Two protestors who held derogatory signs condemning PM Prayut when he was in Rayong on Wednesday were charged by the Police with four legal cases (violating Emergency Decree, violating Disease Control Act, resisting security personnel order, and fleeing during apprehension). The two protestors went to the Parliament to file a complaint to the House Legal, Justice and Human Rights Committee.—all media outlet
• Free Youth Movement has scheduled the mass student protest at the Democracy Monument this Saturday from 5.00pm. The organiser said that we should tolerate the PM and the current political atmosphere no more and that change needs to happen within this generation. The two protestors who were apprehended in Rayong will be joining this rally.

Business

• The baht continued to weaken on Thursday after the resignations of Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and four other key officials, reflecting foreign investors’ concerns about the continuity of the government’s economic policies. The THB is now Asia’s weakest currency against the US dollar on a year-to-date basis.—Bangkok Post
• The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the remaking of Thailand’s automotive industry, the backbone of Southeast Asia’s auto sector, as factory shutdowns compound a shift toward electric vehicles. The government in March targeted EVs at 30% of production, or 750,000 vehicles, by 2030, initially for domestic use in a bid to curb pollution.–Reuters
• The Bank of Thailand expects that over the next 12 months, average inflation was projected at minus 0.9% adding supply-side pressures would remain low as a slow global economic recovery continued to weigh on world energy prices.—Bangkok Post

Australia

• The Director-general of Department of Primary Industries and Mines dismissed the rumour that Thailand lost the case against Australian King’s Gate gold mine in the tribunal and needs to pay the compensation of 70,000 million. The DG said that the tribunal is still in process and the verdict is not finalised yet.–Manager, Thai News Agency, Siam Rath

Opinion

• Opinion piece on CCSA and government “misguided” mindset in aiming over for zero local COVID infection, jeopardising Thai economic and well-being in “Covid success coming at a heavy price”.—Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 17 July 2020

News  

• Updates related to COVID-19:
  • Today, Thailand reports three newly confirmed cases, a total of 3,239 cases. Out of the total number, 3,096 have been discharged from hospital; 85 are being hospitalised (at 95.59%). The death toll is at 58. The newly three confirmed cases are Thai nationals returned from the Sudan, all have been in state quarantine since. This is the 53rd consecutive day that there is no local transmission in Thailand.
  • Another drama from diplomatic immunity and COVID-19 restriction exceptions got media attention again as an Estonian diplomat who had come in to Thailand tried using his diplomatic right to stay at Millennium Residences in Soi 18. The diplomat is certified COVID-19 negative but the property management rejected the permission of stay.
  • CCSA spokesperson said the centre had resolved on Friday that all ambassadors and diplomats who entered Thailand would have to be in Alternate State Quarantine on arrival for 14 days.—The Nation
  • Foreign Ministry’s deputy spokesman Natapanu announced that a third automatic visa extension will be proposed to the Cabinet soon. Earlier, the cabinet had decided to grant automatic visa extension to be until July 31.—The Nation
  • Saint Gabriel school in central Bangkok closes down for seven days after the rumour that one of the student’s parent is COVID-19 positive.—The Reporters

Politics

• The Energy Minister became the highly competitive premium seat in the next cabinet reshuffle when the Energy Minister Sondhirat resigned with others yesterday. Media reaches a rather consensus that PM-backed Mr Pailin Chuchottaworn will replace the resigned position. However, Industry Minister Suriya has long eyed for the position. Who will be the next Energy Minister will show how much political power the PM have.–Matichon
  • MP Anucha denied the reports that there will be a movement by MPs to go against Mr Pairin to be the next Energy Minister, and the position needs to be secured for Industry Minister Suriya only. The MP said that someone in the main ruling Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) leaked the rumour.—all media outlet
• Breaking: Related to the expected name for the next cabinet portfolio, Mr Thossaphorn Sirisamphan, the secretary-general of Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, denied the rumour that he will join the cabinet in the next reshuffle. He said in a statement that he will assist the government from behind the scene, after his upcoming retirement in September.—Than Settakij
• It is coming to be a decisive moment for traditionally big political parties as the third largest ruling Democrat Party is scheduled to hold its annual general meeting this Sunday. And the main Opposition Pheu Thai Party is scheduled to hold its AGM this Tuesday.–Prachachart
• The Royal Gazette published the Prime Minister Office order to appoint National Reform Committee. This 5-year-term committee composes of 185 personnel, overseeing reforms in 13 areas, including politics, public administration, media, and education.
• Two protestors who held derogatory signs condemning PM Prayut when he was in Rayong on Wednesday were charged by the Police with four legal cases (violating Emergency Decree, violating Disease Control Act, resisting security personnel order, and fleeing during apprehension). The two protestors went to the Parliament to file a complaint to the House Legal, Justice and Human Rights Committee.—all media outlet
• Free Youth Movement has scheduled the mass student protest at the Democracy Monument this Saturday from 5.00pm. The organiser said that we should tolerate the PM and the current political atmosphere no more and that change needs to happen within this generation. The two protestors who were apprehended in Rayong will be joining this rally.

Business

• The baht continued to weaken on Thursday after the resignations of Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and four other key officials, reflecting foreign investors’ concerns about the continuity of the government’s economic policies. The THB is now Asia’s weakest currency against the US dollar on a year-to-date basis.—Bangkok Post
• The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the remaking of Thailand’s automotive industry, the backbone of Southeast Asia’s auto sector, as factory shutdowns compound a shift toward electric vehicles. The government in March targeted EVs at 30% of production, or 750,000 vehicles, by 2030, initially for domestic use in a bid to curb pollution.–Reuters
• The Bank of Thailand expects that over the next 12 months, average inflation was projected at minus 0.9% adding supply-side pressures would remain low as a slow global economic recovery continued to weigh on world energy prices.—Bangkok Post

Australia

• The Director-general of Department of Primary Industries and Mines dismissed the rumour that Thailand lost the case against Australian King’s Gate gold mine in the tribunal and needs to pay the compensation of 70,000 million. The DG said that the tribunal is still in process and the verdict is not finalised yet.–Manager, Thai News Agency, Siam Rath

Opinion

• Opinion piece on CCSA and government “misguided” mindset in aiming over for zero local COVID infection, jeopardising Thai economic and well-being in “Covid success coming at a heavy price”.—Bangkok Post