Headlines summary as of 7 January 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
7,526 (348 from aboard; 77 from prisons), excluding 2,244 ATK	2,252,776 (last seven days: 29,341)	19 (last seven days: 101)	42,580/ 547
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	3rd dose vaccine recipients (from 16 July)
105,419,287 (+ 874,435)	51,409,711 (+ 96,773)	46,526,520 (+ 346,446)	7,483,056 (+ 431,216)

• The CCSA committee headed by the PM has made the following restrictions in a bid to curb the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron strain:
  • The CCSA spokesperson said that the current transmission tendency is beyond the worst-case scenario and expected a couple of ten thousands daily new cases.
  • The CCSA has rearranged the COVID prevention areas into controlled area (orange) nation-wide but allowed 8 provinces to remain the tourist prototype provinces (Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Krabi, Chonburi, Nontaburi, Pathum Thani, Phang-nga and Phuket), effective from 9 January 2022.
  • The CCSA has also made the following measures
    • Work From Home until 31 January 2022;
    • The entertainment complexes (pubs and clubs) will be deferred to be reopened for the time being;
    • As for the tourist prototype provinces, alcoholic beverages will be allowed for dine-in until 9.00pm;
  • As for measures on entering the Kingdom:
    • The CCSA has cancelled the Omicron risk countries (as it has been transmitted worldwide);
    • Three more sandbox schemes in Surat Thani (Samui, Pha-ngan and Tao islands); Phang-nga (entire province); and Krabi (entire province);
    • The deadline of Test&Go scheme for anyone who was granted Thailand Pass is 15 January 2022;
    • The new application of Test&Go scheme is deferred until further notice;
  • The CCSA spokesperson said that there is no restriction on inter-provincial travels. It is just the Public Health Ministry’s recommendation and request for people’s cooperation.

Politics

• The Royal Thai Navy spokesperson said that the RTN has not proposed the budget for the second and third Chinese submarines due to the economic situation.–Matichon

Economic:

RCEP

• Department of International Trade, Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has rolled out the ‘Form RCEP’ Certificate of Origin to ensure Thai exporters benefit from preferential tariff under the trade pact, effective since 1 January 2022.  Form RCEP uses Electronic Signature & Seal (ESS), which reduces issuance time of each form to 10 minutes.  The form also has QR code that enables the importing country to verify the form’s authenticity, which significantly reduces costs for Thai exporters as well as enhances Thailand’s competitiveness.  Form RCEP is one of the 118 services available on the MoC Online One Stop Service centre.  Source:  Prachachat Turakij

Others

• The Ministry of Commerce’s announcement banning the export of pork from Thailand for 3 months in a move to ensure sufficient supply of domestic pork and curb the rapid rise of pork prices was published in The Royal Gazette on 6 January 2022. Sources:  Royal Gazette announcement 1 Royal Gazette Announcement 2
• Federation of Thai Industries is confident the government can control the spread of Omicron variant even as the Public Health Ministry elevated public health warning level from level 3 to 4.  FTI said it would be concerned if the daily infection number exceeds 30,000 per day and agrees with the government’s policies of partial lockdown.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• Federation of Thai Capital Marketing Organization (FETCO) revealed that its Investor Confidence Index for the next 3 months had declined by 4.24 percent compared to the previous months.  However, it remains in the bullish zone as investors bank on the inflow of foreign capital and the recovery of the Thai economy.  The Thai capital market is expected to see a monthly inflow of over 10 billion Baht, wherein the SET Index could reach 1,870 points in 2022.  Foreign capital began to enter the Thai stock market 4-5 months ago and the trend will continue since SET remains the most liquid stock market in the region.  Source: Naew Na  Bangkok Post
• The Revenue Department is working to introduce an inorganic law to collect 15 percent capital gains tax on the profits from cryptocurrency trading.  Tax also covers Bitcoin mining transactions and the dividend/interest from cryptocurrency investment.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• The Securities and Exchange Commission plans to control the trade of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as it plans to require operators of NFT marketplaces to apply for a business license.   Operators said the implementation of the rule may decelerate the growth of NFTs in Thailand may drive operators to use platforms abroad instead.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• The prolonged suspension of the Test & Go scheme could cost the tourism sector at least 7 billion Baht in the month of January.  It is expected that the number of tourists in January will plunge by 50 percent to 100,000 from November and December.  For example, some 47,737 tourists who have registered for Thailand Pass through the Test & Go system after 10 January 2022.  Should they cancel their trips to Thailand, the country could already lose up to 3.34 billion Baht of revenue.  Sources: Krungthep Turakij Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 6 January 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
5,775 (77 from prisons), excluding 1,079 ATK	2,245,250 (last seven days: 24,926)	11 (last seven days: 108)	37,968/ 536
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	3rd dose vaccine recipients (from 16 July)
104,743,981 (+349,977)	51,258,885 (+31,507)	46,133,509 (+130,385)	7,351,587 (+188,085)

• “Know your duty” said HM the King to Thai children. HM the King has given his 2022 Children Day message reads “Everyone has their own duties. As for the children, it is to study, gain knowledge and do good deeds. Children must learn to be self-dependent and contribute to the happiness and prosperity of oneself and society in the future.”—all media outlet
• This morning, the Public Health Ministry has escalated its alert to level 4 which indicated new restriction measures including the shutting down of at-risk venues, applying the work-from-home model, discouraging people from unnecessary traveling between provinces and limitations on gatherings. The head of the Department of Disease Control stressed, however, that there will be no more lockdown, just a limitation on some activities.—Krungthep Turakij
• The Deputy PM and Public Health Minister Anutin has extended the deadline of those who has got Thailand Pass to be able to enter the Kingdom by 15 January (from the 10^th). The top health official said that if there will be restriction affecting people’s daily life, it will be on banning alcoholic beverages when dinning in, but he neither confirm nor deny the possibility of a lockdown. Anutin said that the authority will stick to Home Isolation and Community Isolation as the primary sources of care facilities. The hospitals will be reserved for severe condition patients. The Health Minister also outlined additional sandbox schemes, including:
  • Phuket
  • Surat Thani (Samui, Pha-ngan and Tao islands)
  • Chonburi (Larn island)
  • Rayong (Samed island)
  • Trat (Chang and Kut island)
  • Phang nga (Yao Noi and Yao Yai island (excluding Khao Lak))
  • Krabi (PP island)—Prachachat Turakij
• The CCSA has named the spread of emerging Omicron strain as the 5^th wave of the pandemic in the Kingdom.–Matichon
  • The CCSA has indicated that visitors from Test & Go scheme contributed to the most Omicron strain in Thailand. As of 4 January, there have been 2,338 cases of Omicron in 55 provinces around Thailand.—Thai Rath

Politics

• Despite much anticipation, the ruling Democrat Party did not file any candidate for the by-election of Bangkok District 9. Democrat Party cited the coalition protocol as Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) is the incumbent MP in the constituency.—Prachachat Turakij
  •  Democrat candidate in the constituency said that he has no problem with the party decision as the tenure of the Parliament is coming to an end and also cited coalition protocol.—Krungthep Turakij
• After an Opposition Pheu Thai MP has accused the PM for bribing MPs 5 million THB each to get favour votes in the last censure debate, the working panel set up by House Speaker has dismissed the allegation citing insufficient evidences.—Krungthep Turakij
• The former Energy Minister and PPRP secretary-general gave an interview saying that the establishing party is preparing to file its MP candidacy in accordance with the new electoral system (two-ballot system). When asked whether the new party will support PM Prayut, Sonthirat Sonthijirawong said that it is too early at this stage. The former technocrat said that it is too early to indicate who will be their new party’s PM candidate, but Somkid Jatusripitak, their counsellor, is a valuable asset Thailand has.—Krungthep Turakij
• Due to the pandemic, the House Speaker has also suspended the House session on 12 to 14 January and will resume its deliberation on 19 to 20 January.—Krungthep Turakij
• Krungthep Turakij pointed out that Washington is eyeing to revitalise U-Tapao airport as its pivoting base to contain China. The newspaper is pointing out to the greater approach of the Washington military in getting to the Thai military to sway Bangkok support in a bid to use the airport as its strategic location accessible to Pacific ocean and Andaman Sea.—Krungthep Turakij

Economic:

Ministry of Commerce together with Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative have agreed to implement the following measures to curb the rapid rise in pork prices caused by low supply of pigs:

Urgent measures

• Ban the export of live pigs for 3 months from 6 January – 5 April 2022 to boost the domestic supply of pork.  Pig supply is expected to return to normalcy in 4 months. 
• Animal fed assistance, especially for imported ingredients such as by exempting them from tax or fees.  Commerce Ministry will continue fixing pork price and has asked for the retailers and wholesalers to do the same.
• The government is negotiating with large farms to distribute breeding pigs and piglets to small-scale farmers to incentivise them to resume raising pigs.

Short-term measures

• Promote for maize to be grown domestically for use as animal feed to reduce reliance on imports.  The government is also promoting research and development in swine diseases.

Long-term measures

• Agriculture Ministry will raise the standard of pig farming to meet international benchmark in a move to incentivise farmers to resume raising pigs.  Agriculture and Cooperative Bank has also set aside a budget of 30 billion Baht to extend low-interest loans to small-scale pig farmers.

Other Measures

• Farmers who raise more than 500 pigs, traders who export more than 500 pigs and firms with a cold storage warehouse keeping more than 5 tonnes of pork must report their current stocks and prices to Commerce Ministry every 7 days starting from 10 January.
• The government will introduce a ‘livestock sandbox’ to promote imports and exports of pork under a special control zone
• Commerce Minister Jurin is also considering the possibility of importing pork at future meetings.  Sources:  Thai Government NewsKhao SodMCOTKrungthep  TurakijBangkok Post

Others

• Commerce Ministry reported that headline inflation in December grew by +2.17 percent YoY, but declined by -0.38 percent compared to November. Core inflation in December increased by +0.29 percent YoY, driven by higher fuel price, seasoning & condiment and vegetable shortage.  Inflation in 2021 averages at +1.23 percent and core inflation +0.23 percent.  For 2022, inflation is projected to be within the range of +0.7 to +2.4 percent (+1.5 percent average) as domestic and global economies recover.  Commerce Ministry added that the outbreak of Omicron variant and the rise of pork prices do not yet have significant impacts on inflation.  Sources: Krungthep Turakij Bangkok Post Ministry of Commerce Press Release
• A source from the Ministry of Finance revealed that all taxpayers who gained from cryptocurrencies, including investors and mining operators, will be subjected to 15 percent withholding tax in 2022, while digital asset exchanges are exempt from such duties.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• The Securities Exchange Commission is working with the Bank of Thailand, DSI and Anti-Money Laundering Agency to develop a plan to regulate digital assets and protect investors.  The aim is for digital asset regulations to be of the same standard as those in place for securities businesses.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij newspaper, 6 January 2021
• Tourism operators face more cancellations as the prolonged suspension of Test & Go scheme is dampening enthusiasm for the remainder of the high season. Tourism operators noted that even if the Test & Go scheme resumes in February, foreigners are unlikely to return until March.  If more sandbox areas cannot be opened throughout the duration of the Test & Go suspension, operators may miss the high season and have to wait until the end of the year for tourism to pick up again.  Source:  Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 5 January 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
3,899 (68 from prisons)	2,239,475 (last seven days: 22,188)	19 (last seven days: 122)	34,877/ 541
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	3rd dose vaccine recipients (from 16 July)
104,544,852(+ 20,281)	51,312,938 (+2,826)	46,180,074 (+7,411)	7,051,840 (+10,044)

• In the CCSA daily briefing, the spokesperson said that there will be three issues for the PM heading the CCSA meeting to make decisions on:
  • The readjustment of Covid-control areas which will determine the Covid-controlled measures and alcoholic beverages when dining in;
  • The consideration on reopening the entertainment complexes scheduled for 15 January;
  • The readjustment on visitors arrival schemes.
• A senior source in the National Security Council said that in the meeting, the CCSA’s Operation Centre will propose to the CCSA on Friday to defer the Test&Go scheme for the time being as the omicron strain is shaking up the Kingdom. As for the reopening of entertainment complexes, there will not be fully reopened, according to the source.—Krungthep Turakij
• The Deputy PM and Public Health Minister Anutin gave an interview grilling the semi-pub restaurants for their failure in abiding by the COVID prevention measures. The top health official said that a majority of emerging clusters are from this kind of businesses and called for the people’s cooperation in following the government measures.—Khao Sod
  • The Health Minister said that the ministry will propose deferring the reopening of entertainment complexes, including pubs and karaoke bars from the schedule 16 January 2022. The Minister addressed that this is, however, not his call but the CCSA’s.—Prachachat Turakij
  • The head of the Department of Disease Control said that there are COVID clusters in semi-pub restaurants in various tourist centres.—Thai Rath
• The government spokesperson dismissed the reports that the cabinet has scrapped free COVID treatment, underlining that it was just a proposal. A department in Public Health ministry has proposed to maintain free Covid treatment to those fully-vaccinated patients in state hospitals, but the proposal did not get the cabinet approval. The spokesperson said that hospitals cannot charge COVID patients on any circumstance.–Matichon, Thai Rath
• The Bangkok Governor has ordered the set up of 40 community isolation centres in Bangkok in a bid to help curb the spread of emerging Omicron strain. The centres can take up to 5,066 patients.—Siam Rath

Politics

• There have been more people in politics got COVID:
  • The former leader of the now-defunct Future Forward Party posted on his social media that he is tested positive after travelling aboard. The opposition leader entered the Kingdom on 3 January and tested positive under the Test & Go scheme.—Prachachat Turakij
  • Treerat Sirichantaropas, director of communication section of the newly established Sarng Thai Party, is also tested positive in bangkok after entering the Kingdom via Phuket Sandbox scheme from Switzerland. The young politician said he has got four doses of vaccines.–Matichon
  • The government spokesperson dismissed the reports that the PM is tested positive for COVID and affirmed that the premiere is in good health and is ready to work for the people.–Matichon
• The ousted and self-exiled former PM Thaksin Shinawatra bombarded the administration yet again with his usual Club House session and an interview
  • The opposition main figure said that he will peacefully return to the Kingdom from exile in 2022. He said he wishes to give Thailand a present by returning to serve the motherland and will only tell the plan to Peathongtarn Shinawatra who is highly expected to be Pheu Thai Party PM candidate. The former PM said that he wishes to play golf with PM Prayut while in Thailand.—Prachachat Turakij
  • Thaksin also gave an interview on other platform that there might be a different administration in the latter half of 2022 for two reasons: the PM inability to cope with economic crisis and the limit of eight-year term limits. The opposition figure said that the softest landing for the government is to dissolve the House and not to strive to return to power.—Thai Rath
• Former Finance Minister and Palang Pracharat Party leader Uttama Sawanayon posted on his Facebook Page that he will launch a new political party within this month. The party will offer an alternative to conflicting politics and offer technocrat expertise in pivoting country out of political conflict.—Krungthep Turakij
• In the weekly meeting, the cabinet has made resolutions for Thailand to host two international events:
  • The cabinet has agreed allocate budget to bid for Expo 2028 in Phuket. Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau has liaised with Thai Embassy in France to submit the letter of intent to the Bureau of International Expositions on 7 January 2022.—Prachachat Turakij
  • The cabinet has agreed in principle for Thailand to host 46^th World Heritage Committee.—Prachachat Turakij

Economic:

Cabinet’s decisions, 4 January 2022

• Approved of FY 2023 budget worth 3.185 trillion Baht (2.74 percent higher than FY2022) with a deficit of 695 billion Baht.  Regular budget comprises 75 percent of total budget; investment budget 21.8 percent and budget to repay principal debt 3.14 percent.  Net state revenue is 2.49 trillion Baht; a 3.8 percent increase and budget deficit is 5 billion Baht; 0.7 percent lower than the previous FY.  PM Prayut further instructed Finance Ministry and NESDC to speed up on finalising measures to increase state revenue collection such as the Long Term Resident Visa package, investment incentives for the EEC, S-Curve industries and BCG Model.  Source:  Bangkok Post  Matichon newspaper, 5 January 2022
• Approved of expanding the soft loan scheme offered by the state-run Government Savings Bank (GSB) to help SMEs and businesses in the tourism supply chain until 30 September 2022, as well as the loan scheme for farmers, salary earners and freelancers through GSB and Famers and Cooperative Bank until 30 September.  Finance Minister Arkhom also announced that 2022 will be dedicated to tackling household debt and instructed relevant agencies to work on thsee issue.  Among them is the Bank of Thailand’s measures on debt restructuring and debt clinic to tackle the rising credit card and personal loan debts.  Sources:  Post Today  Krungthep Turakij  Bangkok Post

Others

• The Electric Vehicle (EV) package was not submitted for the cabinet’s consideration at its first meeting in 2022 held yesterday (4 January 2022).  Ministry of Finance revealed that it had finalised the tax incentives for EVs, but is waiting for other incentives to be approved by the EV Board before submitting the complete package to the cabinet.  Finance Ministry also said it has prepared up to 40 billion Baht for the package.  Source:  Thansettakij newspaper, 6-8 January 2022
• PM Prayut had instructed Commerce Ministry and Agriculture Ministry to curb the rising price of pork to help the farmers and consumers.  Having risen for almost 2 weeks, pork prices yesterday stood between 210 – 230 Baht per kg, up from 150 Baht per kg.  The higher prices of animal feed and drugs, which were needed to combat the previous outbreaks of swine diseases, had forced pig farmers to call it quits.  The National Pig Farmers Association estimated that the number of pig farmers have dwindled to 80,000 from 200,000, and the number of pigs down to 14-15 million from 18-19 million as demands are rising due to the resumption of tourism.  Rising fuel price and shortage of breeder pigs could also push up pork prices to 300 Baht per kg during Chinese New Year (February) and Songkran (April).  Commerce Ministry is offering discounted pork to reduce people’s cost of living and take legal action against vendors found to be price gouging.
• To date, food vendors and restaurants nationwide have no choice but to raise the price of dishes with pork.  Operators fear the price of seafood and chicken could rise accordingly.  The National Pig Farmers Association urged the government to address the issue of farmers debt, while Pheu Thai MP for Phayao Wisuth Chainaroon called on the government to pay 150 percent compensation to swine farmers affected by the outbreak of African Swine Fever.  Sources:  Post Today Bangkok Post Khao Sod Matichon newspaper, 5 January 2022
• Academics from Chulalongkorn University suggested Thailand uses its APEC chairmanship position this year to draw more FDI into the country and cement Thailand’s position as an investment hub.  To succeed, the government must overcome internal and external challenges.  They advised Thailand to be impartial in the US-China conflict, even if China has a much more tangible relationship with Thailand.  Source:  Bangkok Post

Ministry of Industry expects Manufacturing Production Index to grow by 4-5 percent in 2022, given the reopening of the country, lockdown easing and the rollout of the government’s stimulus packages.  Meanwhile, Industrial GDP is estimated to grow by 2.5-3.5 percent in 2022, largely driven by export.  However, growth could be dampened by Omicron variant outbreak, labour shortage and fuel price.  Source:Naew Na Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 10 December 2021

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Total vaccination
4,193 (29 from prisons)	2,160,780 (last seven days: 30,112)	28 (last seven days: 232)	96,821,760 (+480,012)
1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	3rd dose vaccine recipients (from 16 July)
49,733,993 (+165,318)	43,075,123 (+219,253)	4,012,644 (+95,441)

Politics

• It is getting closer to the Bangkok Governor election as more candidates are signalling their intention to run:
  • A source in the main ruling Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) was quoted saying that at the Deputy PM and PPRP leader residence, the PPRP leader said it is highly likely that he will throw his support behind Pathum Thani Governor Narongsak Osottanakorn. The governor has asked for two weeks to make up his mind. The source said that it is highly likely that the governor will run as an independent, not as PPRP candidate.–Matichon
    • The head of Bangkok campaigner for PPRP said that even the party has not reached its conclusion whether who will be their governor candidate, but the campaigner head said that the governor is a leading candidate.—Krungthep Turakij
  • The rector of King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang resigned from position yesterday and he is highly expected to take the Democrat banner in the upcoming gubernatorial election. A deputy party leader said that the party will hold its executives meeting on 13 December and he will propose the name of rector to run for the election.–Matichon
• Former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn has launched his campaign calling for 70,000 signatures to submit to the House speaker to amend Article 272 authorising the Senators to jointly nominate the Prime Minister. The former EC said he will leave the campaign open even after gaining enough signatures to propose the amendment.–Matichon
• The Democrat Party said on Thursday that they are ready to contest the upcoming by-elections in Songkhla and Chumphon, while its ally, the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), said they have yet to decide whether they will field candidates for empty MP seats.—Thai Enquirer
• On the Constitution Day, ousted and self-exiled former PM Yingluck Shinawatra posted on her social media calling for the change of the Constitution to be in accordance with the international standard. She said she is looking forward to the Constitution which truly reflects the needs of the people.—Thai Rath
• A group called “24 June for Democracy” is calling for the United Nations to sanction Prayuth government, accusing the administration of the Crime Against Humanity. The group raised the issue of the government crackdown of Southern Chana protestor.—Thai Rath

Economic

• FTA Watch said news has surfaced that Foreign Minister Don may call off his 20 December meeting with the NGOs to discuss their CPTPP concerns.  It is also highly likely that FM Don may try to submit Thailand’s CPTPP accession to the cabinet on 14 December to keep its promise with Japan that it would submit its CPTPP accession within this year.  Source:  FTA Watch fb page, 10 December 2021

Others

• Board of Investment (BOI) reported that Thailand received an inflow of investments from China and Taiwan worth 126 billion Baht through 250 projects over the past 3 years, owing largely to the relocation driven by the US-China Trade War.  The easing of the lockdown, Thailand’s reopening as well as Thailand’s commitment to reducing C02 emission have helped to lure back investors.  Overall, BOI received 1,273 investment applications valued at 521 billion Baht in the first 9 months of 2021; an expansion of 140 percent YoY.  Of the 521 billion Baht, some 372 billion Baht is from FDI application; an increase of 3-fold YoY due to the US-China Trade War.  In 2022, BOI expects to receive investment application worth over 600 billion Baht.  Source:  Thansettakij
• In 2022, PTT Oil and Retail (OR) will continue to cooperate with its power generation arm Global Power Synergy (GPSC) to develop batteries for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and will also expand its EV charging stations to 300, up from the current 97 stations.  It also aims to develop digital app for charging EVs and will branch out to developing EV maintenance facilities.  Additionally, OR also plans to diversify its gas station and retail businesses as well as promote start-ups throughout next year.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij newspaper, 10 December 2021
• Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Centre has downgraded Thailand’s 2022 economic growth forecast to 3.2 percent from 3.4 since the COVID-19 Omicron variant is expected to hit the global economy and delay Thailand’s tourism recovery until at least the beginning of next year.  Overall, the 2022 economy would see a slow, steady rebound from lasting scarring effects such as decreased household revenue, rising household debt, low savings, widened inequality and high unemployment.  EIC recommends the government borrow an additional 500 billion – 1 trillion Baht to revive and restructure the economy, for which public debt would reach 69 percent of GDP.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij newspaper, 10 December 2021  Bangkok Post 
• At the MFA CEO Forum with BOT Governor: Getting the Policy Response Right webinar, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) Governor, Dr Setthaput, expects the Thai economy to see the slowest recovery in the region due to its over-reliance on the service sector coupled with an uneven, K-Shape recovery. While the export sector has outperformed pre-COVID level, the tourism sector will be the last sector to recover.  BOT has maintained policy rate at the historically low level of 0.5 percent to support economic growth, and will continue to pursue accommodative monetary policy to support recovery next year.  The economy will only return to pre-pandemic level in Q1 of 2023.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij
• BOT announced that financial institutions will offer commercial loans to SMEs via digital supply chain financing in December as part of the Smart Financial and Payment Infrastructure for Business project.  For the second phase of the project, a digital trading system is being developed as a central infrastructure in 3 core areas: e-invoices, e-tax invoices and e-payment for businesses.  They are poised to be operational in Q4 of 2022.  Sources:  Krungthep Turakij  Bangkok Post
• PM Prayut is jubilant to learn that consumer confidence index rose for the third straight month in November, hitting a 7-month high.  This is attributable to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, robust export growth and Thailand’s reopening, according to the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce.  Sources:  Post Today Bangkok Post
• Ministry of Commerce is urging Thai entrepreneurs to reap the maximum benefits from RCEP, Thailand’s 14^th FTA which is notably the world’s largest trade pact.  Under RCEP, which will take effect on 1 January 2022, tariff will be eliminated for some 39,366 Thai exported items, of which 29,891 items will see zero tariff starting from January 2022.  Sources:  Thai Rath  Department of Trade Negotiations Press Release

Headlines summary as of 1 December 2021

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Total vaccination
4,886 (165 from prisons)	2,120,758 (last seven days: 38,766)	37 (last seven days: 270)	93,231,463 (+573,073)
1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	3rd dose vaccine recipients (from 16 July)
48,307,704 (+233,654)	41,485,442  (+274,665)	3,438,317 (+64,754)

• The cabinet has approved the retain the RT-PCR test as a prerequisite for the visitors entering the country after allowing the visitors to only goes through rapid ATK tests since 16 December.—Thai Rath
• The cabinet has approved the principle of Medical Treatment Visa for one year with no more than 3 dependents. The visa aims at attracting potential foreigners and has spending powers, in accordance with the Thai government policy of Medical Hub.—Krungthep Turakij
• The government spokesperson said that there was no discussion on the emerging Omicron strain in the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday. The government spokesman dismissed the reports that there will be lockdown should there is a detection of Omicron strain in the Kingdom.—Krungthep Turakij

Politics

• The leader of the Opposition Pheu Thai Party has pledged with their MPs that in the next election, the party could win 253 MPs and could establish a stable government.—Krungthep Turakij
• The court has decided to temporarily released Panusaya ‘Rung’ Sitthijirawatanakul, a student-led protest leader from detainment until 12 January during her exam period. The court has indicated conditions for the temporary release on conditions of wearing tracking bracelet, 24 hours house detainment except for the visit to university, hospital and the court. The court also indicated that the student protest leader cannot leave the Kingdom and cannot attend any protest.–Matichon
• The Deputy PM and leader of Bhumjaithai Party said that the postponement of the coalition parties’ dinner is not a big deal and has no political ramification against the coalition unity as they are so close.–Matichon
• Cancel culture is picking up in Thailand again as a daughter of staunch figure of yellow-shirt People Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is making her debut as a K-Pop star. The hashtags involve banning the Sitala making it to Twitter trending questioning her father and her involvement in the protests that led to the coup in 2014. Some Twitter users are calling for the ban of persons who contribute to the coup.—Nation TV
• The Deputy PM and government legal pundit gave an interview on the Akra mining case between the Australian Kingsgate Company and the Royal Thai Government that he has no information on how the arbitrary has been proceeded but he just realised that it will be postponed for one to two month.–Matichon

Economic:

CPTPP

• FTA Watch has called its network of NGOs under nationwide the name ‘#NoCPTPP’ to stage rallies and a news conference on 2 December to voice their objections towards the current government’s moves to accede to CPTPP.The trigger for this outcry was PM Prayut’s announcement to various chambers of commerce that the government will join the CPTPP negotiation, as well as the International Economic Policy Committee’s planned meeting on 8 December to discuss this topic and their intention to submit to the cabinet the framework for Thailand to join CPTPP on 14 December.  FTA Watch reasoned that the current regime is manoeuvring these moves without addressing the various objections raised by the parliament-appointed CPTPP committee.  FTA Watch pointed out that the trade pact will benefit the large conglomerates, such as the exporters of shrimps and frozen chicken and plant seed manufacturers.  It will put small-scale farmers out of business, particularly pork farmers.  Sources:  Manager Online  Prachatai

Cabinet’s Decisions, 30 November 2021

• Approved a combined 141 billion Baht to support an income guarantee scheme for rice and rubber farmers in the 2021-22 season.  Sources:  Bangkok Post Post Today
• Instructed the Tourism Authority of Thailand to promote Wellness Tourism and Medical Tourism in 2022.  In promoting Wellness Tourism, TAT will promote the use of Thai herbs, which is also in line with Thailand’s 2017 – 2026 national strategy to become a medical Hub.  TAT will focus on attracting high-spending tourists with spending per head of 80,000 – 120,000 Baht.  Source:  Thai Government fb page, 30 November 2021
• Acknowledged that public debt is 58.1 percent of GDP at the end of FY2021 (Sept 2021), which does not exceed the 70 percent debt ceiling.  Source:  Isra News
• Approved in principle the 1-year, multiple-entry Medical Treatment Visa (Non-MT visa) for patients who needed medical services in Thailand.  The goal is to attract foreigners with high spending power, wherein the applicants and their followers must each show bank statements with deposits of at least 800,000 baht and have accident and Covid-19 insurance cover in Thailand for at least USD100,000 (3 million Baht).  Source:  Bangkok Post

Others

• PM Prayut urges state-own-enterprises (SOE) to expedite their spending in the last quarter of 2021.  The disbursement of SOE’s investment budget at the end of October 2021 stands at 89 percent (valued at 269 billion Baht) of the targeted disbursement.  Source:  Thansettakij
• The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has maintained its GDP growth projection for 2021 at + 0.7 percent following the better-than-expected Q3 2021 GDP figure.  BOT will closely monitor the COVID-19 Omicron variant, but anticipates it will not have substantial impacts on the Thai economy until next year.  BOT noted the Thai economy in October had improved from September, with private consumption bolstered by the government’s stimulus measures as well as rising export and manufacturing production.  Sources:  Thai Post  Bank of Thailand Press Release Bangkok Post
• Industry Minister Suriya revealed that Thailand’s manufacturing production index (MPI) in October increased by 2.91 percent YoY to 97.99 points, which has rebounded close to the pre-pandemic 2019 level.  This is attributable to the recovery of global economies.  MPI in the first 10 months of 2021 reported a growth of 5.93 percent at 97.26 points.  Industry Ministry has therefore revised its MPI forecast for 2021 to an expansion of 5.2 percent from 4-5 percent, with industrial GDP expected to grow by 3.9 percent from 3-4 percent.  In 2022, MPI is expected to grow by 4-5 percent, and industrial GDP by 2.5 – 3.5 percent.   Source:  Siam Rath Krungthap Turakij Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 26 November 2021

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Total vaccination
6,559 (752 from prisons)	2,094,886 (last seven days: 43,906)	64 (last seven days: 340)	90,735,069 (+266,114)
1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	3rd dose vaccine recipients (from 16 July)
47,331,644 (+98,118)	40,202,745 (+146,673)	3,200,680 (+21,323)

• The President of AstraZeneca Thailand said that the second generation of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine is undergoing clinical trials. The head of AstraZeneca Thailand said that the second-generation vaccine and related technology would be transferred to the Thai government and partners next year.—Bangkok Post
• The CCSA spokesperson said that despite calls for the reopening of entertainment complexes before New Year, the CCSA decided to keep their original timeline which is from 16 January 2022. The CCSA has indicated that the entertainment complexes should pursue universal covid prevention measures.
• On the measures to re-open the Kingdom to international tourists, the CCSA has allowed the re-enter on land and sea borders. As for the land border, the CCSA eyes to allow visitors to Nong Khai checkpoint from 24 December.
• The CCSA said that they will soon allow vaccine e-passport via ‘Mor Phrom’ application.
• The PM discussed virtually with the head of Chinese telecommunication giant Hua Wei and has outlined four cooperation frameworks between the Royal Thai Government and Hua Wei:
  • The establishment of Thailand 5G Ecosystem Innovation Center (5G EIC), in digital agricultural business and smart hospitals;
  • Increase the status of Thailand to be ‘Regional Hub’ for Data Centers and Cloud services;
  • Train digital human resources with trilateral collaboration (government, education and private sectors);
  • Develop Smart port and Smart airport using 5G and AI technologies.—Krungthep Turakij

Politics

• The Deputy PM and the head of the Palang Pracharat Party dismissed the reports that the fallen-from-grace former Deputy Labour Minister and PPRP’s treasurer will be nominated as the party’s Bangkok Governor Candidate.—Thai Post
• After Thailand is not invited to join the Biden initiated ‘Summit for Democracy, there have been ramifications from all sides of the political aisles:
  • The Deputy PM and Foreign Minister dismissed the Summit as “nothing more than pure politics being played by some countries against one another”. Thai top diplomat responded to a query during a House session by opposition MPs that not being invited is a good thing for the Kingdom as it will be difficult for Bangkok to be seen as taking side. The veteran diplomat said that the international reality has more than what the people understands.–ThaiPBSWorld, Matichon
  • Deputy Professor Dr Panitan Wattanayagorn said that not being invited does not have any effect on Thailand and that Washington internal politics is undermining Thailand. The international strategy pundit said that “Western liberalism has been in deep recess and dying due to the inability to tackle inequality and racism.” The Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Security Advisory Committee sees the summit as an attempt by Biden administration to revive its popularity during the mid-term election. Panitan said that there are more hidden agendas into this and it is mere Washington internal politics.—Krungthep Turakij
  • The MFA spokesperson said that Thailand recognised the summit and that the Kingdom does not have concern about the invitation. This is up to Washington as the organiser. Regardless of the invitation, the spokesperson said, Thailand remains committed to the principles of democracy and human rights in the same fashion as invited and uninvited countries.–Matichon
• The Foreign Minister also defended his visit to Myanmar as part of the ‘Quiet Diplomacy’ to deliver humanitarian packages. The Thai top diplomat responded to the query made by an Opposition MP that he was not just sneakily made a visit there, but the Foreign Ministry is not an attention-seeker agency. The FM said that he was asked by ASEAN countries and international community to be the bridge with Myanmar.–Matichon
• In the right-wing bid to the expel human-rights supporter Amnesty International Thailand out of the Kingdom, Seksakon Atthawong, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister gave a speech to mobilise the supporters and pledged that he will quit if the movement cannot kick the human rights advocate group out of the Kingdom for undermining the national security and monarchy.—Naew Na
  • A vocal Senator and former civil society said that the problem with Amnesty International Thailand is with its staff which always stand against the government. Wanlop Tangkananurak said that the Thailand office has defended the wrong things and believed that the organisation will collapse in the near future.—Krungthep Turakij

Economic:

APEC

• In an exclusive interview with Krungthep Turakij newspaper, Foreign Minister Don said Thailand prioritises economic diplomacy throughout its APEC Chairmanship next year.  This will correspond with Thailand’s priorities including reviving post-COVID19 economy and overcoming the middle-income trap, as well as cement its role in the region.  Under the 2022 APEC banner Open.Connect.Balance, Thailand will revamp post-COVID 19 economy through the BCG Economic Model and ensure its adoption by SMEs, as well as foster economic cooperation among APEC members in reviving trade in Asia Pacific.  FM Don added that Thailand is becoming a champion in using soft power in tourism, public health, culture and food.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij

Akara Mine

• The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has combined 2 cases against Akara Resources Plc into one to speed up the investigation process.  The charges are land encroachment and use of proxy shareholders.  The DSI made this decision in response to a petition submitted by the Civic Group for Reform of Resources and Gold on 24 November, as they demanded an update on the legal proceedings of these 2 cases.  Sources:  Bangkok Post  Nation  TV

Electric Vehicles (EV)

• The Electric Vehicle Board (EV Board) is expected to approve measures to boost investment in EVs, with Finance Ministry slated to provide support in 1) reducing excise tax on EVs; 2) introducing subsidies to keep the price of EVs low and 3) attracting investments into constructions of electric charging stations.  The price subsidy scheme might be financed by a government fund to ensure the price of EVs is competitive with those of internal combustion engine vehicles.  Furthermore, the government has set sight on Thailand becoming the manufacturing centre Electric Pick-Up Trucks, by leveraging on Thailand’s existing capabilities as the world’s leading manufacturer of large-size pick-up trucks.  Sources:  Daily News  Bangkok Post
• PTT expects to make a final investment decision on the development of an EV assembly facility early next year as part of its plan to launch a new joint venture with FoxConn and use renewable power.  Earlier, PTT signed an MoU with Hon Hai Precision Industry, a subsidiary of the Taiwan-based Foxconn, to make a USD1-2 billion investment in an EV joint venture in Thailand.  Source:  Bangkok Post

Others

• PM Prayut convened a virtual meeting with Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei yesterday to deepen cooperation on the use of 5G and AI.  PM Prayut recognises Huawei’s profound contributions to Thailand’s combat against the pandemic and digital transformation, and said Thailand will work with Huawei areas such as digital economy, 5G smart hospitals, cloud and computing, digital power, smart logistics and data centres.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• Industry Minister Suriya announced at a BCG Model seminar that he aims for Thailand to become the bio-hub of ASEAN by 2027 in a bid to boost Thailand’s post-pandemic GDP.  To date, the government is developing a suite of incentives to lure investments into BCG industries, as well as an Eco Industrial Town in 37 provinces nationwide as mandated by the 20-year-national strategy.   Investors have been investing in bio-economy projects worth more than 10 billion Baht, such as a polylactic acid (PLA) project in Rayong, the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex in Nakhon Sawan and the Palm Biocomplex project in Chon Buri.  Source:  Post TodayBangkok Post
• Federation of Thai Industries noted SMEs are struggling to access loans to adopt BCG trends and has called out for the government’s assistance.  FTI added that Thailand has the upper hand in developing bio-economy because it could capitalise on its natural endowment in bio-diversity.  Source:  Post Today
• A joint venture led by Gulf Energy (GPC International Terminal) signed a PPP agreement with the Port Authority of Thailand to develop the third phase of Chonburi province’s Laem Chabang deep-seaport into a trade and investment gateway of the EEC.  Construction is set to begin in 2023 and completed in 2025.  The government is set to invest 13 billion Baht and private sector 32 billion Baht.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij newspaper, 26 November 2021 Bangkok Post