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Food exporters plan added focus on trade fairs after Covid-19 vaccine is launched (nationthailand.com)

Food exporters plan added focus on trade fairs after Covid-19 vaccine is launched

NationalNov 30. 2020

By THE NATION

Food manufacturers plan to organise more trade fairs to boost sales after a Covid-19 vaccine becomes available.

“After the vaccine is available in 2021, we expect international trading and travelling to gradually improve, although not to 100 per cent of what they used to be,” said Wisit Limleucha, president of the Instant Food Manufacturers Association.

“The outbreak has put a stop to international trade fairs, while some organisers have opted to hold virtual fairs online, but the result is still not as good as a real fair that features tangible food that customers can taste.

“An online trade conference, while it helps save travel time, cannot fully facilitate business negotiation between exporters and overseas buyers, therefore the organisation of an actual trade fair is highly important to the food export business,” he added.

“We urge the government to promote trade fairs after the vaccine is available, as we estimate that food manufacturers and restaurants will gradually return to their normal business operation that focuses on customers dining in, whereas at present they are making foods for home delivery due to the current lifestyle,” said Wisit.

Meanwhile, Supan Mongkolsuthee, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said that next year the economy was expected to start recovering. He said banks should continue to provide loans to business operators to strengthen their liquidity.

“As the government starts reopening the country, many industries will gradually improve including tourism, food manufacturing and processed agricultural products,” he said. “However, the export sector might still be suffering from the baht’s strengthening.

“In the past, Thailand has relied heavily on supply chain from China, which has resulted in our manufacturing sector being severely impacted when the outbreak spread in China,” he said.

“To avoid such a problem, we need to promote the building of a domestic supply chain, especially in agricultural products, as well as securing various trade partners to spread the risk in case of any unexpected event.”

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Baht may react to speculation in Asia if US, EU economies sputter (nationthailand.com)

Baht may react to speculation in Asia if US, EU economies sputter

NationalNov 30. 2020

By THE NATION

The baht opened at 30.31 to the US dollar on Monday, weakening from 30.28 at close on Friday.The Thai currency is likely to move between 30.20 and 30.40 on Monday and between 30 to 30.50 this week, said Jitipol Puksamatanan, senior director of the chief investment office at SCB Securities.

Jitipol advised investors to monitor investment direction at the end of this year.

He also predicted that there would be speculation in the Asian region, if the market sees that the US or EU economy is not recovering at a reliable rate.

Jitipol expected the market this week to move in a narrow range, while the US ISM Manufacturing purchase managers index will be announced on Tuesday.

Moreover, the US ADP Employment report is scheduled to be announced on Wednesday and Thursday.

On Friday, Thailand’s consumer price index and the US Nonfarm Payrolls would be revealed.

In addition, the dollar index this week will move between 91 and 93 points, from the present 91.8 points.

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‘No fatality but three children injured in ride breakdown’ at Hua Hin theme park (nationthailand.com)

‘No fatality but three children injured in ride breakdown’ at Hua Hin theme park

NationalNov 30. 2020

 The organiser of the Hua Hin Red Cross Festival in Prachuap Khiri Khan province has clarified that there was no fatality from a malfunctioning ride on Friday but a hydraulic system failure had left three children injured.

On Sunday the organiser, Pannee Klomtheri, invited members of the press to visit the theme park located in front of Bluport Department Store to clarify the incident where a ride had malfunctioned on Friday night and injured young riders.

A Facebook user named Yaniz Phookpan had posted a picture of a giant octopus ride at the theme park on Friday and said that a ride had malfunctioned and tilted down, causing at least one death.

“The incident took place at around 10pm on Friday night. The hydraulic system of the giant octopus ride malfunctioned when about 10 children were riding it,” said Pannee.

“Three children were injured and were sent to Bangkok Hua Hin Hospital with some bruises. Doctors said all the kids are now fine. There was no death caused by the incident.”

Pannee added that the giant octopus and nearby rides would be closed until the fair ends, while officers from Hua Hin Municipality would later visit the site for inspection. “The repair is expected to take several days as the parts must be imported,” she said.

Meanwhile, Hua Hin mayor Nopphon Wutthikul has said that the organiser had submitted incomplete documents to the authority when applying for permit to operate a temporary theme park.

“Preliminary inspection revealed that they had yet to submit safety certification signed by licensed engineers from related government agencies. We will further investigate this matter to find out if there was misconduct by any official,” he said.

The theme park opened on November 27 and closes on December 6.

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Man who allegedly robbed half a million from GH Bank branch in Bangkok arrested (nationthailand.com)

Man who allegedly robbed half a million from GH Bank branch in Bangkok arrested

NationalNov 30. 2020

By THE NATION

A suspect in a robbery at a Government Housing Bank (GH Bank) branch in Bangkok was arrested on Saturday by police from Bang Khun Thian station.

Phaiboon Sara, aged 46 years, is accused being involved in an armed robbery at GH Bank’s branch in Ekachai Soi 86 in Bangbon district on November 25.

The gun-wielding robber made off with 500,000 cash while no one was injured.

Phaiboon reportedly confessed that he had used a plastic gun to threaten bank tellers, removed the plastic partition on the counter and hopped over it to grab the cash from the drawer. He then left the bank, crossed the flyover bridge in front of Bangpakok 8 hospital, threw the gun away and got on a public van.

Police said that they had tracked the suspect down to a house in Samrong Nua subdistrict in Samut Prakarn province where he reportedly confessed to the crime and revealed that he had hid the money at a hotel room in the Sukhumvit area. Officials reportedly searched the hotel room and found Bt391,390 cash and clothes that matched what the robber had worn as seen in CCTV footage.

Phaiboon was brought to Bang Khun Thian Police Station for interrogation.

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Protesters to gather at Constitution Court for verdict in case against Prayut (nationthailand.com)

Protesters to gather at Constitution Court for verdict in case against Prayut

NationalNov 30. 2020

By THE NATIONAnti-establishment demonstrators of the “Ratsadon” group announced at their rally on Sunday at the 11th Infantry Regiment base that their next rally would be held in front of the Constitution Court in Bangkok’s Lak Si district on Wednesday.

On that day, the court will read the verdict in a case against Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha of breaking Army rules by living in a military house after his retirement.

Former Army chief General Apirat Kongsompong had said that Prayut and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, both retired generals, were exempted because of their significant contributions to the country’s well-being.

The rally on Sunday started at around 4pm. Protesters marched from BTS Wat Phra Sri Mahathat station to the 11th Infantry Regiment base in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district, demanding the return of the military unit to the Defence Ministry. The regiment, along with the 1st Infantry Regiment base, was transferred to Palace control under Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s administration.

“On Wednesday, we will gather as many people as possible at the court to witness the reading of the verdict and to find out whether or not the Constitution Court is capable of delivering justice to the people,” said

Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, a protest leader.

“The verdict reading will start at 3pm and we will gather there starting from two. I will also be there.”

Protesters announced the end of their Sunday rally at 10.15pm, then peacefully dispersed.

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Heavy rains raise risk of flash floods in the South (nationthailand.com)

Heavy rains raise risk of flash floods in the South

NationalNov 30. 2020

By THE NATION

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Monday that a rather strong high-pressure system covers upper Thailand and the South China Sea, causing cool to cold weather and strong winds.Temperature is expected to fall by 1-3 degrees Celsius.

The strong northeast monsoon prevails over the Gulf and the South bringing isolated heavy to very heavy rain in the South. People should beware of the severe conditions that may cause flash floods and water runoffs.

Waves in the Gulf are two metres high and above three metres during thundershowers. All ships should proceed with caution and keep off thundershowers, the department said. Small boats should keep ashore until December 4.

The weather forecast for the next 24 hours:

North: Cool to cold weather; minimum temperature 14-19°C, maximum 30-32°C; temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 8-15°C.

Northeast: Cool to cold weather with strong winds and isolated light rain; minimum temperature 15-20°C, maximum 28-30°C; temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 10-17°C.

Central: Cool weather with strong winds and isolated light rain; minimum temperature 20-23°C, maximum 30-33°C.

East: Partly cloudy with isolated light rain; minimum temperature 23-25°C, maximum 30-33°C; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres offshore.

South (east coast): Mostly cloudy with thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas and isolated heavy to very heavy rain; minimum temperature 23-24°C, maximum 30-32°C; waves two metres high and over three metres during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Mostly cloudy with thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas and isolated heavy rain; minimum temperature 22-25°C, maximum 31-34°C; waves 1-2 metres high and two metres during thundershowers.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Partly cloudy with strong winds and isolated light rain; minimum temperature 23-24°C, maximum 32-34°C.

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Ministry to repossess agricultural lands of farmers who died without heirs (nationthailand.com)

Ministry to repossess agricultural lands of farmers who died without heirs

NationalNov 30. 2020

By THE NATION

The Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) is planning to repossess lands that had been provided to farmers who later died without any heirs, to continue using those lands for agriculture.

Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thammanat Phromphao said:

“Currently, 275,807 farmers have died without any heirs for continuing agricultural activities on the lands they had received from the ALRO, and we are planning to get those lands back and give them to other farmers who fit the criteria.”

“There are also cases where their actual heirs did not show up to sign the transfer papers due to various reasons, such as their parents had got the lands illegally (eg by buying from the real recipient), and they are afraid of legal action if they accept those lands.”

Thammanat further added that the ALRO had so far given 39.3 million rai of land to over 2.93 million farmers nationwide.

“This year, the office has allotted 411,543 rai of land to 45,755 farmers,” he said.

“The ALRO currently has more than 4 million rai of land left to provide to suitable farmers. However, only 3.5 million rai is considered suitable for agricultural purposes.

“The ALRO will also work with related agencies in building infrastructure, such as roads, tap water and electricity facilities on its lands surrounding the lands that had been given to farmers, to promote the formation of new local communities and markets,” he said. “This will help encourage farmers to continue their agricultural activities on those lands instead of abandoning them or selling them to others.”

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Grab says it is coordinating with government agencies after domestic Covid-19 case (nationthailand.com)

Grab says it is coordinating with government agencies after domestic Covid-19 case

NationalNov 30. 2020

By THE NATION

Grab Thailand has said that it is fully cooperating with state agencies after a woman in Chiang Mai, who had used its taxi service, tested positive for Covid-19.

Grab said it had contacted the Department of Disease Control (DDC) and the Ministry of Public Health immediately on November 28, in order to cooperate with data tracking of all driver-partners and passengers who rode with those drivers during the period. 

The ministry on Saturday announced a new  case in Chiang Mai of a woman who had a record of using transport service via the Grab application. 

Grab Thailand said all drivers have already been contacted by the DDC for having the Covid-19 test and the company has temporarily suspended their accounts.

Grab said in the past several months, the company had cooperated with the Department of Health to adopt guidelines and measures of the ministry to enhance safety and hygiene standards for its driver-partners. 

“All driver-partners and passengers are encouraged to wear masks whenever they are on the Grab platform. One of the important measures is that if either party shows up without a mask on or appears unwell, passengers and driver-partners can cancel the booking by selecting “driver/passenger did not wear a mask”, or “driver/passenger seemed unwell”, as their cancellation reasons. Grab will waive any associated penalty,” the company said. This has been implemented since June.

Grab Thailand said it continued to provide everyday services as usual, including on-demand transport services, food, package, grocery delivery services, mobile payments and financial services.

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Dhara Dhevi Hotel ceases operations in Chiang Mai (nationthailand.com)

Dhara Dhevi Hotel ceases operations in Chiang Mai

NationalNov 29. 2020

By The Nation

The Dhara Dhevi Hotel Chiang Mai is shutting up shop due to the impact of Covid-19, which has dealt a blow to tourism. The hotel had announced its temporary closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic in May and October.

On November 23, Dhara Dhevi Hotel Chiang Mai sent termination letters to all hotel employees, citing the effects of the coronavirus outbreak.

Earlier, some 200 employees of the Dhara Dhevi Hotel had filed petitions with the governor of Chiang Mai and the Chiang Mai Provincial Labour Protection and Welfare Office several times that the management had postponed the reopening of the hotel and the payment of staff salaries.

As permanent closure has been announced, Dhara Dhevi Hotel is now waiting for the Legal Execution Department to sell its assets by auction early next year.

On November 18, the Appeal Court dismissed the petition for business reorganisation of Dhara Dhevi Hotel, which forced the hotel to enter bankruptcy.

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Public engage in spirited debate on Crown Property (nationthailand.com)

Public engage in spirited debate on Crown Property

NationalNov 29. 2020Arnond Sakworawich 

By The Nation

A local TV station’s debate on the Crown Property and its connection with the monarchy has stirred a spirited public debate.

Thairath TV had hosted the debate amid close public attention on the demand to reform the monarchy.

Arnond Sakworawich, a lecturer at the National Institute of Development Administration, took on pro-democracy protest leader Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawattanakul.

He confronted Panusaya with information in defence of the monarchy, but his statements made many viewers re-examine the facts.

Arnond said the Crown Property was like the monarch’s fund with its own administration and management, but according to a Facebook group of CSI LA page dedicating to counter the fake news, the Crown Property states that the property does not belong to the King but the government. Effectively, it was the country’s property.

Defending the monarchy, he said that the details of the Crown Property are disclosed annually to the public.

Some political observers questioned why it had to be revealed if it was personal property as had been claimed previously, and why it had not been revealed since 2017, when the reign of King Rama X began.

Puangthong Pawakapan, a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Political Science, wrote on her Facebook page that before 1932, the revenue came from taxation, monopoly in international trading and the ownership of lands in Bangkok because the monarch was considered a sovereign.

King Rama V reformed the system and separated it from the country’s expenditure. The Ministry of Finance was established in 1890, which raised income after that. The Crown Property website informs that as incomes increased due to reforms in 1980, the ministry was created to manage the privy purse.

She explained that the Crown Property had been under the government’s management since 1932, as the monarch was no longer a sovereign and could no longer tax his subjects to raise money for the Crown Property.

After a coup in 1947, royalists tried to push a law separating the Crown Property from the government to help it become a juristic entity, allowing the King to select four committees to manage the entity together with the finance minister.

Therefore, the statement from some academics that the public can freely view the expenditure of the Crown Property is a “lie”, Puangthong wrote.

The international media used to estimate the wealth of the Thai monarch from shareholdings and real estate but the Crown Property had never revealed the exact number, she said.

She wrote that disclosing details of the Crown Property was important for the legal system and the dignity of the monarch, as it would remove suspicions among the public about the King’s expenditure.

The “special” nature of the establishment had benefited the Crown Property several times, such as during the economic crisis in 1997 when Siam Commercial Bank, in which the Crown Property holds a major stake, was subsidised by the Finance Ministry to preserve the share value, she said.