Thaksin says daughter will announce his return to Thailand this year

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Thaksin says daughter will announce his return to Thailand this year

Thaksin says daughter will announce his return to Thailand this year

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2023

Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra insists his return to Thailand will come without help from Pheu Thai or the ruling Palang Pracharath Party and will be announced by his daughter Paetongtarn.

Thaksin made the latest declaration on returning to his homeland during a discussion on the Clubhouse social media app on Tuesday night.

It came amid rumours that Palang Pracharat and Pheu Thai have done a deal for Thaksin to return after the general election, scheduled for May.

The former PM was answering questions from supporters in a live session held by the CARE Kid Kluan Thai (Think and Move Thailand) Facebook page.

Asked when he would return to Thailand, Thaksin revealed that he suffered an illness last year that disrupted his plans to come back.

“I intended to do so and I sped up oxygen treatment before the year-end. But the situation remained dangerous and my children had concerns over my safety,” he said. The ex-PM did not reveal why he needed oxygen therapy, though he reportedly caught Covid-19 last year.

“Anyway, I can confirm that I’ll definitely return and I want to emphasize here that I won’t be seeking help from any political party, including Pheu Thai. I’ll depend on my own heart, so don’t worry about me.”

Thaksin asked supporters to listen out for an announcement by his youngest daughter, Paetongtarn, who is set to be unveiled as Pheu Thai’s candidate for prime minister at the next election.

“Ing [Paetongtarn] will announce when I’ll be back,” Thaksin added.

The former prime minister said no amnesty law would be enacted to pardon him and Pheu Thai would not seek compromise with Palang Pracharath over an amnesty.

“I depend on myself. I won’t beg for help from [Palang Pracharath]. I can help myself and I’ll definitely return,” he declared.

Complaining of persecution by Thai authorities during his exile, he said he would return to his homeland to defend himself.

Thaksin was ousted in a military coup on September 19, 2006 while attending a UN meeting in New York. He returned in April 2008 to a hero’s welcome only to flee from a corruption trial in August 2008. He was eventually sentenced to a total of 10 years in jail.

An amnesty push by the government of his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, sparked street protests that culminated in the 2014 coup led by then Army chief Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha.

On Tuesday, former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan alleged that Thaksin had betrayed his supporters before the coup by compromising with Prayut to block red shirts from protesting.

Jatuporn said Prayut had been able to stage the coup only because Thaksin had done a deal with him to halt any red-shirt mass protests.

Jatuporn also claimed that Thaksin had neutralised the red-shirt movement after it helped his proxy Pheu Thai party to win power.

He added that including Thaksin as a beneficiary of the amnesty push had triggered its failure, leaving many of the red shirts who should have been pardoned for political offences in jail.

Asked to comment on Jatuporn’s claims, Thaksin shrugged off the allegations.

“It’s okay. It’s natural. I want to tell red shirts that humanity does matter and all understand it, including the love for democracy,” he replied.

“People seek many ways to survive and I don’t mind if they attack me.”

Thaksin said he was confident that the “pro-democracy side”, or Pheu Thai and the Move Forward Party, would win over 300 House seats at the election, citing recent opinion polls.

As a result, the pro-democracy faction would definitely win the election and form the next coalition government, he added.

Thailand hikes key interest rate by 25 basis points

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Thailand hikes key interest rate by 25 basis points

Thailand hikes key interest rate by 25 basis points

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2023

The Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Wednesday voted unanimously to raise the policy interest rate by 25 basis points to 1.50% aimed at controlling inflation.

MPC secretary Piti Disyatat said the rate hike took immediate effect.

The MPC made the decision based on continued economic recovery driven by private sector consumption and the tourism industry, thanks to the return of Chinese tourists this year after the country lifted travel restrictions, he said.

Piti added that exports are expected to slow down this year but would pick up in 2024 following the improving global economy, which is believed to pass the lowest point in 2023.

The MPC estimated that headline inflation this year would show a downward trend following the gradual decline in energy and consumer product prices. However, core inflation will remain at a high level, with a chance of rising further due to increasing demand driven by the economic recovery.

Piti said the committee would continue monitoring factors that could contribute to rising inflation, including rising manufacturing cost and the recovery of the tourism industry that could cause demand-pull inflation.

Piti added that the country’s overall financial system is stable with commercial banks having adequate funds and reserves, while the debt repayment of the business and household sectors was also improving following the economic recovery.

The MPC advised financial institutions to offer debt restructuring periodically to facilitate small and medium enterprises and vulnerable households that have suffered from increasing cost of living, and also roll out measures to solve debt problems in the long term.

The MPC forecast that the baht would strengthen against the US dollar, as it was widely expected the Federal Reserve would employ less aggressive interest rate adjustment. The influx of Chinese tourists will also contribute towards the baht strengthening. The committee said it would continue to closely monitor the situation and fluctuations in the global currency market.

The MPC said it would employ suitable monetary policies to ensure the stability of the financial system and promote Thailand’s economic expansion to its full potential.

The central bank’s previous rate adjustment was on November 30 of last year, when it hiked the rate from 1% to 1.25%, also in a bid to control inflation.

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Prayut touts efforts to promote human rights, ensure equity

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Prayut touts efforts to promote human rights, ensure equity

Prayut touts efforts to promote human rights, ensure equity

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2023

The government is working to enhance safeguards protecting human rights in Thailand, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Wednesday.

The new measures range from improving public health and pensions to reforming prisons, and deterring sexual assault and forced disappearance, the prime minister wrote on Facebook.

Human security is crucial for the future of Thailand, Prayut said.

The Cabinet has approved a project to improve the public health system using cloud computing, which will enable all hospitals to track every patient’s history, including diagnoses and treatment.

“This will enable all Thais to receive treatment anywhere and improve the efficiency of patient transferring [between hospitals],” he said.

Prayut said the Cabinet has approved ministerial regulations to increase the National Savings Fund’s pension scheme to encourage people to save more for retirement.

“The monthly pension for people who start saving at 15 years old and retire at 60 years old has doubled from 7,387 baht [per month] to 16,779 baht,” he said.

Prayut touts efforts to promote human rights, ensure equity

The government has also passed legislation to increase penalties for repeat sexual assault offenders and another law that increases penalties for those linked to forced disappearances. Both pieces of legislation will take effect in the middle of this year, the prime minister wrote.

“These laws aim to ensure safety in society and protect human rights in line with international principles,” he said.

Prayut also said other reforms to the judicial system were being made. Court hearings will be accelerated, while people convicted of minor offenses will receive fines or community service rather than jail terms, he said.

“Prisons are not for detaining the poor. All people make mistakes,” the prime minister wrote.

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Thailand to spend 8.8 billion baht on new aircraft for VIP travel

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Thailand to spend 8.8 billion baht on new aircraft for VIP travel

Thailand to spend 8.8 billion baht on new aircraft for VIP travel

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2023

The Cabinet has approved an 8.78-billion-baht budget to procure new aircraft for VIPs including royals, privy counsellors, prime ministers, ministers and royal guests.

Proposed by the Prime Minister’s Secretariat and approved on Tuesday, the plan includes procurement of new aircraft and components, and training of personnel.

The budget will be spent over four years from fiscal year 2024 – 1.75 billion baht in 2024, 2.19 billion baht in 2025, 2.20 billion baht in 2026 and 2.63 billion baht in 2027.

The proposal said the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) needs to replace the old Airbus A340-500 procured from Thai Airways International (THAI) for VIP travel.

“The airbus, which THAI used between 2005 and 2012, was commissioned in 2015,” the proposal said, adding that maintenance costs for the aircraft had risen after Airbus suspended production in 2012.

The Airbus is currently used to transport VIPs but also for humanitarian missions aiding victims of natural disasters and evacuation of Thai nationals abroad.

“The RTAF has prepared an operation plan, budget expenditure, corruption risk assessment and list of procurement needs,” the proposal added.

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Covid hospitalisations, deaths drop sharply in 3rd week of Jan

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Covid hospitalisations, deaths drop sharply in 3rd week of Jan

Covid hospitalisations, deaths drop sharply in 3rd week of Jan

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023

Thailand’s Covid-19 hospitalisations and deaths dropped in the third week of January, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) said on Wednesday.

A total of 627 people were hospitalised with severe Covid symptoms from January 15-21, an average of 90 per day. This was lower than the 969 hospitalised from January 8-14, averaging 138 patients per day.

So far this year, 2,593 people have been admitted to hospital for Covid-19 symptoms.

The third week of this year also saw 44 deaths from Covid, or about six per day, compared to 65 deaths in the second week, or about nine per day.

So far this year, 167 people have died from Covid-19.

The DDC said 277 Covid patients are currently being treated for lung infections and 178 are on ventilators.

Eight foreign arrivals tested positive between January 8 and 21. One was hospitalised while the rest had mild or no symptoms. Three of the infected were Chinese while the rest came from Myanmar, Cambodia, Japan, Britain, and South Korea.

The Omicron BA.2.75 subvariant is currently the dominant strain in Thailand, accounting for 86% of infections, the DDC said. Strains found abroad are responsible for the remaining infections.

Covid hospitalisations, deaths drop sharply in 3rd week of Jan

“People are advised to continue protecting their health against Covid-19 by wearing face masks in public, washing their hands regularly, and taking an ATK test immediately if they have symptoms of fever, coughing, runny nose, or lose their sense of smell or taste,” said DDC director-general Thares Krainairawiwong.

For information or assistance, contact the DDC hotline on 1422.

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4 best destinations in Thailand to go off-grid

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4 best destinations in Thailand to go off-grid

4 best destinations in Thailand to go off-grid

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2023

Giant online travel agency Booking.com offered tourists four off-grid places across the country since its research revealed that “Back to Basics” has become the newest travel trend among Thai tourists in 2023.

The sample group of research respondents includes 504 Thai people who plan to travel for work or pleasure in the next 12 to 24 months.

It was shown that 69% of Thai travellers are looking to escape from reality this year by embarking on an off-grid vacation. 78% desire to learn essential survival skills, while 70% want to go back to basics with only the bare necessities.

The four recommended places are O Little Tent de Koh ChangPhuket and Phang Nga Full-day Eco AdventureCOOLLiving Farmhouse Organic, and KowitFarmstay.

In Ranong province, O Little Tent de Koh Chang, located on a private beachfront, offers tourists a variety of activities including fishing, hiking, and diving for guests to explore nature and disconnect from the world.

This location also provides internet access for visitors as 53% of the participant said that they require their devices to be connected to the internet at all times, according to the research. 

4 best destinations in Thailand to go off-grid

For eco-friendly tourism, Phuket and Phang Nga Full-day Eco Adventure is seen as a place where tourists can experience local life and discover beautiful natural landscapes, namely waterfalls, hot springs, natural pools, and sunset viewpoints, through trekking and paddling.

4 best destinations in Thailand to go off-grid

Since 78% of Thai travellers said they want to learn basic survival skills, the travel agency recommended the COOLLiving Farmhouse Organic in Nakhon Ratchasima, where guests can experience local activities such as picking vegetables, collecting eggs, feeding chickens, planting rice, and enjoying meals made with locally grown organic crops and herbs.

4 best destinations in Thailand to go off-grid

Eventually, the KowitFarmstay in Chaing Mai makes sense for people who are fond of travelling off-the-grid. Visitors can take part in a variety of activities, such as hiking in a natural attraction and enjoying views of the magnificent local mountain.

4 best destinations in Thailand to go off-grid

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Tunnel of blooming monkey trees enticing tourists to Saraburi

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Tunnel of blooming monkey trees enticing tourists to Saraburi

Tunnel of blooming monkey trees enticing tourists to Saraburi

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2023

A tunnel of monkey flower trees, also known as “Pradu Daeng”, is ready to welcome visitors who drive along a road at the Thai-Danish Dairy Farm in Saraburi province, the Dairy Farming Promotion Organisation of Thailand said on Wednesday.

Somporn Srimuang, director of the organisation, said monkey flower trees – which Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn gave to the organisation – are now in full bloom.

“Monkey flower trees bloom once a year from January to February,” he explained, adding that they are older than 10 years and are located on a mountainous route.

Somporn SrimuangSomporn Srimuang

Tourists can also visit a six-rai field of yellowing hemp, also known as “Por Tueng”.

“Tourists can visit the tunnel of monkey flower trees and the field of yellowing hemp until [the end of] February,” Somporn said.

Tunnel of blooming monkey trees enticing tourists to Saraburi

He said his organisation is promoting the Thai-Danish Dairy Farm as a tourist attraction by encouraging farmers, students and tourists to visit the farm, which is also a dairy farming learning centre.

The farm’s landscape has been improved to attract tourists, Somporn added.

Tunnel of blooming monkey trees enticing tourists to Saraburi
Tunnel of blooming monkey trees enticing tourists to Saraburi

Theft of life-saving machines latest scandal for Thai police

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Theft of life-saving machines latest scandal for Thai police

Theft of life-saving machines latest scandal for Thai police

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2023

In another red-faced incident for the Royal Thai Police, its spokesman announced on Wednesday that 27 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) installed around Bangkok under police care have been stolen.

Spokesman Maj-General Artchayon Kraithong said 27 out of the 262 defibrillators received for installation throughout Bangkok have been stolen. The stolen machines are worth 1.8 million baht.

He admitted the AED machines had been stolen after media reports said they were being sold online.

The spokesman told a press conference that the Royal Thai Police signed a memorandum of understanding with the Thai Red Cross on August 25 last year to receive 262 AED machines from the charity for installation throughout the capital.Theft of life-saving machines latest scandal for Thai police

AEDs can be used to resuscitate people suffering from heart conditions.

The AED machines were purchased by the Thai Red Cross and it still owns them because not all of them have been installed yet, Artchayon said.

Lt Gen Thiti Saengsawang, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau – which is in charge of the AED project – has instructed all police stations to search for the AED thieves.

Theft of life-saving machines latest scandal for Thai policePolice stations where AED machines were stolen in the areas they serve and protect, must first register the thefts and then investigate as soon as possible, Thiti said.

Health department warns restaurants to strictly follow regulations on cannabis

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Health department warns restaurants to strictly follow regulations on cannabis

Health department warns restaurants to strictly follow regulations on cannabis

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2023

The Department of Health inspected restaurants in Bangkok’s Taling Chan district on Wednesday to ensure that operators are strictly following regulations on selling of foods and/or beverages with cannabis as additive.

The department’s director-general, Dr Attapol Kaewsamrit, said all restaurant operators who sell foods and/or beverages with cannabis as an additive must clearly set up signboards with clear messages about the content.

Citing the Public Health Ministry’s announcement, he said operators must also show all available menus of foods and/or beverages with cannabis as additive, and provide safety recommendations to consumers:

■ Children aged below 20 years, pregnant women and nursing mothers should refrain from consuming foods and/or beverages with cannabis as additive.

■ People who develop symptoms should stop consuming foods and/or beverages with cannabis as additive and see the doctor.

■ People who are allergic to cannabis should refrain from consuming foods and/or beverages with cannabis as additive.

■ People should avoid driving or working with machines, as cannabis could cause drowsiness.

Health department warns restaurants to strictly follow regulations on cannabis

“Restaurant operators who violate the guidelines could face up to 50,000 baht fine,” Attapol said, adding local agencies had been instructed to ensure that restaurant operators strictly adhere to the guidelines.

He said restaurant operators must also request permission on setting up restaurants with local agencies, otherwise they could face up to six years imprisonment or up to 50,000 baht fine.

Health department warns restaurants to strictly follow regulations on cannabis

“Many restaurants have removed menus with cannabis as additive for the safety of consumers,” he said.

He added that the Department of Health would hold training sessions to create awareness among entrepreneurs and consumers on how to use cannabis and hemp appropriately.

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‘No police officer offering VIP services to tourists will be spared’

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'No police officer offering VIP services to tourists will be spared'

‘No police officer offering VIP services to tourists will be spared’

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2023

The national police chief has ordered the police inspector-general to launch an investigation after a popular Facebook page alleged that VIP fast-track entry services sponsored by Thai police have been advertised in China for more than 10 years.

Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas said on Wednesday that he had assigned the police inspector-general to set up a fact-finding committee to investigate the allegations.

“Please be assured that no one will be spared,” the national police chief said.

Damrongsak was responding to a post on the “Lui Chin” (“Shoot to China”) page that said many ads of fast-track entry services aided by Thai police have been advertised by China’s e-commerce platform Taobao for over 10 years.

The ads claim, according to the page, that Thai police could help Chinese tourists receive fast-track immigration clearance without having to stand in line and that the tourists could even hire Thai police to provide motorcade escorts to their hotels.'No police officer offering VIP services to tourists will be spared'

If the probe implicates any police officers, they will face both disciplinary and criminal action, Damrongsak said.

“But please give us some time to gather facts because it involves tourist and traffic police, and [possibly] more. There could be other accomplices, such as tour guides, so the probe will be carried out at all levels,” he said.

After the comprehensive probe is completed, the police inspector-general will tell the media who will face charges, Damrongsak said.

Damrongsak said the police inspector-general would be the sole authority to talk to the media about the scandal.

'No police officer offering VIP services to tourists will be spared'“From now on, the spokespersons of all police bureaus will not be allowed to speak on the issue as they could cause public confusion with conflicting information,” Damrongsak said.

The national police chief added that he was certain that no international terrorists had bought such services because they had been blacklisted and would not escape police scrutiny before entering the kingdom.

Uniformed officers can not provide VIP services to tourists – even after their shifts, the police chief said, adding: it would be wrong even if they used personal vehicles to escort tourists to their hotels.

The investigation will make all police personnel too afraid to ever provide such services again, Damrongsak said.

'No police officer offering VIP services to tourists will be spared'When asked whether the police would summon the Chinese influencer whose VIP service clip went viral for interrogation, Damrongsak said the woman in the clip might have left Thailand.

The Chinese woman in the clip claimed she paid 6,000 to purchase a police escort from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to her hotel in Pattaya. She also claimed police whisked her through immigration.

Her clip prompted the Facebook page to expose ads in China saying Thai police offer VIP services for a price.

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