Headlines summary as of 28 February 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
22,311 Domestic +24,765 Abroad+167	2,8191,927 ( since January 2021)	42	216,645
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (28 Jan -27 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (28 Jan -27 Feb)	3rd dose vaccine recipients (28 Jan -27 Feb)
122,779,134(+305,763)	53,537,245 (+21,180 yesterday)   77.0 %	49,718,639 (+11,360 yesterday)   71.5 %	20,312,786 (+73,800 yesterday)   29.2%

  Sources : Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and Department of Control 

Politics

• Prime Minister,Prayut Chan-o-cha has vowed to stay on as premier to complete the government’s term in March next year, says a source in the Defence Ministry. Another source confirmed the premier has no plan to call an early election by dissolving the House and thus escape the no-confidence debate which the opposition is preparing to launch against the government in May when parliament reconvenes. Bangkokpost
• Former Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinnawatra, who is in exile after 2014 coup launched her first Facebook live program ‘ how are you today ?’  saying she was concerned with the citizens on their lives during covid-19 and the raising of public debts.She  also asked Gen.Prayut, the current PM whether he will have enough courage to encounter her face-to-face after he overthrew her power from the successful coup in 2014 Khaosod

Thailand’s movement on  Russia-Ukraine conflict

Statement from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs  and ASEAN Foreign Ministers’

[24 February] Thailand’s Statement on the Situation in Ukraine

• Thailand has been following developments in Ukraine and especially the escalation of tensions in Europe with deep concern.
• We support ongoing efforts to find a peaceful settlement to the situation through dialogue. MinistryofForeignAffairs

[26 February] ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Situation in Ukraine

1. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers are deeply concerned over the evolving situation and armed hostilities in Ukraine. We call on all relevant parties to exercise maximum restraint and make utmost efforts to pursue dialogues through all channels, including diplomatic means to contain the situation, to de-escalate tensions, and to seek peaceful resolution in accordance with international law, the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
2. We believe that there is still room for a peaceful dialogue to prevent the situation from getting out of control. For peace, security, and harmonious co-existence to prevail, it is the responsibility of all parties to uphold the principles of mutual respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and equal rights of all nations. MinistryofForeignAffairs

Thais live in Ukraine

• The Thai embassy in Warsaw ,  Poland  arranged the evacuation of 99 Thais from Ukraine, while approximately 47 reached Lviv, the largest city in western Ukraine on before transferring to Warsaw today.

All Thais will then will be returning to Thailand for safety afterwards. However, there are still around 100 Thais who remain confined to their homes or accommodation due to security lockdowns in a number of other cities, including Mykolayiv and Kharkiv, according to the announcement on the embassy’s Facebook page. ThaiEmbassyinWarsaw

Ukrainians live in Thailand

• Meanwhile in Bangkok yesterday, Dozens of Ukrainians in Thailand hold a rally to protest Russia’s invasion of their homeland, alongside protesters around the world. Joined by Thais and other foreign nationals, they march peacefully from Lumpini Park to Benjakitti Park. KhaosodEnglish

Impact on Thailand’s economy

Analysis From KBank research

• Head of Capital Markets Research at Kasikornbank (KBank)  projected that  the prolonged Russia-Ukraine crisis will have far-reaching economic consequences on Thailand’s economic recovery.
• The oil prices may persist for another 3 months. Prior to the war, Thai consumers already experienced high oil prices, forcing the government to cut excise tax on diesel to keep the retail prices below 30 baht per litre.
• In terms of the tourism prospect, Thailand could lose around 35.95 billion baht in potential tourism revenue, approximately 0.2% of GDP if the Russians cannot visit the Kingdom due to the war. Usually, the number of foreign tourists to rise to 7 million, of whom 450,000 are expected to be from Russia, according to Ministry of Finance. Prachachart

Analysis from the Office of Foreign Trade in Moscow, Department of International Trade Promotion

Kittinan Yingcharoen, Director of the Office of Foreign Trade in Moscow said Thai businesses in Russia won’t affect much as there is only two Thai owned business in Russia

• He suggested that the exporters should not be worried with the situation since the sanction measures (from other countries to Australia) are still unclear.
• However, Ruble value will be dropped by 10% comparing to US dollars and Euro which will result in the raising price of imported goods. But this will affect to every country so Thailand has yet lost its commercial competitiveness
• Since the oil price will be raised, the transportation cost for goods will increase.  Thairath

Economics  

Russia – Ukraine conflict

• Russia’ invasion of Ukraine had pushed up global oil price, which will aggravate the existing inflation problem in Thailand.  It could lead to global stagflation, which will hit Thailand’s export-dependent economy hard, as Thailand is also heavily dependent on oil and energy imports. 
• The invasion could hit Thailand’s tourism sector.  Finance Ministry forecasted the number of total foreign tourists to Thailand to rise to 7 million, of which 450,000 are expected to be from Russia.  Without Russian tourists, Thailand could lose 35.95 billion Baht in potential revenue; equivalent to 0.2 percent of GDP.
• Through the sanctions imposed by Western countries and Japan, the invasion could cause a global supply shock.  Global chip and semiconductor supplies might go down, thus impact Thailand’s exports of automobiles and electronics. However, the war could also provide opportunities for Thai exports to replace Russian exports in new products and markets. 
• Currently there are only 2 Thai companies to invest in Russia. So far, none had been affected.  Sources:  Thai PBS The Nation
• Ministry of Finance was tasked with analysing the Russian-Ukraine war, predicting impacts for the Thai and global economies and drafting response measures. Specifically, MoF is monitoring inflation, currency fluctuations and higher product and commodity prices. 
• Ministry of Commerce had set up a war room to monitor the impacts of the war on commodity prices and to cushion the effects on Thai businesses. NESDC is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the least impact on the Thai economy and ensure that 2022 GDP could grow by 4 percent as projected.  Source:  Thai Rath
• Federation of Thai Industries anticipated that the Russian-Ukraine war may prevent the Thai economy from achieving the projected 3-4.5 percent GDP growth this year.  Source:  Bangkok Post

Others

• Thailand and Malaysia agreed to target bilateral trade of USD30 billion (973.5 billion baht) by 2025 as well as to explore opportunities to collaborate on digital and BCG economies. The announcement was made after PM Prayut met with Malaysia’s PM Ismail Sabri Yaakob on 25 February. Bolstering trade is among the 4 key issues discussed by both PMs, others being boosting connectivity (Vaccinated Travel Lane); border security especially in southern Thailand and reviving mechanism for bilateral discussions.  Sources:  Bangkok Post Thai Rath Naew Na
• At the global ‘Huawei Day 0 Forum – Lighting Up the Future’ summit at MWC Barcelona 2022 (Mobile World Congress) in Spain in February, Huawei Technologies (Thailand) invited Thailand’s Siriraj Hospital to showcase the first world-class 5G Smart Hospital solution which is further innovating the healthcare industry. Siriraj Hospital has thus become a world-class blueprint for the global healthcare industry.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• The government’s Electric Vehicle (EV) incentive package should stimulate demand for EVs in Thailand and not only increase the supply of EVs in the market, advised Thai Embedded Systems Association.  The package must benefit local manufacturers along the entire value chain. The government needs a strategy and vision to make Thailand the centre for EV manufacturing or development. To promote EV usage and production in Thailand, the government should consider the whole EV ecosystem, such as the number and locations of EV charging depots, the capability of the entire EV supply chain, EV standard examination centres and the number and capability of technicians and engineers.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• Russia-Ukraine tensions will not affect APEC during Thailand’s chairmanship this year, according to the Foreign Ministry. Representatives of all APEC economies intend to continue promoting economic development and integration.  Source:  The Nation

The APEC inter-governmental forum proposed a ‘Safe Passage’ scheme to reconnect all economic areas and improve travel procedures for APEC member states.  Various proposals were considered in the SOM1 meeting to provide APEC members with safer and more efficient travel. For the short term plan, spanning the next 2 months, the focus will be on building key public infrastructure and an information-sharing platform.  Source:  Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 25 February 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
24,932 Domestic +24,765 Abroad+167	2,819,282 ( since January 2021)	41	190,110
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (28 Jan -24 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (28 Jan -24 Feb)	3rd dose vaccine recipients (28 Jan -24 Feb)
122,779,134(+305,763)	53,3971,481 (+74,834  yesterday) 76.7 %	49,622,858 (+39,874 yesterday) 71.3 %	19,424,111 (+190,995 yesterday) 28.5%

  Sources : Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and Department of Control 

Covid situation/Change regulation

• The Public Health Ministry is setting its sights on declaring the spread of the coronavirus disease as endemic within the next four months, said its top official adding  the fatalities were 10 times lower and studies suggested they will be slashed in half again if 60%-70% of elderly people get a third jab. Bangkokpost  Manager
• No travel restrictions will be imposed as people will be able to celebrate the traditional Thai New Year’s Day in a way as close to normal as possible, according to National Security Council Secretary-General, who chairs the CCSA operations centre  ThaiPBS

Political news

• Four versions of election-related bills passed their first reading in Parliament on Thursday.The bills would change the single-ballot election system to two ballots and increase constituency MPs from 350 to 400 while reducing party-list MPs from 150 to 100.The new laws are needed to reflect earlier changes made to the Constitution. ThaNation
• Cholnan, also the leader of the main opposition Pheu Thai Party, submitted the three charter amendment bills to Parliament President Chuan Leekpai. One of the bills seeks to amend Section 159 and 160 of the 2019 Constitution, adding a requirement that the prime minister must be an MP. TheNation

Russia- Ukraine conflict movement in Thailand

• Orel Pavlo, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Ukraine in Thailand  contributed Opinion to Thai enquirer urging we Thai government to make a strong statement in support of Ukraine and condemn the criminal actions of the Russian Federation. You can read  full article here

             ASEAN nations have stayed conspicuously silent with  amidst the call to give a sanction to Russia over its conflict with Ukraine . For Thailand, where Russian tourists make up a large proportion of tourists, made a minor statement expressing concern and hoping for peace. Thaienquirer

• The Thai embassy in Warsaw, Poland, has established an operations centre at a hotel in the Ukrainian city of Lviv, near the border with Poland, to serve as a temporary shelter for about 253 Thais who may be evacuated from their workplaces in Ukraine, according to an announcement by the embassy. Thaipbs

Economic News

Akara Mine

• Akara Resources disclosed that the TAFTA tribunal between Kingsgate and the Thai government is still ongoing.  However, the tribunal had advised both sides to negotiate and reach a settlement rather than engage in a lawsuit.  On this ground, the tribunal period is extended for another 6 months – 1 year. 
• Akara Resources confirmed that its licenses to operate gold and silver mines were renewed for another 10 years (30 Dec 2022 – 29 Dec 2032).  The company had taken legitimate steps to lodge the application and it took 3 years before approval was granted.  Akara Resources also confirmed that its Metallurgical Processing License were also renewed for another 5 years (19 Jan 2022 – 18 Jan 2027).  With this, Akara expects to repair its factories and resume operation in the next 5 months using a budget of 500 million Baht.  There may be slight delays due to COVID-19 situation and in the importation of various machinery parts. 
• Villagers living around the gold mine and Akara Resources employees travelled from Pichit province to meet Ministry Industry representative to thank the Ministry for allowing Akara mines to reopen.  The villagers, of which 80-90 percent are employees of Akara Resources, said they welcome the revival of the mines as they generate income and employment during this off-peak agricultural season.  Some villagers are admittedly concerned about pollution, but noted the issue has no scientific proofs.  Sources:  Krungthep Turakij newspaper, 25 February 2022, Prachachart Turakij   Baan Muang Daily News Manager Online
• Villagers also demanded for ease of access to the risk insurance fund set up by Akara Resources such that villagers can withdraw money from the fund to develop their areas. Industry Ministry confirmed it will issue regulations to allow villagers to have easier access to the 85-million-Baht risk insurance fund set up by Akara Resources.  Source:  MCOT
• The Civic Group for Reform of Resources and Gold met with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in Pichit province, asking them to investigate Justice Minister Somsak and former DSI DG Paisit and his team for their negligence of Akara Resources investigations.  The Civic Group had previously asked DSI to investigate Akara Resources on the grounds of tax evasion, money laundering, the use of proxy ‘nominee’ shareholders, pollution and operating its mines beyond the licensed territory.  They also asked the Justice Minister to oversee DSI’s work, but no progress was ,ade.  Recently the Group learned that several of their accusations on Akara Resources were omitted from DSI’s case files and decided to seek legal actions against both the heads of Justice Ministry and DSI.  Source: The Nation

Others

• Energy Ministry (MoE) has prepared for an oil crisis after Russia invaded Urkaine yesterday.  Energy Ministry is particularly concerned about global energy prices that will soar due to limited supply, but affirmed Thailand will not be affected by oil shortage since it imports only 13 percent of oil and LNG from Russia.  MoE added that Thailand has an oil reserve to last 2 months.  The invasion also caused Thai shares to plunge to below 1,600 points and hiked up the price of gold by 1,100 Baht.  Source:  Krunthep Turakij  newspaper, 25 January 2022 Bangkok Post
• Federation of Thai Industries expects the Russia-Ukraine violence to affect global economies and eventually Thai exports of cars, which has already dropped by -5.8 percent in January due to the global semi conductor shortage.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• Finance Ministry is considering borrowing 16 billion Baht (500 million USD) from Japan who has offered Thailand a loan package with low interest.  The borrowing would be made as part of the 500 billion Baht loan, which the government has authorised through its second emergency loan last year.  Of the 500 billion Baht loan, there is currently 100 billion Baht left of unused loan.  Finance Minister Akhom insists priority would be given to borrowing from domestic source.  Source: Prachachart Turakij
• Thailand’s public debt is projected to increase to 62 percent of GDP in FY2022, from 59.6 percent as of December 2021.  This forecast is made based on the assumption that that government fully borrows 500 billion Baht under the second emergency loan, GDP grows by 4 percent and budget deficit is 700 billion Baht.  Source:  Bangkok Post

Office of the Trade Competition Commission of Thailand expects companies to undertake more merger & acquisition this year, which will result in greater market dominance or unfair trade practices by the large conglomerates.  As such, OTCC is looking to create opportunities for SMEs to enter the market.  For this year, the OTCC also aims to closely regulate e-commerce platforms and will use technologies to develop databases as tools to analyse market structure.  Sources:  Krungthep Turakij newspaper, 25 February 2022, Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 24 February 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
23,557 Domestic +23,329 Abroad+228	2,590,589	38	180,993
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (28 Jan -21 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (28 Jan -21 Feb)	3rd dose vaccine recipients (28 Jan -21 Feb)
122,473,371 (+287,889)	53,282,587 (+61,074  yesterday)  76.6 %	49,582,584 (+13,130 yesterday) 71.3 %	19,607,800 (+183,689 yesterday) 28.2%

  Sources : Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and Department of Control 

Covid19 situation/ Change regulations

• As update on the new  entry ease requirement for vaccinated inbound visitor next month , please see the point summary
  • Starting from March 1, vaccinated visitors would not need to undergo the 2 nd RT-PCR test, which is previously required on the 5 th day of their arrival.
  • Instead, they can do a self-administered antigen test (ATK), exempting the requirement for a hotel booking for the test, according to the CCSA.
  • Travelers will be able to register with the new Test and Go entry rules at the beginning of next month.
  • The mandatory insurance coverage for Covid will also be lowered from US$50,000 to $20,000.
  • The Thailand Pass entry system that all air passengers have to register with will remain despite calls from the private sector for it to be scrapped  Mathichon 

• The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said more than 101 billion baht of the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (Ucep) scheme has been spent treating Covid-19 sufferers, mostly with mild symptoms, over the past two years. Bangkokpost
• In addition, CCSA\ also said that Thailand still doing better than region as More than 82 per cent of people who died from Covid-19 this year were people age 60 and above. The number of fatalities that were unvaccinated was 58.2 %  Thaienquirer

Political news

Electoral laws

• The Election Commission (EC) published its draft amendments to 2 organic laws on the election of MPs and the political parties on its website www.ect.go.th and the Office of the Council of the State website to gather feedback from the public during January 19- February 3, 2022. However, no state agencies or individuals have joined the EC’s comment forum.
• Today is the 1st day the joint sitting of MPs and senators is set to deliberate 10 proposed amendments to 2 organic laws, the elections of MPs Act and the Political Parties Act in the 1st reading.
• The main opposition Pheu Thai Party has prepared a line-up of 20 MPs to debate on the 2 laws, according to Pheu Thai MP for Maha Sarakham, Suthin Khlangsaeng.
•  When asked about government MPs and senators’ plan to vote down the amendment draft proposed by Pheu Thai, Suthin said he had no knowledge of that matter but said Pheu Thai will vote to pass all the 10 proposed amendments to the 2 organic law and his party will debate on each of these amendments again in the 2 nd reading.
• Suthin said his party stressed on the task of restoring a single-ballot election system across the country. This point does not contradict Section 90 of the Constitution.
•  As for the calculation method of party-list MPs, Pheu Thai supports the use of the 1997 constitution as the main model. v The joint sitting of the Lower House and senators are expected to vote for the 10 amendment bills tomorrow evening.      BBC Thairath

Other news

The opposition ,Move ForwardParty announced plans to take legal action against 5 ministers under the Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha’s cabinet over 4 hot issues.

• The 5 ministers are: 1.  Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, 2. Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob,3 Natural Resources and Environment Minister Warawut Silpa-archa, 4. Minister Chalermchai Sri-on 5. Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Praphat Phothasuthon

 The 4 issues are:

1) The trafficking of Rohingya

2) The alleged cover-up of an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in the country

3) Alleged corruption related walk-in vaccination service at Bang Sue Grand Station.

4) An oil spill from a pipeline owned by Star Petroleum Refining Public Co Ltd (SPRC).   Thairath Posttoday

Human rights

• Activist Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak is  being release for 3 months to study after The Bangkok South Criminal Court reversed an earlier decision to grant him a bail. However Arnon Nampa is still imprisoned  Manageronline

Economic news

• Tourism Authority of Thailand expects that the easing of the Test & Go COVID-19 testing requirements could help Thailand achieve its goal of attracting 10 million arrivals.  TAT is also planning to establish a travel bubble with India, with the goal of submitting it for the cabinet’s consideration in early March.  Already, Koh Samui has set sight on luring Indian tourists.  Hotel operators admitted they are not banking on Chinese tourists who they believe will not return anytime soon.  Source:  Matichon newspaper, 24 February 2022. Bangkok POst
• Economists warned that the tensions between Russia and UK could affect Thailand’s economy until Q2 of this year, with impacts on inflation, exports and tourism.  Inflation would be the biggest threat given that Russia is the world’s largest oil and natural gas exporter, while the slowdown in European and Russian economies would affect Thailand’s export and tourist arrival number.  Source:  The Nation
• At the seminar “2022 Next Economic Chapter: New Challenges and Opportunities”, DPM Supattanapong is confident the economy will grow by 4 percent this year following a better-than-expected 1.6 percent GDP expansion in 2021.  This year, the government has procured sufficient vaccine booster doses; prepared a suite of stimulus packages; has inflation curbed by capping oil price and is monitoring commodity inventory levels; and will devote this year to tackling household debt as announced earlier by PM Prayut.  The government’s long term plans this year includes promoting 5 new high-potential industries such as Electric Vehicles (EVs) & smart electronics, tourism, pharmaceutical, digital and clean energy.  For example, EV will give rise to smart electronics, for which Thai industries are keen to move upstream and manufacture its own chips.  Thailand will complement digital technologies (5G infrastructure) with the use of soft power (ie: movies, music, e-sports).  Source:  Matichon newspaper, 24 February 2022. Manager Online  Bangkok Post
• Now in its 2^nd phase of development, the EEC is identified as the government’s new growth engine, with 2.2 billion Baht of investment expected in the next 5 years.  The EEC Office projected it will take 12-15 months for the Thai economy to recover and 20 months for it to return to normalcy.  The EECO noted that a special economic zone such as the EEC could generate massive income for the country and transform Thailand into a developed nation by fostering a GDP growth of 5 percent annually for 7 years.  As such, it is important to infuse the EEC with digital technologies to make it become a high-tech industrial hub and home to major infrastructure projects.  Source:  Manager Online
• Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DESM) revealed that the government aims to push digital tech-driven businesses to contribute to 30 percent of GDP by 2027, up from the current 17 percent. To drive the country’s economic recovery from the pandemic, DESM boosting the capacity of digital infrastructure, including cloud-based data centres; push digital-driven business; and working to thwart online fraud, threats and cybercrimes. Source:  Bangkok Post
• The Thai Bankers Association is endorsing mega-trends to spur the Thai economy past COVID-19 as well as to prepare it for digital economy.  The TBA has launched a roadmap for the next 3 years that focuses on sustainable growth in 4 themes: enhance the country’s competitiveness; become a leading financial service provider in the region; prioritize environment and sustainability; and prioritize HR.  Source:  Neaw Na newspaper, 24 February 2022
• The Energy Policy and Plan Agency has conducted a feasibility study to support its goal of developing 567 Electric Vehicle charging stations and procuring 13,251 fast-charge EV chargers nationwide by year 2030 in accordance with the government’s promotion of EVs.  Source:  Prachachart Turakij

Thailand vows to move ahead with plans to tackle intellectual property (IP) infringements even as the US recently announced it will exclude Thailand from its Notorious Markets List both for physical and online markets.  Source:  Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 23 February 2022

Headlines summary as of 22 February 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
18,363( as update 12.30 pm) Domestic +18,236 Abroad+127	2,557,796	35	169,074
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (28 Jan -21 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (28 Jan -21 Feb)	3rd dose vaccine recipients (28 Jan -21 Feb)
121,915,999 (+190,673)	53,163,555 (+26,544  yesterday)   76.4 %	49,496,871 (+13,130 yesterday)   71.1 %	14,900,311 (+101,987 yesterday)   27.5%

  Sources : Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and Department of Control 

Covid19 situation/ Change regulations

• Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)  had raised the alert to Level 4  nationwide and containment measures stepped up in high-risk areas after the continuous increase of new infection cases and deaths.The measures are as follows;
  • People are encouraged to work from home
  • Avoid non-essential inter-provincial travel
  • Suspend overseas trips
  • Avoid large gatherings and risky areas  Bangkokpost

A public exposure on former police officer, who is in exile in Australia  after investigation on human trafficking which  involved with high-profile public figures

• Although a sharp surge of Omicron cases has raised fears over the imposition of another lockdow, the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) stated that it plans to impose another lockdown  and cancel Test&Go and ask people not to be over panic with the rising of cases. However, CCSA will discuss tomorrow if  international travel measure  will be changed. ThaiPBS
• Public Health Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, insists the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) scheme for treating Covid-19 sufferers  is still in place amidst the rumour it would be scrapped. Bangkokpost
• Rangsiman Rome, Move Forward party MP  Referring  who exposed the scandalous human trafficking “Rohingya” in the general debate last week that he would push the case to be investigated via the parliamentary committee on judicial process and human rights. He also added using this  channel may not be enough to enable Pol Maj. Gen. Paween Phongsirin, who led the investigation in this case and currently seeks asylum in Australia, returns to Thailand .The only way to help him return to the country is having a fairy government. ThaiPBS
• Paveen ,However, spoke  in the exclusive interview with the Reporter that he will not return to Thailand soon because he is not confident with the leader to guarantee his safety. He also emphasised that the documents he submitted to the court which led to  the arrest of key figures, who were also government officials on Rohingya  human trafficking were authentic TheReporter

Defense Minister spokesperson said the government is sincere to  tackle  Thailand’s human trafficking. It follows the international human rights standard and coordinate with related international agencies  this issue. TheReporter

 Other political news

• Jurin Laksanawisit , Democrat party leader said that his party will vote to support the 2 election related law drafts ( 1.political parties  2. MP  election) as agreed with the government’s direction Thairath
• The main opposition bloc, Pheu Thai Party, defended its purposed draft amendment to the Political Parties Act that it would intend to prevent the possibility of party dissolution

            By all means, the  two sections prohibit political parties from allowing non-party members from dominating, influencing or directing party affairs, to limit the freedom of party members. Bangkokpost

• Move Forward  Party is planning to unveil the candidate for the Pattaya City mayor election. One of the two comes is a woman who is close associate of Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit. Khaosod  Krungthepturakij
• Constitutional amendment group, led by  Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, a former member of the Election Commission today submitted 70,000-signature petition to the parliament in order to  abolish article 272 that allows appointed senators in place. However,it will take  60 days for the parliament to review the petition numbers and 15 days for public review until it will be push for the parliamentary debate  ThaiPBS MCOT

Economic news

Akara Mine

• Khao Nah Party Secretary Piyatbutr Saengkanokhun lashed out at PM Prayut for his unlawful use of Section 44 to shut down Akara Mine.  Should Thailand lose the TAFTA lawsuit, he suggested PM Prayut pay the fine from his own pocket rather than use taxpayer’s money to finance the PM’s foolish decision.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij

Others

• Thailand’s GDP in Q4 2021 grew by +1.9 percent due to the lockdown easing and improving agriculture, tourism (430,000 arrivals), private consumption, government spending and export.  This led to the 2021 GDP to expand by +1.6 percent, surpassing NESDC’s and Bank of Thailand’s earlier forecast.  This is in part due to the efficiency of the government’s stimulus packages. For 2022, NESDC forecasted GDP to increase by +3.5 to +4.5 percent, with tourist number totalling 5.5 million if the Test & Go scheme remains in place.  NESDC advised the government to stimulate private investment; continue spurring government spending and investment; prepare for volatilities from the global economy; and focus on economic restructuring to enhance competitiveness.  Source: Krungthep Turakij  Bangkok Post
• NESDC is concerned about household debt (14.3 trillion Baht or 89.3 percent of GDP as of Q3 2021) especially given the contraction in GDP, which may hinder economic recovery.  Finance Ministry downplayed the issue by reiterating that household debt in 2021 expanded by an insignificant +4.2 percent compared to 2020, with NPL ratio remaining stable at 2.8 -2.9 percent of GDP.  Of the total household debt, some 65 percent is debt for loans related to work which also generates revenue for households.  NESDC will seek a meeting with Finance Ministry and Bank of Thailand to discuss this issue.  Sources:  Krungthep Turakij Post Today Prachachart Turakij
• The Stock Exchange of Thailand revealed that in the past 2 months, Thailand is the recipient of remarkable fund flow totalling 200 billion Baht, of which over 60 billion Baht went into its stock market and 140 billion Baht into its bond market.  Overall, foreigners have invested more than 700 million USD in Thai equity and 1.15 trillion Baht in Thai bonds; the highest value of foreign bond-holding in 3 years.  Foreign investors are attracted by Thai companies which have strong presence abroad; businesses’ diversification into new, innovative businesses in the S-Curve industries, Thailand’s geographic location in the CLMV and good economic recovery prospect.   
• This massive fund flow has compensated for the whole of last year’s total outflow of 49 billion Baht.  This influx of fund flow has caused the Baht to appreciate to a 7-month high, making it the strongest currency in Asia to date.  Some 23 trillion Baht is expected to continue flowing into the Thai equity market for the rest of 2022.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij  Bangkok Post
• The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee has approved the setting up of a new company to expedite the development of U-tapao airport. The new company, the EEC Airport Asset Development, is 100 percent owned by the EEC project and will operate with a capital of 50 million Baht.  It will support the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) scheme that was delayed by the pandemic and the bankruptcy of Thai Airways.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• The EEC Office has also approved of incentives to convert the U-Tapao’s annexing Eastern Airport City project into a Special Economic Zone.  The EEC Office will also set up a special office to issue Long Term Resident visa for investors and workers in the Eastern Airport City.  The EECO is also revising the contracts for the high-speed rail linking the 3 airports to help the stakeholders from the private sector who are hard-hit by the pandemic.  Sources:  Krungthep Turakij newspaper, 22 February 2022

About 200,000 people are expected to visit Thailand from Saudi Arabia ths year following the resumption of direct flights and mutual tourism promotion between both countries.  Source:  Bangkok Post newspaper, 22 February 2022