Australian Embassy Updates

Headlines summary as of 3 February 2022

February 4, 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
9,172 Domestic +8,950 Abroad+222	2,465,723	21	84,413 Total recovered patients ( since 1 Jan 2022) 242,288
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Jan-1 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Jan-1 Feb)	3^rd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Jan-1 Feb)
115,820,553 (+289,389)	52,384,810 (+27,476) 75.3 %	48,735,311 (+49,312) 70.1 %	14,700,432 (+212,601) 21.1%

Source : Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)

Covid-19 news update/regulation

2.5 million students aged from 5- 12 across the country or 78% desires to receive the vaccine, according to the survey released by Ministry of Education. In addition, the Permanent-Secretary confirmed that 79 % of school have been reopened. Prachachart
The Ministry of Public Health has set the guideline for the children and families infected with COVID-19 without showing symptoms during their traveling to Thailand.The guideline are as follows ;

In case of the children whose parents are infected .The medical treatment will be set as a group
In case the children are infected but the parents are not infected, the child will get a medical treatment. The parents under the age of 60, who do not have underlying disease can take care of to their children
In case the children are not infected but the parent is infected .The relatives will take care of. them If there are no relatives or caregivers available, the children will be arranged to alternative place under the overseeing of Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MDC) as a care taker ManagerOnline

Politics

General debate

The 3 whips from the Cabinet, government and opposition yesterday agreed on the dates and time for a general debate submitted by the opposition which will be on 17-18 February,2022 . The debate will include 30 hours, which will be allocated between the 2 sides. The opposition has been allocated 22 hours to grill its targets while cabinet ministers were given 8 hours to respond to questions. MPs will receive 11 hours each. The debate will start from 9.30 hrs to 00.30 hrs. The topic will include the rising of public debt and Covid-19 pandemic ThaiPBS ManagerOnline

The Prime Minister Prayut said that the parliament dissolution depends on different sides, adding people still has a confident in him INN

General Election

The Election Commission (EC) gave a hint on its readiness to organize the general election that expects to be held in 2023

It stated that it had instructed its offices in all provinces to prepare to redemarcate electoral boundaries to accommodate the increased number of MPs under the amended constitution, fuelling speculation of a possible early general election.
Under the 2017 constitution, as amended in 2021, the next House of Representatives will have 500 members – 400 elected in constituencies and 100 from party lists. This is an increase from 350 constituency MPs. v
On average, there will be one constituency MP per 165,428 people.
Bangkok will have 3 more constituency seats than it had at the last general election and still has more seats than any other province. Trat, Ranong, Samut Songkhram and Sing Buri will just have one seat each, in line with the new parliamentary seat allocation just completed by the poll agency.

11 constituency MPs each for Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai and Ubon Ratchathani.
10 MPs each for Chon Buri and Buri Ram.
9 MPs each for Nakhon Si Thammarat, Si Sa Ket, Songkhla and Udon Thani.
8 MPs for Chiang Rai, Nonthaburi, Roi-et, Samut Prakan and Surin.
7 MPs each for Chaiyaphum, Pathum Thani, Sakhon Nakhon and Surat Thani.
6 MPs each for Kalasin, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Sawan, Phetchabun and Maha Sarakham.
5 MPs each for Kanchanaburi, Narathiwat, Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, Rayong, Ratchaburi and Suphan Buri.
4 MPs each for Kamphaeng Phet, Chachoengsao, Trang, Tak, Nakhon Phanom, Pattani, Lop Buri, Lampang, Loei, Samut Sakhon, Saraburi and Sukhothai.
3 MPs each for Krabi, Chanthaburi, Chumphon, Nan, Bueng Kan, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phayao, Phatthalung, Phichit, Phetchaburi, Phrae, Phuket, Yasothon, Yala, Sa Kaeo, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu and Uttaradit.
2 MPs each for Chainat, Nakhon Nayok, Phang-nga, Mukdahan, Mae Hong Son, Lamphun, Satun, Ang Thong, Amnat Charoen and Uthai Thani KrungthepTurakij

Akara Mine

The fact that the TAFTA tribunal has deferred issuing its award multiple times is an indication that the negotiations between Australia’s Kingsgate Consolidated and the Thai government is proceeding well, speculates the ThaiPBS reporter. The most likely scenario is Kingsgate will drop the lawsuit against the Thai government and the Thai people will not have to pay 750 million dollars in compensation. This will save PM Prayut from being butchered by Pheu Thai party at the parliamentary debate, but the ambiguity surrounding the agreements PM Prayut made with the Australian company will continue to fuel objections from civic groups and the general public. Source: ThaiPBS
A civic group together with villagers living around Chatree mine handed a letter to Pheu Thai party, asking that an investigation be conducted into the government’s decision to allow Chatree mine to reopen. They demanded that the government publicise the deals made with Kingsgate. They petition that the mine remain closed as they neither had participation in Chatree mine’s environmental report nor the government’s decision to reopen the mine. They made 7 observations which indicated the government is giving Kinsgsgate more what’s under dispute. Source: BBC Thai The Matter Voice TV

Others

The Electric Vehicle (EV) package being put together by DPM Supattanapong and team will most likely be submitted for the cabinet’s consideration at the end of January or by mid-February at the latest. Currently details are being finalized on the requirement criteria for EV manufacturers, such as bank guarantee and other fees. EV player in the Thai market such as MG heralds the package and expects it to incentivize purchases of 2-million-Baht EVs. Source:Krungthep Turakij
Thailand’s overall cross-border trade, including transit trade, tallied 1.71 trillion Baht in 2021; a growth of 30 percentYoY, which surpassed Commerce Ministry’s target of 6 percent by 5-6 fold. For 2022, cross-border trade is forecasted to grow by 5-7 percent to 1.08-1.1 trillion Baht, driven by the global recovery, Baht depreciation and the opening of the Laos-China high speed train. Source: Naew Na Bangkok Post
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce’s latest survey showed that business sentiment among Japanese companies in Thailand for 2022 is to reach the highest level in 7 years following a nosedive in sentiment last year. They believe the Thai economy will start recovering in 1H of 2022 due to good COVID-19 containment, the state’s economic stimulus packages and accelerated infrastructure development. The NESDC added that the Japanese’s interest in investing in the EEC had gone up from 10 to 40 percent, an indication that investment incentives in the EEC are effective. Among the challenging negative factors, the rise in the prices of oil and goods is particularly notable. Source: Bangkok Post, Krungthep Turakij newspaper, 3 February 2022
Most businesses do not plan to increase the prices of their goods and services in the next 3 months despite rising costs, according to a Bank of Thailand (BOT) survey conducted from 1-21 January on 246 SMEs and large corporations. Most businesses that will not raise prices are in the service sector, where operating costs are yet to rise much compared with the manufacturing sector. Those who plan to increase the prices of goods and services are manufacturers of rubber, plastic and food and beverages. Source: Bangkok Post
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) warns the economy could falter because of the spread of the Omicron variant and the Russia-Ukraine standoff, which will push up oil price. Both factors could dent the global economy and slows Thailand’s economic recovery in 2022. Source: Bangkok Post

More than 23,000 travellers registered for entry under the Test & Go programme on Tuesday, the first day the suspended travel scheme resumed. Source: Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 1 February 2022

February 2, 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
8,587 Domestic +8,456 Abroad+131	2,456,551	22	83,094 Total recovered patients ( since 1 Jan 2022) 182,756
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Jan-1 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Jan-1 Feb)	3^rd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Jan-1 Feb)
115,531,164 (+274,648)	52,357,334 (+26,276) 75.3 %	48,685,999 (+50,692) 70.0 %	14,487,831 (+197,680) 20.8%

Source : Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)

Covid-19 situation in Thailand / change regulation

People who want to have a third or fourth Covid-19 shot at the vaccination centre at Bang Sue Grand Station can choose to have a lighter-dose intradermal injection;15mcg or 30mcg of vaccine per dose, and intradermal injections with a 10mcg/dose Bangkokpost Springnews
Dr Yong Poovorawan,outspoken virologist expert said in his Facebook page yesterday that children should receive mRNA (Pfizer) and/or inactivated (Sinovac and Sinopharm) vaccines adding that Thai FDA approve inactivated vaccines for children as soon as possible Thenation
Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, Director-general of Control Disease department, Ministry of Public Heath confirmed that inactivated Chinese vaccine, Sinovac has enough storage for children from 3-17 years old. Currently, Sivonac for children is waiting for the approval by Thai FDA Workpoint

Politics

The Prime Minister expressed readiness for a censure motion over its handling of economic issues including rising public debt, the COVID-19 outbreak, corruption and the African Swine Flu outbreak . The centure motion will be organized on February 17-18 following a motion filed by opposition Pheu Thai Party leader Chonlanan and 173 MPs under Section 152 of the Constitution. Mathichon Thenation

Paiboon Nititawan, the Deputy Head of Palangpracharat party insisted the loss of Palangpracharat in the Sunday’s by-election could not guarantee that the party will defeat other constituencies. Constituency 9 is only one of the total 400 constituencies nationwide under 2-ballot electoral system that will be adopted in next year’s election. He also confirmed that there would be no parliament dissolution. Thestandard
The cabinet on Tuesday approved the draft of a Prime Minister’s Office regulation to set up three centres to crack down on fake news and false information on social media in different levels. The Provincial Administration Department under the Interior Ministry will also set up such centres in each province with provincial governors or deputy provincial governors are responsible Bangkokpost Thestandard

Tony Woodsome on Clubhouse (1 February 2022)

Tony Woodsome, known as the former Prime Minister who lives in exile, Thaksin Shinawatra spoke in the clubhouse organized by Care group last night .He shared interesting points, including his though on the government stability as follows;

He said that the Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha might not have too long to stay in office , and call for Prayut to dissolve the Lower House if he loves the country.
He pointed that the current government is in a feeble state in terms of the ability to run national administration as the ruling party that supports him is losing its strength.
As a result, the public’s confidence in the government has been declining and no one is confident to invest in Thailand. He then urged Gen Prayut to dissolve the parliament if he loves the country and allow the public to decide.
Tony predicted that after the next general election, the Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) will become divided.
Its members will be from one another. This can be seen from the current state in which the Thammanat Prompao, former PPRP Secretary-general led MPs in his control faction to a new party,
Adding on to that, Tony pointed that the switching back to a 2-ballot system in the next election may prevent PPRP members from setting up new parties because the new election system will strengthen the political system.
He also predicted that the election will be held by mid of 2022.
Lastly, he emphasized that Prayut, the Premier and Thammanat , the former PPRP secretary were not his enemy especially Thammanat who once was a member of Pheu Thai party, whom he has a affiliation with. Mathichon Voicetv

Others

Following the prolonged protest by P-Move, the land rights activists group at the government house, the cabinet today approved in principle 15 points that the groups demand to ensure the basic rights of ethnic minorities to land settlement, community land title deeds and settlement of land disputes with the State Railway of Thailand and with Ban Bang Kloi land in Kaeng Krachan national park. ThaiPBS Bangkokpost

Economics

Akara Mine

In an exclusive interview with Prachachart Turakij newspaper, DG Niran Yingmahisaranon of the Basic Industrial and Mining Department, Ministry of Industry, shared the details of Thailand’s negotiations with Kingsgate Consolidated which ran in parallel with the TAFTA tribunal in Singapore.

DG Niran said Kingsgate is not concerned about the Thai government using Article 44 to suspend Chatree mine’s operations, rather the company felt it was bullied and not given justice. Kingsgate suing the Thai government is a ‘misunderstanding’ that could be settled between both countries, according to DG Niran. The Thai government had closed the mine simply because of environmental concerns which needed investigation.
The Thai government had granted the licenses for Chatree mine to reopen because Kingsgate demonstrated it is willing to comply with the new rules set under Thailand’s Mineral Act 2017. In complying with the new law, Akara mine had agreed to set up a ‘fund’ to care for the health of the villagers as well as to develop the areas around the mine. The mine will also develop a new database on health and environment, which will be developed in accordance with the Thai requirements.
This will solve the environmental concerns raised by local villagers. The Thai government did not grant licenses to Kingsgate in order to convince the company to drop the lawsuit against Thailand. Source: Prachachart Turakij
In this editorial, the author commented that the Thai government will be required to pay compensation to Kingsgate for the losses stemming from the suspension of its operation for 5 years. The compensation which the Thai government will pay may not be as high as Kingsgate’s demand of 750 million USD (30 billion Baht) for violating TAFTA rules, but the sum will be hefty. The author asked if the payment for this sum will be from the people’s tax, wherein Thais are being unfairly implicated in the matter. Source: Prachachart Turakij
The Network of People for Reform of Mineral Resources has called on DPM Wissanu to explain why the government allowed Akara Resources to resume operations at Chatree gold mine, calling the decision a historic stain on Thailand. Source: The Nation

Cabinet’s Decisions, 1 February 2022

Approved for the government to allocate a budget of 60 billion baht for this year’s state welfare card scheme for 20 million registrants. Registration is to begin in Q3, with cardholders scheduled to receive monthly payment in October. MoF estimated that the number of eligible applicants will be closer to 17 million.
Agreed to allow employees insured under Section 40 of the Social Security Act to further reduce their monthly contributions to the Social Security Fund (SSF) for another 6 months, from Feb 1 to July 31. Source: Bangkok Post newspaper, 2 February 2022; Krungthep Turakij newspaper, 2 February 2022

Others

Questions are being raised of the 10-year Long Term Resident visa will be sufficiently effective and attractive to woo wealthy foreigners. Property developers lamented the Interior Ministry’s scrapping of the proposal to increase foreign ownership quota for condominium beyond 49 percent. However, it will not impact the condominium market because the current 49 percent quota has not been reached. The scrapping of the extension of leasehold rights from 30 years to 50 years will have an impact as it could make investments in large-scale projects for leasehold land more attractive and drive higher demand from foreigners. Source: Bangkok Post
Commerce Ministry has made preparations to help Thai exporters enjoy preferential tariff for exporting to South Korea after its RCEP membership takes effect on 1 February. Commerce Ministry has its system for certifying the country of origin of Thai goods exported to South Korea. Source: The Nation

The Bank of Thailand has rolled out a public consultation session for its plan to revolutionise the financial landscape, entitled Repositioning Thailand’s Financial Sector for a Sustainable Digital Economy. The paper focuses on 3 new directions including digitisation, the environment (green loan) and free competition for new players, such as virtual banks and start-ups. The public consultation runs until the end of February. Sources Bangkok Post Krungthep Turakij

Headlines summary as of 1 February 2022

February 2, 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
7,422 Domestic +7164 Abroad+161	2,447,964	12	83,014
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	3^rd dose vaccine recipients (from 16 July)
202,944 (yesterday) Total 115,256,516	52,331,058 (+15,378 yesterday) 75.2 %	48,635,307 (+31,886 yesterday) 69.9 %	14,290,151 (+155,680 yesterday) 20.5%

The ” Test & Go” scheme for fully vaccinated travellers recommence today .The travellers required to take an extra RT-PCR test on the 5th day of arriving and to wait for the test result at their hotel or face the legal consequences. Bangkokpost ThaiPBS
Thailand started the vaccination program for children aged 5-11 to receive Pfizer vaccine yesterday at Queen Sirikit hall. It was the first 300,000 doses that were arrived in the country, before another 300,000 dose per week will be sent to Thailand of totalling 10 million doses that has been ordered TheNation
The Ministry of Public Health gave a green light on the use of Sinovac’s Covid-19 vaccine on infant and children aged up to 3 years old Thairath

Politics

The long -awaited local elections of Bangkok governor and Pattaya mayor are possible to be held in May, Gen Anupong Phaochinda, Ministry of Interior spoked to the media.The last Bangkok governor election took place in 2013 before the elected government was sacked by the head of National Council for Peace and Order ( NCPO) after 2014 coup and appointed the latter governor in 2016 ThaiPBS
After the by-election result , Pheu Thai emphasized the time is running out for the Premier Prayut,adding his time will end in May as opposition blocs plan to put him in the the motion of no confidence vote this coming February Mathichon
P-Move, the influential land rights group, who has protested in front of the government house for days released the statement, urging the government to review the cases and to halt the legal proceedings faced to the locals from Bang Kloi, the ethnic Karen village as well as request the cabinet to review the draft act on the protection of ethnic community rights that the group submitted Mathichon

By-election in Constituency 9 ( Laksi-Chatuchak) analysis from media

TheMomentum , the prominent digital outlet released the analysis on their observations of Sunday’s by-election

The conquer of Pheu Thai from this by-election was the unexpected “ downward “ of the supporters of the “ government “.
The prolonged internal conflicts of Palangpracharat party (PPRP),which consisted of 11 divided groups, and the departure of its controversial Secretary-General, Thammanat Promprao together with approximately 20 MPs to the newly formed party “ Thai Economics party ”
The former-Secretary-General of Palangpracharat himself did not help PPRP to campaign this by-election.
The extreme campaign of the newly established party “ Thai Pakdee ” (meaning Loyal Thai) to protect the monarchy institution has shifted the support of royalists who favoured Palangpracharat to Thai Pakdee. Although the party( Thai Pakdee) votes marked at 5,987 for the first time in enrolling the election, it scored higher than “ New Economics Party” at 5,872 from 2019 election
“ Kla Party “ whose campaigned to support Prayut Chan-O-Cha in becoming the Prime Minister again in the very last days before by-election occurred, did not receive the support from the public much despite the party candidate, Atavit Suwannapakdee, who is also the party’s Secretary-General, once won the election in this constituency in the past.This means Prayut cannot sell anymore.
The totalling scores of the opposition camps ( Pheu Thai and Move Forward) are approximately 50,000 , which are higher than the 3 pro-government camps altogether ( Kla, Thai Pakdee and Palangpracharat) at 34,000.
In this connection, The Momentum summarizes that the Prime Minister Prayut has to leave from the post sooner or later.

TheMatter another online media also share the analysis of this by-election as follows;

The qualification of Palangpracharat candidate, who is the wife of the controversial former MP Sira Jenjaka as she herself is unknow to the public , and the internal conflict of the party become the major factors why Palangpracharat defeated the by-election this time
Sakonthi Pattiyakul, former deputy Bangkok governor who is also the former Democrat MP who once won the election in this Constituency said that comparing to the percentage of vote turnouts in 2019, the trend of Prayut supporters was not much different. The vote turnout in this by election is 22% lesser than in 2019 election. In this connection, he stated the defeat of Palangpracharat this time rather came from the qualification of the party candidate and its internal conflict.
The Matter summarized that the number of MPs play very much a crucial role in the stability of thr government. Although some groups may have an advantage from the 250-appointed senators, but if there is not enough support from the MPs. It’s difficult to undergo any parliamentary process in the future ( no confidence vote etc)

Economics

Akara Mine

The Thai Ministry of Industry (MoI) revealed that Australia’s Kingsgate Consolidated company and the Thai government have negotiated to defer the date of the TAFTA tribunal award issuance by at least 6 months from the original date of 31 January. The final date will be settled between both parties within this week. MoI said the reason for the deferral is to give more time for the Thai government and the Australian company to negotiate and reach a resolution without the need to involve the TAFTA tribunal lawsuit.
DPM Wisanu insisted he is not aware of the TAFTA tribunal award issuance deferral; but is aware of the negotiation between the MoI and Kingsgate that led to the re-opening of Chatree mine. As long as Chatree mine is willing to comply with the measures of the new Mineral Act 2017, it can submit an application to resume operation, said the DPM. He said there exists a committee to consider the application, but whether or not the committee will allow Chatree Mine to reopen will depend on many factors, such as the environment, natural resources and land.
The DPM is adamant that the Thai government did not order the closure of the mine – it simply did not renew the mining licenses as it wanted to wait until the new Mineral Act 2017 is finalised. Once the new Mineral Act was enforced, Kingsgate was invited back to proceed with license renewal request. Sources: Naew Na Thai Rath Khao Sod
According to Kingsgate’s quarterly report for the period ending 31 December 2021, the ‘TAFTA tribunal has advised that it will continue to defer the issuance of the award until it has resolved certain procedural matters and refrain from issuing the award without prior notification’. Kingsgate also reported to the Australian Stock Exchange that the TAFTA tribunal has deferred the verdict reading ‘indefinitely’. Source: BBC Thai
The Civic Group for Mineral and Gold Mining Reform gathered at the Permanent Secretary’s Office to present evidence that the 4 outstanding mining leases granted by Thai government to Chatree mine are for plots of land which are being prosecuted for land encroachment. In 2020, the Thai Royal Forest Department asked the police and Department of Special Investigation to take action against Akara Resources for encroaching on 15 plots of public and forest land in Phichit and Phetchaun provinces. The civic group said the granting of the mining leases is therefore illegal and breaches the Mineral Act 2017. The group also added that this is just one among the array of illegal activities committed by Kingsgate, which are being investigated by DSI. The Group said the Thai government has caused a colossal damage to the country by illegally renewing the mining license to Kingsgate. Source: Nation TV

Others

Ministry of Finance (MoF) expects Thailand’s GDP in 2022 to grow at an average of 4 percent due to the recovery of domestic consumption, export and tourism. Foreign arrival number is forecasted at 7 million as the Test & Go scheme is revived. MoF anticipates Omicron outbreak will affect the Thai economy in Q1 and Q2 of 2022, with infections set to peak in March. High household debt will also dampen domestic consumption, wherein the government’s stimulus packages will remain crucial in fostering economic growth. Source: Bangkok Post ThaiPBS World
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) believes the Omicron variant has affected the economy to a lesser degree than predicted, despite subduing the country’s economic activities in January 2022. The Thai economy in Q4 of 2021 has recovered from the previous quarter- the same also applies to December 2021. Merchandise exports performed exceptionally well, partly due to improvement in the supply disruption problems and the rise in foreign tourist figures after the government re-opened the country to foreign tourists on 1 November 2021. Sources: Bangkok Post Bank of Thailand Press Release
Thailand’s 2021 industrial GDP had expanded close to the pre-pandemic level, by 5.93 percent YoY, with industrial GDP in December 2021 growing at a historically high level of 23.6 percent, valued at 19.5 billion USD, revealed the Industry Ministry. Thailand’s manufacturing production index (MPI) in 2021 also rose by 5.9 percent, noting that the December 2021 MPI had also expanded above pre-pandemic level. This is driven by the expansion of key industries such as automotive, rubber, electronic appliances, petrochemical, garment, rubber and food. For 2022, industrial GDO is expected to further expand as economic activities continue on despite the outbreak of COVID-19. Source: Naew NaBangkok Post

The quarantine-free ‘Test & Go’ scheme for fully vaccinated travellers resumes today (1 February), opening Thailand to visitors from all countries. Travellers are required to take COVID-19 test on the first and fifth days of arrival. The number of tourist arrivals in February is expected at 200,000-300,000, close to the numbers in December, and will pick up in March. Phuket will see moderate growth as Omicron dominated the peak season and disrupted recovery. For Koh Samui, bookings for February remain low. There are many uncertainties ahead, such as future disruptions to Test & Go, but the sandbox scheme is designated a contingency plan. Source: Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 31 January 2022

February 2, 2022

News

Covid-19 situation/ vaccination number

8,008 (Domestic +7,842 (Abroad+166) (ATK +2,065) (Prison +14)	2,440,542	16	84,319
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28-30 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28-30 Feb)	3^rd dose vaccine recipients (from 16 July)
114,087,421 (+465,154)	52,315680 (+6,958 yesterday) 75.2 %	48,603,421 (+11,973 yesterday) 69.9 %	14,134,471 (+78,366 yesterday) 20.3%

Source : Covid-19 information centre , Department of Public Relation and Ministry of Public Health

Politics : The

(Surachart Thienthong from Pheu Thai party won the landslide by election yesterday at Constituency 9 in Laksi – Chatuchak)

The main opposition party, Pheu Thai won a landslide by-election victory of the Constituency 9 in Bangkok yesterday with 29,416 votes , beating the ruling Palangpracharat party dramatically with the remained 7,906 ( dropped by 18% from 2019 election) . Move Forward party came in the second with 20,361, votes while the new party’ Kla’ came in the third with 20,047 votes respectively.
Pheu Thai candidate, Surachat Thenthong who won yesterday’s by-election, was elected in the constituency 9 in 2014 election and is the son of the veteran politician ‘ Sanor Tienthong ‘ who was the former Ministry of Public Health and Interior .
Sarakrasmi Jenjaka,Palangpracharat candidate spoke in the press conference just hours before the ending of vote counting that she accepted the defeat since she only received thousand scores of favour, which was far from Pheu Thai that received 20k+
After the release of the by-election results, Thammanat Prompao, former Palangpracharat Secretary-General shared his remarks on his Facebook page that said ‘ I am glad that the citizens exercised their rights in the election. This is the democracy ‘ ( in Thai) before ending the significant sentence in English that read ‘ The enemy of my enemy is my friend ‘ which brought the attention to the public on his next move.

Number of voters : by – election results at Constituency 9 ( Laksi-Chatuchak)

Year of election	Eligible voters	Number of votes who casted the votes	Percentage	Voided ballot	Abstained Votes
2019 election	171,250	126,650	74.54%	1.89%	1.94%
2022 by-election	1,617,161	88,124	52.68%	–

Source: Voice TV

By – election results at results at Constituency 9 ( Laksi-Chatuchak)

Ranking	2022 by-election	2019 election
1	Surachat Thenthong Pheu Thai	29,416	Sira Jenjaka Phalangpracharat	34,907
2	Karunpon Thensuwan Move Forward	20,361	Surachat Thenthong Pheu Thai	32,115
3	Atavit Suwannapakdee Kla ( new)	20,047	Kritchuda Sansern Future Forward	25,735
4	Sarakrasmi Jenjaka Phalangpracharat	7,906	Wichai Sangpraprai Democrat Party	16,255
5	Phanthep Chatnarat Thai Pakdee (new)	5,987	( not identify)

Source : Workpoint

Voting percentage per party

Parties	2022 By-election	2019 election	Percentage differences
Pheu Thai	35%	26%	+9%
Move Forward	24%	21% ( Future Forward)	+3%
Kla	23%	–	+23%
Phalangpracharat	18%	10%	-18%
Thai Pakdee	7%	–	+7

Source : Workpoint

Comments from political analysts and media on this by-election

o WorkPoint reported that the dramatic loss of Palangpracharat as a result of the party’s internal conflict (which led the secretary-general,Thammanat Prompao to set up the new party) as well as its lack of support to promote its MP in this by-election since there was none of political rally during 45 days of by-election promotion.

o Attukit Sawangsuk (veteran journalist and political commentator on Voice TV channel) posted on his Facebook Here on his observations on this by-election as follows;

– The dramatic defeat of Palangpracharat candidate in this by-election reflected the popularity decline of the ruling Palangpracharat as this will continuously affect with the stability of the party afterwards, especially with the election that expects to take place in 2023

– Pheu Thai party won as expected. This indicated citizens’ frustration with the government .The victory of Pheu Thai this time + the adoption of the two-ballot electoral system this have boosted the confidence with the party’s MPs in the imminent election. Further,this attracts Palangpracharat MP whose moved from Pheu Thai party to return to Pheu Thai party.

– Move Forward party – the scores were higher than expected. It demonstrates that the party is not easily devastated although it has recently lose the by-election in Songkla province

– Kla party – it stressed that it would vote for Prayut as the PM in the next election, which may share the vote percentage with the Democrat party.

– Thai Pakdee party – very surprising result as it received the positive outcome than expected. This will provoke the formation of extreme right-wing party in the upcoming election.

BangkokPost also echoed political experts’ comments that the electoral result reflected the instability of the Prime Minister reputation, this by-election will be popularity test of the government in Bangkok which expects to be held in in mid-2022.

Economic

Akara Mine

An undisclosed source from the mining industry said Kingsgate had responded positively to the Thai government’s decision to let Chatree mine to reopen after it was ordered shut 5 years ago. Earlier, at the end of 2020, the Thai government had also granted permission for Akara Resources to sell high-value gold and silver sludge from Chatree Mine, which contained 4,750 ounces of gold and was valued at AUD14 million. The source observed that the company had also started to regain its profit. Its revenue as of June 2021 was 307,943,542 Baht; a profit of 300 million Baht compared to the same period in 2020, which reported a loss of -70,455,130 Baht. Source: Prachachat Turakij
The TAFTA arbitral tribunal based in Singapore prepares to issue its January 31 verdict on the government’s battle with an Australia’s Kingsgate mining company. Thailand may be forced to pay over 25 billion baht in compensation if it loses.
On 28 January, Akara Resources Plc held a meeting with 40 local leaders to publicise its plan to restart mining at Chatree. The company will establish a 100-million-Bat fund to compensate residents if they are affected by toxic emissions. It would take 5 months for Akara to set up systems and equipment, after which it will recruit workers – mostly locals. Thanks to the jobs and infrastructure development the company has brought to the area around Chatree, many locals support the gold mine. Opposition to the mine has also declined in recent years, as most of the villagers who were seriously affected by its operations have relocated to safer places. Sources: ThaiPBS World Bangkok Post
This op-ed explores the conundrum behind the government’s ordered closure and subsequent re-opening of Chatree Mine. Source: Bangkok Post

Others

More than 20 real estate businesses in Thailand are accepting cryptocurrency as payments for their properties, paving way for them to embrace digital asset investment in the future. They are also looking to fundraise through digital assets as an alternative to issuing debentures or getting bank loans with the goal of tapping into the younger generation of investors. Source: Krungthep Turakij newspaper, 31 January 2021
Ministry of Commerce revealed that it had granted a total of 570 foreigners to invest in Thailand in 2021 under the Foreign Business Act. They brought in 82 billion Baht of investment and created 5,450 employments for Thais. The top 5 investments are from the Japanese, American, Singaporean, Hong Kong and Chinese. Most investments are for the new S-Curve industries related to Electric Vehicle charging station, digital platform developer as well as design and procurement service for the hi-speed rail linking the 3 provinces. As for December 2021, some 56 foreigners received the permission to operate businesses in Thailand, with investment value of 1.9 billion Baht while employing 447 Thais.
The Industry Ministry (MoI) and Energy Ministry (MoE) are disagreeing on the Electric Vehicle (EV) incentives, which is causing a delay in the package’s implementation period. MoI wants EV manufacturers to set up an EV battery plant in Thailand as part of the condition for the incentives. However, MoE believes the focus should be on promoting EV imports in the initial period. Source: Bangkok Post
To improve Thailand’s ease of doing business, the economy and tourism, the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA) is drafting a roadmap (Year 2023 – 2027) to develop an e-central portal to help foreigners such as travellers, businessmen, long-stay visitors, workers and students better access government services. The DGA is currently organising a public hearing to draft the roadmap. It is tasked to digitise the workings of the Thai government. Source: Bangkok Post
The Thai government claimed that the restoration of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia after 30 years will bring great benefits to several sectors of the economy, notably tourism, labour, energy and medical services. Observers, however, are cautious about jumping on this bandwagon of optimism, given that the circumstances for both countries have drastically changed from 30 years ago. Source: ThaiPBS World Bangkok Post
The business sector is concerned that political volatility, from the anti-government protests to the expulsion of 21 MPs from Palang Pracharath Party which threatens the survival of the coalition government – could affect the government’s ability to resuscitate the domestic economy from COVID-19. Federation of Thai Industries noted that, fortunately, foreign investors are continuing to invest in Thailand despite the political instability. Source: Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 28 January 2022

January 31, 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
8,450 (211 from aboard; 48 from prisons), excluding 2,439 ATKs	2,415,472 (last seven days: 53,960)	28 (last seven days: 111)	83,698/ 528
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	3^rd dose vaccine recipients (from 16 July)
114,087,421 (+465,154)	52,218,270 (+43,799)	48,437,177 (+82,138)	13,431,974 (+339,217)

The Deputy PM and Public Health Minister Anutin said that the communicable disease committee has made a decision to agree in principle to designate Covid-19 as an endemic disease. The ministry will administer the process to ensure that the pandemic will be regarded as endemic within this year.—Thai Rath
The Transport Minister has expedited the plan to construct the ‘Land bridge’ in Southern Thailand with the aim to connect ASEAN trade.—Thai Rath
The Royal Thai Navy said that it will take five more days to clear oil spill caused by a leak from an undersea pipeline 20 km (12.4 miles) off Thailand’s eastern coast. The navy has led the cleanup and said an estimated 5,000 litres (1,321 gallons) of oil remained on the sea surface about 16.5 km offshore and was unlikely to reach the coast soon, as conditions were calm.–Reuters

Politics

After the secretary-general of the main-ruling Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) got expelled with 20 other MPs, the party leader has signed am order to appoint the Deputy Finance Minister Santi to be the party’s secretary-general until there is an election.—Prachachat Turakij
It is a matter of days before the by-election in Lak Si district in Bangkok
- The candidate from the PPRP has turned to the strategy of using PM Prayut popularity to draw the support.–Matichon
  - A former veteran MP from Democrat Party said that the PPRP should use the PM as its main election campaign capital to measure the PM popularity in Bangkok.–Matichon
- Stithorn Thananitichoke, from King Prajadhipok’s Institute said that despite fierce battles from various political parties, the by-election is the battle between candidate from opposition Pheu Thai Party and the freshly-established Kla Party. The political pundit said that as the Democrat does not file any candidate, it is likely that the Kla candidate who is from the Democrat party can get the Democrat votes.—Krungthep Turakij

Economic

Akara Mine

Ministry of Industry is discussing with Australia’s Kingsgate company about deferring the date of the TAFTA arbitrary tribunal by another 3-6 months from its original date of 31 January 2022. Kingsgate said it will give MoI an answer by 28 January as the ensuing period is a holiday. MoI noted the Thai government did not order the closure of Akara mine, but had only wanted Kingsgate to adjust its mining procedures to meet the standards of Thaiand’s new law (Mineral Act 2017). MoI confirmed it had granted to Kingsgate the 4 mining leases for gold and silver mines, effective for 10 years (30 December 2021 – 29 December 2031), as well as Metallurgical Processing license for 5 years (19 January 2022 – 18 January 2027). These licenses are renewed for the mines that are not subjected to the TAFTA tribunal and are considered normal steps that Kingsgate must undertake to continue its mining activities in Thailand. Sources: Matichon, 28 January 2022; Khao Sod
Siroj Prasertphon, Managing Director of Akara Resources company in Thailand confirmed that its 4 mining leases and 1 Metallurgical Processing license have been renewed. Akara Resources stated that it is looking forward to creating employment and generating income for the local communities, while insisting that its mines do not damage the environment. Source: Naew Na

RCEP

Ministry of Commerce is making internal preparations to help Thai entrepreneurs maximise the benefits offered by RCEP enforcement in South Korea and Malaysia, effective on 1 February and 18 March 2022, respectively. Being the newest members, Korea will exempt tariff for some 90.7 percent of the items from Thailand, with tariff exempted on 7,843 items on 1 February 2022. Korea will also provide Thailand with market access to over 413 items. Meanwhile, Malaysia will exempt the tariffs for over 90 percent of the items imported from Thailand, with exemption applied to 6,590 items on 18 March. Source: Inn News

Others

PM Prayut has instructed the Board of Investment to speed up its restructuring and adjust its suite of incentives to remain competitive and to attract more investments. An anonymous source disclosed that the restructuring is needed to support investments in start-ups; smart visa package; and the Long Term Resident visa package which is expected to draw 1 million affluent foreigners into Thailand in 5 years. DPM Wassanu was assigned to take charge of the restructuring and will work closely with DPM Supattanapong, Office of the Public Sector Development Commission and the PM’s adviser Thosaporn Sirisamphand. Sources: Krungthep Turakij Bangkok Post
According to a survey by University of Thai Chamber of Commerce, spending during the Chinese New Year this year will hit the lowest level in 11 years, at 39.6 billion Baht in a third consecutive year of decline. The spending is also an 11.82 percent decline from year 2021, with consumer spending forecasted to drop by over 5 billion Baht. This is attributable to consumers having accumulated more household debt just as commodity prices are increasing. Source: Bangkok Post Thai Rath
Toyota Motor Thailand expected its car sales to rebound following a slight dip last year to achieve growth of 18.5 percent to 284,000 units in 2022 . Toyota also looks forward to Electric Vehicle (EV) development by making Thailand its major production base for EVs. Total car sales in Thailand are expected to increase by 13.3 percent to 860,000 units in 2022, up from 759,119 last year, according to Toyota’s outlook for the whole industry. Source: Bangkok Post

The Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) says Southeast Insurance has not been approved for liquidation, stressing that all coverage for policyholders is still in place. The swift clarification from the OIC followed a statement by the insurance giant to the authorities that it planned to cease operations. OIC asked the public to remain calm and rest assured Southeast Insurance cannot arbitrarily close its business or terminate their policies without approval from the OIC. This matter is scheduled for consideration at the OIC board meeting today. Source: Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 27 January 2022

January 28, 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
8,078 (225 from aboard; 37 from prisons), excluding 2,822 ATKs	2,407,022 (last seven days: 53,960)	22 (last seven days: 111)	82,760/ 548
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	3^rd dose vaccine recipients (from 16 July)
113,622,267 (+440,671)	52,174,471 (+44,412)	48,355,039 (+74,003)	13,092,757 (+322,256)

HM the King has sent a letter of congratulations to Australian Governor-General David Hurley on the occasion of Australia Day 2022. The letter read:

“On the occasion of the Australia Day, please except, Your Excellency, my cordial congratulations and best wishes for your good health and happiness as well as for the continuing progress and prosperity of the Commonwealth of Australia and her people.

The enduring ties of friendship between Thailand and the Commonwealth of Australia have grown consistently throughout seven decades of our diplomatic relations. I have every confidence, reinforced by own experience and warm recollections, that we will continue working closely together to build on our close relationship, multi-faceted cooperation and partnership at all levels, for ever greater benefits of both our peoples.”

The PM has ordered the Navy and other agencies to contain an oil spill after an estimated 160,000 litres (35,195 gallons) leaked from an undersea pipeline about 20 km (12.4 miles) off its industrialised eastern seaboard. The head of Pollution Control Department warned fishermen to steer clear of the area but said the oil spill should be contained before it reaches the coast. Koh Samet, a resort island off Rayong province popular with foreign tourists, could be impacted by Friday.–Reuters and all media outlet
Thai narcotics board has removed cannabis from its drugs list, paving the way for households to grow the plant. Under the new rule, people can grow cannabis plants at home after notifying their local government, but the cannabis cannot be used for commercial purposes without further licenses. Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalise marijuana in 2018 for medical use and research.–Reuters
His Majesty the King has issued an order to rearrange the Royal Household Office’s structure to include a separate office for Her Majesty the Queen and the removal of the Office of Aide-de-Camp.—all media outlet

Politics

It is reported that the main-ruling Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) has finalised its Bangkok Governor Candidate.
- Sources in the PPRP hinted that the prospective candidate will be a female and will launch the candidate debut by late January or early February.—Krungthep Turakij
- It is reported that Anusree Tubsuwan, party-listed MP from ruling Action Coalition for Thailand Party, is taking the lead in becoming the PPRP candidate. The MP from the royalist party served as secretary to former Democrat Party governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra.—Krungthep Turakij
  - The spokesperson of the ACT Party has notified its party MP in a Group Chat that MP Anusaree remains ACT party member. The spokesperson said that should there is further development, the party will notify the public as soon as possible.–Matichon
- This morning Anusree came out to affirm that some senior members of the PPRP has reached out to offer her the candidacy position, but she is now dividing whether to join PPRP campaign. The MP said that she used to work in the Bangkok Metropolitan Office and has background knowledge in the office.—Matichon Weekly
After the head of the opposition Pheu Thai Party made a remark that the PM and the ruling elite might seek to stage a coup as there is no way forward for the PM to proceed, the Natural Resources Minister and de facto head of ruling Chatthai Pattana Party Varavuth came out to state otherwise. The minister said that there is no sign of a coup and that the coalition remains united and the 12-seats party is proceeding in the same direction as of the government.—Krungthep Turakij
It is a matter of days before the by-election in Lak Si District in Bangkok. Thai Rath has pointed out that the district is distinguished in that it has big Army bases with high number of personnel in the constituency. The media regarded military personnel as a main determinant in the upcoming election, despite the Army chief policy for the security apparatus to remain neutral.—Thai Rath
The Election Commission (EC) has announced re-runs for the election of 11 tambon administrative organisation (TAO) chiefs and members in 9 provinces, including Suphan Buri, Chumphon, Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, Phrae, Samut Songkhram, Trat, Sa Kaeo and Tak.–Matichon
Wednesday was the other day when the House cannot secure its quorum. The Deputy House speaker has called for the House to adjourn.–Matichon

Economic

Akara Mine

In order for Akara Mine to resume operations, DPM Wissanu said it must comply with 4 issues under the stricter requirements of the Minerals Act 2017, comprising the environment, land management, community health and permission to use the land. DPM Wissanu declined to comment on the report that the Thai government has awarded 4 mining licenses to Kingsgate for 10 years in exchange for a withdrawal of the lawsuit to the TAFTA arbitrary tribunal. The DPM added that Industry Ministry has the authority to renew the miing licenses, wherein the cabinet is kept informed every 3 months. Sources: Prachachart Turakij Krungthep Turakij Bangkok Post

Others

PM Prayut’s visit to Saudi Arabia and the restoration of full diplomatic relations between both countries in 30 years offers tremendous economic opportunities for Thailand. The Thai Chamber of Commerce noted there are 4 benefits from this revived ties, namely Thailand’s export that is expected to grow to 2.2 percent from 0.6 percent; tourism which will see arrival number jump to 150,000 from 73,000 with revenue of 13.5 million Baht; Thai labourers to Saudi Arabia that is set to increase to 100,000 from 10,000 in the first 3 years and to 200,000 in 5 years, thereby earning an additional revenue of 4.5-9 billion Baht fior Thailand annually; and increased foreign direct investment. Source: Matichon Bangkok Post
Although the Test & Go scheme is poised to resume on 1 February, the systems supporting the scheme are not fully functional. For instance, the Thailand Pass online system remains disconnected from Public Health Ministry’s Mor Phrom application. Tourism Authority of Thailand vows to have all systems connected and aims to attract 200,000 foreign tourists monthly. Source: Prachachart Turakij

Inbound tourism to Phuket dropped further in 2021, following the collapse in 2020 after travel restrictions were imposed due to Covid-19. A return to pre-pandemic tourism conditions and arrival numbers in Thailand and Phuket is doubtful in the near term. Luxury and upscale hotels on the island will probably see room occupancy rates of 20-30 percent this year, which would be an improvement from just 12 percent last year. Source: Bangkok Post

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