Headlines summary as of 26 January 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
7,587 (156 from aboard; 106 from prisons), excluding 2,205 ATKs	2,398,944 (last seven days: 54,011)	19 (last seven days: 108)	81,299/ 519
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	3rd dose vaccine recipients (from 16 July)
113,181,596 (+421,737)	52,130,059 (+41,545)	48,281,036 (+73,034)	12,770,501 (+307,158)

• The PM is scheduled to return to the Kingdom today after his official visit to Saudi Arabia.
  • The Labour Minister said that the Saudi Arabian Deputy PM has instructed its agencies to recruit 8 million labours to support its Kingdom, including from Thailand. The Minister said that the official visit has allowed Thai labours who has high potential to return to the middle eastern Kingdom.–Krungthep Turakij
  • For the joint press statement, please find it from MFA
  • The PM posted on his social media inviting the Saudi Crown Prince to visit Thailand after marking the new era of the bilateral relations.–Krungthep Turakij 

Politics

• The expulsion of 21 MPs led by Thammanat from the main-ruling Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) has remained on high-agenda:
  • Deputy PM and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin said that should the 21 MPs cannot find the party to be with, they are more than welcomed to join the second-largest coalition party.–Matichon
  • The Election Commissioner said that it has acknowledged the party’s decision to expel 21 MPs and will look into the legality of the expulsion process.–Krungthep Turakij
  • The leader of opposition Pheu Thai Party warned against a coup d’etat as the coalition has lesser votes. The Opposition leader said that the PM might not want to risk losing the next election if the House is dissolved. Pheu Thai leader warned that the other coup would lead to more conflicts.– Matichon
• Sontirat, former Energy Minister and PPRP secretary-general, is touring the northeastern and is trying to garner support for their new ‘Build Thailand Future’ Party. The party just launched its neither extreme left nor far-right platform.–Krungthep Turakij

Economic

Akara Mine

• Industry Ministry’s (MoI) Mineral Board said it had granted Akara Mine the 4 outstanding licenses based on Kingsgate’s earlier requests, which also complies with Thai law; namely the Mineral Act 2017.  Currently, MoI is waiting for Akara mine to decide on the timeframe of their investment, after which MoI will appoint a new committee to monitor and investigate Akara Mine’s activities.  MoI believes it may be able to reach a negotiation settlement with Kingsgate and may no longer need the involvement of the TAFTA arbitral tribunal.  Both sides are also in discussion to request for the tribunal award date to be extended beyond 31 January 2022.  Source:  Thai Rath  Daily News  
• Pheu Thai Party’s MP Jiraporn Sindhuprai asks the public to closely monitor the TAFTA arbitral tribunal holding its award on 31 January 2021.  She is also asking the public to join Pheu Thai Party in petitioning against PM Prayut’s attempt to use the nation’s assets (the mines) to secretly settle a deal with Kingsgate in order for the company to revoke its case from the TAFTA arbitral tribunal process. Source:  Siam Rath

Others

• The Bank of Thailand, Securities Exchange Commission and Finance Ministry are drafting a regulation to prohibit digital asset operators from using digital assets as ‘means of payment’ for goods and services.  The 3 agencies have been holding a public hearing on this matter since 25 January.  The regulation will be finalized after the public hearing ends in February.  Nonetheless, BOT is deliberating on allowing the use of ‘stable coins’ as a means of payment as it is backed up by assets.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij  Bangkok Post
• PM Prayut praises government agencies for their work on the reviving economy, which the NESDC forecasted will grow by +4 percent in 2022.  Going forward, the government will be promoting 6 industries including smart industries; developing manufacturing sector towards 4.0 through innovations and digital technologies; developing sustainable and environmentally friendly industries; establishing special economic zones to draw investments in industrial estates; using digital technology to upgrade the service sector; and developing target industries as specified under the 13^th National Economic Development Plan.  Source:  Thai Government News
• Pig farmers from the northeastern region of Thailand are protesting against the import of pork as a solution to curb the ongoing inflation.  They argue that once pork import is allowed, it will give European countries permanent access to the Thai market at the expense of domestic pig farmers.  Source:  Matichon
• Commerce Ministry is focusing on curbing the prices of chicken, pork and palm oil.  The latter has seen price increase to nearly 70 Baht per bottle from 56-60 Baht at the end of 2021.  The MoC has set up a war room to monitor the situation and to impose strict penalties on price gouging.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij, Bangkok Post

Gulf Energy Development is partnering with a Chinese state enterprise, Sinohydro (Hong Kong) Holding, to co-develop the 770-megawatt Pak Lay hydropower project in Laos on the Mekong River.  Gulf expects to make an investment of 8 billion Baht after year 2024, with the hydropower set to become operational on 1 January 2032.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij newspaper, 26 January 2022  Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 25 January 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
6,178 (152 from aboard; 69 from prisons), excluding 2,032 ATKs	2,384,639 (last seven days: 53,006)	12 (last seven days: 101)	81,532/ 548
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	3rd dose vaccine recipients (from 16 July)
112,759,859 (+288,356)	52,088,514 (+22,996)	48,208,002 (+47,236)	12,463,343 (+218,124)

• The PM is leaving for the official visit to Saudi Arabia, the first time in more than three decades. The PM said before the departure that this is trip will be a great opportunity in restoring the sour relations between the two Kingdoms. The PM said that the trip will be an opportunity to discuss with Riyadh and will lead to the set-up of working panel in allowing the Thai labour to return to work in Saudi Arabia.—Krungthep Turakij
  • The Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Don gave an exclusive interview with Matichon on the PM official visit that the visit is happening due to the 6-year ongoing works. Thai top diplomat said that Prime Minister Prayut is key to making the visit happening. Don said that the two nations will go beyond the past conflicts and will focus on the future relations.–Matichon

Politics

• The expulsion of 21 MPs led by Thammanat from the main-ruling Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) has led to various development:
  • The government whip said that said that the coalition is at critical level as the coalition has only around 20 seats more than the majority. The government whip said that the coalition must work with the Opposition when the House is going to elaborate on the organic laws in relation to the electoral systems.—Krungthep Turakij
  • The Deputy PM and PPRP leader General Prawit said that the party has filed the expulsion to the Election Commission and has affirmed that the coalition remains stable despite losing 21 seats.—Krungthep Turakij
  • PPRP spokesperson said that despite the expulsion, the party remains united and will nominate General Prayut as its PM candidate in the next general election. The party spokesperson stressed that the relation between the PM and the PPRP leader remains warm.—Krungthep Turakij
• The PPRP leader encountered with the hijack from student-led protestors for the first time when campaigning in the Laksi District in Bangkok. General Prawit was greeted with two main figures of the student protestors who showed three fingers salute—the symbol against the government.—Channel 7

Economic

Cabinet’s Decisions, 24 January 2022

• Renewed the 4^th phase of Finance Ministry’s Khon La Khrueng co-payment subsidy scheme from 1 Feb – 30 April with a budget of 34.8 billion Baht.  This time, the total subsidy granted is 1,200 Baht per person (maximum 150 Baht per person per day), down from the previous subsidy of 1,500 Baht per person.  Finance Ministry dismissed news that the government is broke, instead reasoning that the reduction is because average spending per head per day in previous phases was below the target, at only 158 Baht.   Sources:  Prachachat Turakij
• Set aside 8.07 billion Baht to fund measures to strengthen the purchasing power of 13.5 million low-income earners state welfare cardholders and 1.35 billion Baht to 2.25 million vulnerable people.  They will receive cash handouts of 200 Baht monthly, from February to April. Source:  Bangkok Post
• Approved of including chicken and chicken meat on the state price control list to help lower people’s living cost.  Cabinet also approved of extending price controls for another year on 4 products: face masks; synthetic fibres used in face mask production; products using alcohol as ingredients for hygiene; and waste paper and recycled paper.  Source:  Bangkok Post

Others

• The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is deliberating on allowing the use of stablecoins to pay for goods and services for some use cases.  BOT is drafting the rules governing the use of digital assets, which are expected to be implemented in the near future.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) met with Dr Kobsak Pooltrakool, chairman of the business regulation reform a subcommittee set up by PM Prayut.  It was reported that the Regulatory Guillotine project had made significant progress.  In FY2021, the project had successfully tackled 424 processes and is working on another 514 processes.  Of these 514 processes, about 378 laws and regulations related to the hiring of foreign workers and the promotion of tourism businesses are currently being revised.  JSCCIB has asked the government to delegate more budget and manpower for the Regulatory Guillotine project in a bid to improve the Ease of Doing Business.  JSCCIB also proposed that further changes be made to help the economy recover from COVID-19, such as improving regulations to promote SMEs and startups; medical tourism & eco-tourism; e-commerce; the reuse and recycling of products and to revise immigration procedures to attract migrant workers.  Source: Post Today

Akara Mine

• Australia’s Kingsgate Consolidated Limited notified the Australian Stock Exchange on 19 January that it had received from the Thai government 4 outstanding mining leases required to re-open the Chatree Gold Mine.  These leases comprise 3 Chatree South leases and 1 Quartz Lease.  The leases are in force for a period of 10 years, commencing 31 December 2021.  Kingsgate also advised that all the necessary steps for the renewal of the Metallurgical Processing License (MPL) are complete and approved.  These approvals now enable the Chatree Gold Mine to re-open and work is being finalized on the CAPEX required for the re-start.  Source:  Isara News  BBC Thai  Kingsgate Press Release
• All eyes are now on the TAFTA arbitral tribunal, which will hold the award on the Akara Mine case on 31 January 2022.  This BBC report explores the 3 scenarios of the tribunal’s decisions.  The report also chronicles the events leading up the TAFTA arbitral tribunal.  Source:  BBC Thai
• The Civic Group for Reform of Resources and Gold is looking to pursue legal actions against The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on the grounds that DSI has been negligent and has also been covering up its investigations on Akara Mine irregularities.  The group also wants to pursue legal actions against the Ministry of Industry for granting the mining leases that will allow Chatree Mine to reopen.  The group had also travelled to the Government House to petition the government to appoint Vicha Mahaguna to investigate DSI’s misdoings.  Sources:  Isara News Agency Nation TV

January 31 last year marked the 5^th year in which Akara mine was ordered shut by PM Prayut’s then military regime through Article 44.  Despite news that the Thai government had granted Kingsgate the mining leases to reopen Chatree Mine, an undisclosed source claims that there were no movements to prepare the mine for the reopening because of the massive amount of funding required.  Villagers living in the mine’s vicinity is said to want the mine to re-open because it is a source of their income.  Source: Daily News

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
7,139 (195 from aboard; 20 from prisons), excluding 2,629 ATKs	2,384,639 (last seven days: 53,225)	13 (last seven days: 107)	82,485/ 550
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	3rd dose vaccine recipients (from 16 July)
112,471,503  (+588,908)	52,065,518 (+49,456)	48,160,766 (+101,051)	12,245,219 (+438,401)

• The government spokesperson said that the PM has concern over the perilous fine PM2.5 dust will spike from 25 to 28 January 2022. The Pollution Control Department warned people of doing outdoor exercise and activities.—Thai Rath

Politics

• After having been rumoured over the weekend as the PM has ordered to change the weekly cabinet meeting from Tuesday to Monday, the government announced that the PM will travel to Saudi Arabia on an official visit to restore the bilateral ties on 25 to 26 January. The PM will travel to the middle eastern kingdom at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi Arabia downgraded its diplomatic relations with Bangkok following the theft in 1989 of around $20 million of jewels by a Thai janitor working in the palace of a Saudi prince, in what became known as the “Blue Diamond Affair”.–Reuters
• After much speculation and PR attempts, the opposition Move Forward Party has decided to file its MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn as Bangkok Governor Candidate. The vocal MP has vowed to be ready to fight for Bangkok residents on every circumstance.
  • Despite being regarded as the last remaining choice for the party’s candidate, Wiroj gave an interview to the media dismissed the reports that he was just the last choice of the party where no other figures were willing to step-in.—Inside Thailand
• The Digital Economy Minister is tested Covid-positive. The minister who concurrently is taking the post of director of Bangkok by-election said that he has mild symptoms and is hospitalised. The minister said that he will work remotely.–Matichon
  • The government whip proposed with the House Speaker to halt the House meeting after the Minister and main figure in the PPRP is contacted with the pandemic.—Krungthep Turakij
• After Thammanat brought 20 other MPs out of the PPRP, it is highly expected that the ‘Thai Economy Party’ will hold its meeting to determine the party’s strategy and policy by early-February.—Krungthep Turakij
  • The Deputy PM and Democrat leader said that the exodus of Thammanat and 20 other MPs will have an impacts on the coalition. The Democrat leader did not  make comment on the possibility of the House Dissolution.—Krungthep Turakij
  • The deputy government whip revealed that the 21 MPs have expressed their intention to join the coalition side.—Kom Chad Leuk  
• There have been two major figures in the PPRP have expressed their intention to resign from the main-ruling party.
  • Sodsri Sattayatham, former Election Commissioner, has expressed her intention to resign citing personal reasons.—Krungthep Turakij
  • Ruangkrai Leekijwattana, legal advisor of the party, has submitted his resignation letter. Ruangkrai has not made his decision on whether to join Thammanat new party.—Krungthep Turakij
• The PM on Friday opened the song “Let’s not surrender” during a meeting, signalling that even after he is facing political pressures, he will not surrender. Aom Sunisa, the singer, posted on her FB with a name of a song ‘Let’s Step Back’.—Thai Rath

Analysis/ opinion

• Inside Thailand regarded the expulsion and the form up of a new political party led by Thammanat as a ploy to ‘escalate’ himself as a coalition party (from a PPRP member). Thammanat has gained political capital as a result. Inside Thailand outlined that there are four scenarios from the PM perspective:
• Cabinet reshuffle: This means the PM is willing to give concession to Thammanat in an attempt to cling to power until APEC or until the House terms.
• House Dissolution: With the coalition in jeopardy, the PM can dissolve the House soon and put the Thammanat’s game in his own hand.
• Resignation: There are two possible explanations for this. The PM is giving up (which is less likely) or the PM is confident that even after resignation he can secure the vote to be back with the refreshed political mandate. 
• ‘Thai’-styled solution, potentially with Constitutional Court verdict to dissolve some (Opposition) parties. This will make it impossible for any faction to take over the majority votes in the House.–Inside Thailand
• Wassana Nanuam, an Army reporter, has a theory that Thammanat’s expulsion is Deputy PM and PPRP leader General Prawit’s plan which just arose days after the double losses in the by-elections. Wassana said that the ‘Thai Economy Party’ will be Prawit ‘own’ party which does not need to share the political base with the PM. But as the PM sent the strong signal that he will not do the cabinet reshuffle; or house dissolution, it is likely that the 21 MPs under Thammanat will join the Opposition in the votes. Wassana said that house dissolution can occur either before or after the organic laws are finalised. If it is before, the PM aims to strip Pheu Thai from its two ballot system-its forte. If it is after, it will surely be before May when the Opposition can file a censure debate which it is very likely that he will lose in the vote.–Ring Side 

• Krungthep Turakij outlined three significant moments this year which could bring the PM to a political check-mate. 
• The first is when the House is going to vote on significant bills, including the two organic laws expected to be in the House in late January and the 2023 budget bill expected in May. If the coalition could not secure enough votes, the PM has two options left to either resign or dissolve the House.
• The second is the censure debate which could be filed anytime when the House is in the next session (from May). If the coalition cannot secure enough votes, the PM and the government will be out of power. 
• The third is in August when the Opposition will file the complaint to the Constitutional Court on the tenure limits of eight years. General Prayut staged a coup back in 2014 and was appointed by the King as Prime Minister on 24 August, his tenure limit will be until 23 August. This is up to the Constitutional Court to decide.–Krungthep Turakij 

Australia

• The official logo launch attended by the Thai MFA’s permanent-secretary at the Residence has been published on Krungthep Turakij, Thai Rath and Line Today

Economic

Long Term Resident Visa Package

• CESA convened a meeting to discuss the details of the Long Term Resident (LTR) visa on Friday and had left 3 topics pending, namely 1) the raising of foreign ownership quota for condominiums to be above 49 percent; 2) extending property leasehold rights for foreigners from 30 to 50 years and 3) allowing foreigners to have land ownership of 1 rai for residential purposes.  Topics 1 and 2 solicited strong opposition from the Interior Minister, who objected that the existing conditions are appropriate.  If they are changed, the move could draw strong political oppositions.  CESA had only approved of topic 3 and had instructed the Land Ministry to conduct a feasibility studies and revert back with implementation details in 2 months. 
• The Board of Investment (BOI) is currently drafting an announcement to pave way for the enforcement of the LTR visa.  BOI expects to submit the announcement for the cabinet’s consideration within January 2022.
• Immigration Bureau will draft an announcement to exempt LTR visa holders from the 1:4 foreign: Thai worker quota after the Interior Ministry formally rolls out the scheme by publishing its announcement in the Royal Gazette.  Sources:  Krungthep Turakij  Bangkok Post newspaper, 22 January 2022
• In the past 2 weeks, the government has been tackling the problems of rising commodity as well as fuel prices.  Bank of Thailand surmised that while such inflation will not lead to an economic recession, it could dampen prospect of Thailand’s economic recovery.  TDRI noted that even though prices are increasing, household income remains the same and inflation is also exacerbated by shortage of pork supply and rising oil price.  Ministry of Energy promises it will keep the price of diesel oil to 30 Baht per litre, while Ministry of Finance and Bank of Thailand will work to maintain inflation to be within the range of 1-3 percent.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij newspaper, 24 January 2022
• While economists agree with the government’s attempt to curb inflation by offering discount scheme on essential commodities and food, they also urge the government to implement other measures concurrently, such as increasing minimum wage and doing capacity building activities for SMEs.  Source:  Bangkok Post

Others

• Thailand’s export increased by 17 percent to reach 271 billion USD in year 2021, exceeding Commerce Ministry’s (MoC) target by 3-4 percent.  This is attributable to MoC’s proactive online marketing strategies and new market penetration through mini-FTAs; the recovery of global economies and weak Baht.  For December 2021, export grew by 24.2 percent (worth 24.9 billion USD) due to the expansion of agricultural good exports (+21.1 percent), for example Durian (+871.4 percent); agricultural industrial goods such as sugar (+123.9 percent) and industrial goods such as cars and automotive parts (+45 percent).  Export of rubber and pharmaceutical products also performed well.  In 2022, Thailand’s export is forecasted to expand by 3-4 percent, valued at 2.79-2.82 million USD due to the enforcement of RCEP and high demands for electronic equipment as digital economies proliferate.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij  Bangkok Post
• Ministry of Industry expects the 2022 PMI index to see a 4-5 percent expansion and industrial GDP to expand by 2.5-3.5 percent.  This is made possible by the resumption of the Test & Go scheme, which is anticipated to draw foreign investments into the Eastern Economic Corridor.  Industry Ministry will also promote BCG industries.  For domestic investment, Industry Ministry is promoting bio-industries, which already drew 4 projects with investment worth 10.9 billion Baht.  In the pipeline are additional 5 projects, with investment value totalling 160 billion Baht.
• Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is helping over 2,500 automotive manufacturers in Thailand transition into Electric Vehicles (EV) manufacturing.  The transition towards EV is expected to result in 700-800 of the total of 2,500 automotive and parts manufacturers divesting from the market. 
• The Revenue Department is conducting a public hearing on digital asset tax, but expects the package to be finalised by the end of January to coincide with personal income tax payment deadline of 8 April.  Source:  Matichon newspaper, 24 January 2022

PM Prayut has confirmed Thailand is ready to host this year’s APEC meeting, with the overarching theme of BCG Economy.  Recently, the government and Thailand’s APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), organised an APEC Workshop on “Enhancing Green MSMEs’ Competitiveness for a Sustainable and Inclusive Asia Pacific: Food Sector Waste Reduction in Food Supply Chain”.  Source:  National News Bureau of Thailand  Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 24 January 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
7,139 (195 from aboard; 20 from prisons), excluding 2,629 ATKs	2,384,639 (last seven days: 53,225)	13 (last seven days: 107)	82,485/ 550
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	3rd dose vaccine recipients (from 16 July)
112,471,503  (+588,908)	52,065,518 (+49,456)	48,160,766 (+101,051)	12,245,219 (+438,401)

• The government spokesperson said that the PM has concern over the perilous fine PM2.5 dust will spike from 25 to 28 January 2022. The Pollution Control Department warned people of doing outdoor exercise and activities.—Thai Rath

Politics

• After having been rumoured over the weekend as the PM has ordered to change the weekly cabinet meeting from Tuesday to Monday, the government announced that the PM will travel to Saudi Arabia on an official visit to restore the bilateral ties on 25 to 26 January. The PM will travel to the middle eastern kingdom at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi Arabia downgraded its diplomatic relations with Bangkok following the theft in 1989 of around $20 million of jewels by a Thai janitor working in the palace of a Saudi prince, in what became known as the “Blue Diamond Affair”.–Reuters
• After much speculation and PR attempts, the opposition Move Forward Party has decided to file its MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn as Bangkok Governor Candidate. The vocal MP has vowed to be ready to fight for Bangkok residents on every circumstance.
  • Despite being regarded as the last remaining choice for the party’s candidate, Wiroj gave an interview to the media dismissed the reports that he was just the last choice of the party where no other figures were willing to step-in.—Inside Thailand
• The Digital Economy Minister is tested Covid-positive. The minister who concurrently is taking the post of director of Bangkok by-election said that he has mild symptoms and is hospitalised. The minister said that he will work remotely.–Matichon
  • The government whip proposed with the House Speaker to halt the House meeting after the Minister and main figure in the PPRP is contacted with the pandemic.—Krungthep Turakij
• After Thammanat brought 20 other MPs out of the PPRP, it is highly expected that the ‘Thai Economy Party’ will hold its meeting to determine the party’s strategy and policy by early-February.—Krungthep Turakij
  • The Deputy PM and Democrat leader said that the exodus of Thammanat and 20 other MPs will have an impacts on the coalition. The Democrat leader did not  make comment on the possibility of the House Dissolution.—Krungthep Turakij
  • The deputy government whip revealed that the 21 MPs have expressed their intention to join the coalition side.—Kom Chad Leuk  
• There have been two major figures in the PPRP have expressed their intention to resign from the main-ruling party.
  • Sodsri Sattayatham, former Election Commissioner, has expressed her intention to resign citing personal reasons.—Krungthep Turakij
  • Ruangkrai Leekijwattana, legal advisor of the party, has submitted his resignation letter. Ruangkrai has not made his decision on whether to join Thammanat new party.—Krungthep Turakij
• The PM on Friday opened the song “Let’s not surrender” during a meeting, signalling that even after he is facing political pressures, he will not surrender. Aom Sunisa, the singer, posted on her FB with a name of a song ‘Let’s Step Back’.—Thai Rath

Analysis/ opinion

• Inside Thailand regarded the expulsion and the form up of a new political party led by Thammanat as a ploy to ‘escalate’ himself as a coalition party (from a PPRP member). Thammanat has gained political capital as a result. Inside Thailand outlined that there are four scenarios from the PM perspective:
• Cabinet reshuffle: This means the PM is willing to give concession to Thammanat in an attempt to cling to power until APEC or until the House terms.
• House Dissolution: With the coalition in jeopardy, the PM can dissolve the House soon and put the Thammanat’s game in his own hand.
• Resignation: There are two possible explanations for this. The PM is giving up (which is less likely) or the PM is confident that even after resignation he can secure the vote to be back with the refreshed political mandate. 
• ‘Thai’-styled solution, potentially with Constitutional Court verdict to dissolve some (Opposition) parties. This will make it impossible for any faction to take over the majority votes in the House.–Inside Thailand
• Wassana Nanuam, an Army reporter, has a theory that Thammanat’s expulsion is Deputy PM and PPRP leader General Prawit’s plan which just arose days after the double losses in the by-elections. Wassana said that the ‘Thai Economy Party’ will be Prawit ‘own’ party which does not need to share the political base with the PM. But as the PM sent the strong signal that he will not do the cabinet reshuffle; or house dissolution, it is likely that the 21 MPs under Thammanat will join the Opposition in the votes. Wassana said that house dissolution can occur either before or after the organic laws are finalised. If it is before, the PM aims to strip Pheu Thai from its two ballot system-its forte. If it is after, it will surely be before May when the Opposition can file a censure debate which it is very likely that he will lose in the vote.–Ring Side 

• Krungthep Turakij outlined three significant moments this year which could bring the PM to a political check-mate. 
• The first is when the House is going to vote on significant bills, including the two organic laws expected to be in the House in late January and the 2023 budget bill expected in May. If the coalition could not secure enough votes, the PM has two options left to either resign or dissolve the House.
• The second is the censure debate which could be filed anytime when the House is in the next session (from May). If the coalition cannot secure enough votes, the PM and the government will be out of power. 
• The third is in August when the Opposition will file the complaint to the Constitutional Court on the tenure limits of eight years. General Prayut staged a coup back in 2014 and was appointed by the King as Prime Minister on 24 August, his tenure limit will be until 23 August. This is up to the Constitutional Court to decide.–Krungthep Turakij 

Australia

• The official logo launch attended by the Thai MFA’s permanent-secretary at the Residence has been published on Krungthep Turakij, Thai Rath and Line Today

Economic

Long Term Resident Visa Package

• CESA convened a meeting to discuss the details of the Long Term Resident (LTR) visa on Friday and had left 3 topics pending, namely 1) the raising of foreign ownership quota for condominiums to be above 49 percent; 2) extending property leasehold rights for foreigners from 30 to 50 years and 3) allowing foreigners to have land ownership of 1 rai for residential purposes.  Topics 1 and 2 solicited strong opposition from the Interior Minister, who objected that the existing conditions are appropriate.  If they are changed, the move could draw strong political oppositions.  CESA had only approved of topic 3 and had instructed the Land Ministry to conduct a feasibility studies and revert back with implementation details in 2 months. 
• The Board of Investment (BOI) is currently drafting an announcement to pave way for the enforcement of the LTR visa.  BOI expects to submit the announcement for the cabinet’s consideration within January 2022.
• Immigration Bureau will draft an announcement to exempt LTR visa holders from the 1:4 foreign: Thai worker quota after the Interior Ministry formally rolls out the scheme by publishing its announcement in the Royal Gazette.  Sources:  Krungthep Turakij  Bangkok Post newspaper, 22 January 2022
• In the past 2 weeks, the government has been tackling the problems of rising commodity as well as fuel prices.  Bank of Thailand surmised that while such inflation will not lead to an economic recession, it could dampen prospect of Thailand’s economic recovery.  TDRI noted that even though prices are increasing, household income remains the same and inflation is also exacerbated by shortage of pork supply and rising oil price.  Ministry of Energy promises it will keep the price of diesel oil to 30 Baht per litre, while Ministry of Finance and Bank of Thailand will work to maintain inflation to be within the range of 1-3 percent.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij newspaper, 24 January 2022
• While economists agree with the government’s attempt to curb inflation by offering discount scheme on essential commodities and food, they also urge the government to implement other measures concurrently, such as increasing minimum wage and doing capacity building activities for SMEs.  Source:  Bangkok Post

Others

• Thailand’s export increased by 17 percent to reach 271 billion USD in year 2021, exceeding Commerce Ministry’s (MoC) target by 3-4 percent.  This is attributable to MoC’s proactive online marketing strategies and new market penetration through mini-FTAs; the recovery of global economies and weak Baht.  For December 2021, export grew by 24.2 percent (worth 24.9 billion USD) due to the expansion of agricultural good exports (+21.1 percent), for example Durian (+871.4 percent); agricultural industrial goods such as sugar (+123.9 percent) and industrial goods such as cars and automotive parts (+45 percent).  Export of rubber and pharmaceutical products also performed well.  In 2022, Thailand’s export is forecasted to expand by 3-4 percent, valued at 2.79-2.82 million USD due to the enforcement of RCEP and high demands for electronic equipment as digital economies proliferate.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij  Bangkok Post
• Ministry of Industry expects the 2022 PMI index to see a 4-5 percent expansion and industrial GDP to expand by 2.5-3.5 percent.  This is made possible by the resumption of the Test & Go scheme, which is anticipated to draw foreign investments into the Eastern Economic Corridor.  Industry Ministry will also promote BCG industries.  For domestic investment, Industry Ministry is promoting bio-industries, which already drew 4 projects with investment worth 10.9 billion Baht.  In the pipeline are additional 5 projects, with investment value totalling 160 billion Baht.
• Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is helping over 2,500 automotive manufacturers in Thailand transition into Electric Vehicles (EV) manufacturing.  The transition towards EV is expected to result in 700-800 of the total of 2,500 automotive and parts manufacturers divesting from the market. 
• The Revenue Department is conducting a public hearing on digital asset tax, but expects the package to be finalised by the end of January to coincide with personal income tax payment deadline of 8 April.  Source:  Matichon newspaper, 24 January 2022

PM Prayut has confirmed Thailand is ready to host this year’s APEC meeting, with the overarching theme of BCG Economy.  Recently, the government and Thailand’s APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), organised an APEC Workshop on “Enhancing Green MSMEs’ Competitiveness for a Sustainable and Inclusive Asia Pacific: Food Sector Waste Reduction in Food Supply Chain”.  Source:  National News Bureau of Thailand  Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 21 January 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
8,640 (195 from aboard; 20 from prisons), excluding 3,356 ATKs	2,361,702 (last seven days: 53,084)	13 (last seven days: 102)	82,720/ 540
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	3rd dose vaccine recipients (from 16 July)
111,323,026 (+523,090)	51,968,988  (+46,078)	47,945,145 (+110,971)	11,408,893 (+366,041)

• On 20 January 2022, the CCSA has made the following resolutions:
  • Readjustment of the zoning categories for disease control measures, effective from next Monday, 24 January 2022.
    • Entertainment complexes (pubs, clubs and karaoke bars) remain closed in all areas.
    • the number of Controlled zones (Orange) will be reduced from 69 to 44 provinces
      • in the Controlled zones (Orange), restaurants and eateries can still resume normal opening hours but the consumption of alcoholic beverages remains banned.
    • and the number of High Surveillance areas (Yellow) will rise up to 25 provinces.
      • in High Surveillance areas (Yellow), the measures that restaurants must follow are more relaxed as dining and drinking alcoholic beverages in the stores are allowed.
    • the number of Pilot tourism areas/Sandbox Areas is still the same at 8 provinces.
      • extension of alcoholic sales at restaurants in these areas from 21.00 hrs. to 23.00 hrs. 
  • From 1 February 2022, WFH is no longer compulsory.
  • The Test & Go quarantine waiver to resume from 1 February 2022. The policy requires visitors to test on arrival and again five days later, while agreeing to have their whereabouts tracked.–Reuters
    • To apply the applicants must prepare the following documents:
      • proof of hotel booking for Day 1 and Day 5 (The hotels can be different hotels but must provide an accommodation service in partnership with certified hospitals for the RT-PCR test according to SHA ++/AQQ/ AHQ). 
      • a Confirmed Payment for SHA++ Hotel and pre-payment of 2 RT-PCR tests
      • a Certificate of Vaccination / Vaccine passport
  • The sandbox scheme has been extended to include Trat province (Koh Chang) and Chonburi province.

Politics

• 19 January had many movements with political ramifications:
  • Two members of the so-called “Fantastic Four” group announced its new political party debut, focusing on economic recovery. Uttama Sawanayon, former Finance Minister and former main-ruling Palang Pracharat (PPRP) Party leader, and Sonthirat Sonthijirawong, former Energy Minister and former PPRP secretary-general, held the press conference on the establishment of “Build Thailand’s Future” Party. The former technocrat team of the Prayut government said that their new party will present themselves as a central party and constructive policy platforms with the focus on the economic recovery from the pandemic.—Krungthep Turakij
    • Sonthirat said that the new party will have its own PM candidate list and will not nominate General Prayut as one of its party’s candidate.—Prachachat Turakij
    • The party key figures did not say, however, whether they will throw its support behind General Prayut when it comes to the PM nomination votes.
  • Thammanat Prompao, the secretary-general of the PPRP and other 20 MPs, particularly in the Northern constituencies were expelled from the PPRP.
    • On the morning of 20 January, the deputy head of the PPRP announced that the MPs were expelled from the party for causing party disunity. Paiboon Nititawan said that Thammanat, the secretary-general, had made a proposal which the party cannot accept, resulting in the expulsion. The legal figure of the party said that despite not having the 20 MPs, the House can still secure the quorum —Thai Rath
    • Thammanat said that he feel for the PPRP as during the pandemic it was only him and the party leader who really care for the well-being of the people and the party member. The expelled secretary-general did not tell which party he will join next, but he mentioned that the party has been established for quite some times and has been regarded as a party for some senior figures to lead.–Matichon
    • It is reported that the PPRP leader General Prawit met with PM Prayut with a possible discussion from Thammanat expulsion.–Matichon  
    • Deputy PM and government legal pundit Wissanu Kreaungam said that the government is in a very risky position of encountering a political accident. The government advisor said that if there is house dissolution before the amendment of the two organic laws in relation to the electoral system is finalised, he has no answer for the government no how to proceed with the election. The long-time serving legal advisor stressed that he has no solution to this conundrum.—Krungthep Turakij
    • The Prime Minister gave an interview saying that he does not involve in the PPRP putsch and affirmed that even without the 20 MPs support, he has no plan of cabinet reshuffle, nor house dissolution.—Krungthep Turakij
    • Chinnaworn Boonyakiat, a government whip from Democrat Party, gave an interview saying with 21 MPs explelled without clear direction on their political affiliation,
      • the House still has 475 seats;
      • the coalition will has 247 seats
      • the opposition has 208 seats
      • the quorum is at 238 seats.—Inside Thailand
    • With the secretary-general seat became vacant, it is expected that a majority of PPRP members will throw their support behind Deputy Finance Minister Santi Promphat as the new party main campaigner. Santi has more favours than the Labour Minister Suchart in taking the party leading position.—Krungthep Turakij
    • Nine micro-parties (one MP each) are not in unity of where their positions will be vis-à-vis Thammanat new party.—Krungthep Turakij
    • Analysts said that the expulsion could lead to either cabinet reshuffle or house dissolution.–Reuters
• The Opposition has filed a censure debate without a vote motion to the House Speaker against the government. The opposition eyes to grill the coalition party by mid-February on four issues: higher cost of living, pandemic (COVID-19 and ASF), political problems and administrative problems.—Prachachat Turakij

Economic

• The ruling Palang Pracharath Party’s decision to expel Sec-Gen Thammanat and 20 other MPs is believed to have short-term repercussions on the economy.  While the Thai Chamber of Commerce fears the government’s instability may disrupt policies to stimulate the economy, it is not expected to have long-term impacts as The National Strategy and Economic and Social Development plan will ensure economic policy continuity in the long run.  Political volatility is foreseen to have little impacts on investors’ confidence; less than the ongoing domestic issues of inflation, unemployment and other COVID-related issues.  Investments in the Thai capital market will not be severely affected either, particularly because foreign investors are more interested in Thailand’s economic recovery than political developments.  The tourism sector said it is not affected by the current political situation at all.  The recovery of the tourism sector hinges heavily on public health policies to control the current pandemic outbreak.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij newspaper, 21 January 2022
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that 288 tonnes of Thai Durians worth 57 million Baht was transported from Thailand’s northeastern province of Nong Khai into Laos, Vietnam and into China through the Pingxiang checkpoint.  Pingxiang is China’s first railway checkpoint that opened specifically to facilitate fruit transport.  It is offering Thai entrepreneurs a quicker and less expensive export option than the traditional modes of transportation through trucks, ships and airplanes.  This is the first train from ASEAN to carry fruits through the Pingxiang checkpoint since the enforcement of RCEP in January.   Source:  Krungthep Turakij
• Thailand had successfully transported 20 cargoes of rice weighing 1,000 tonnes through the China-Laos railway into China’s western city of Chongqing, which took only 1-2 days.   This is the first batch of Thai rice to be transported via China-Laos railway, marking an important step in Thailand’s Esan Gateway strategy.  Next, Ministry of Agriculture had set sight on transporting rubber, fruits, Thai orchids, casava, palm oil, fishery and livestock products and processed agricultural goods through this railway.  Source:  Naew Na   Bangkok Post
• Thailand will resume the Test&Go quarantine-free visa program for vaccinated visitors, starting from February.  Thailand has experimented with several visa, quarantine and tourism programs over the past 2 years to support a sector that contributed about one-fifth of GDP before the pandemic.  The resumption of Test & Go is forecasted to bring in more foreign tourists and strengthen the fragile economic recovery. “The government needs to find way for the economy to run on its own, so they can reduce fiscal support,” commtned an economist at Kasikornbank. “They can’t afford to borrow such a huge amount of money like before.”  Source:  Bloomberg
• Finance Minister Arkhom is confident the Thai economy can grow by 3.5-4.5 percent in 2022 as the revival of the Test & Go scheme next month is poised to attract 5-6 million tourist arrivals this year.  In addition to tourism, the 2022 economy will be driven by export, public spending on infrastructure projects as well as the EEC; and domestic consumption.  Source:  Naew Na Bangkok Post
• The private sector has proposed the government establish a specific agency to take charge of reforming outdated laws and regulations, especially those relating to the ease of doing business.  The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) had already requested the Office of the Council of State improve more than 40 proposals.  The JSCCIB previously talked with Kobsak Pootrakool, chairman of a subcommittee on business regulation reform set up by the PM.  The subcommittee reported that 424 procedures could be amended or abolished in fiscal 2021 and there are 514 total procedures scheduled to be amended or abolished.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• The government has pledged to cap the prices of diesel and cooking gas for as long as possible to stabilise the costs of consumer goods.  It is considering sourcing additional budget to shore up the state Oil Fund used to subsidise retail diesel prices.  The government vows to cap the diesel price at 30 baht per litre and cooking gas at 318 baht per 15-kilogramme cylinder until March 31.  Source:  Bangkok Post Krungthep Turakij

The Commerce Ministry is putting chickens and chicken meat on the state price control list and rolling out more stringent measures for chicken raisers and slaughterhouses as well as feed meal factories, requiring them to declare their sales costs and stocks as part of efforts to deal with surging food prices.  Source:  Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 19 January 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
7,122 (172from aboard; 15 from prisons), excluding 1,999 ATKs	2,344,933 (last seven days: 52,640)	12 (last seven days: 99)	81,602/ 511
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	3rd dose vaccine recipients (from 16 July)
110,310,481 (+481,828)	51,879,455 (+45,031)	47,733,153 (+96,086)	10,697,873 (+340,711)

• The head of Operation Centre of the CCSA gave an interview ahead of the CCSA meeting on 20 January that the authority is eyeing to resume the Test & Go scheme with tougher tracking measures. The National Security Council secretary-general said that he will propose the readjustment of COVID-controlled areas to loosen the restrictions and will introduce additional measures, including, the compulsory RT-PCR test on Day 5 since arrival,  to make sure that the Test & Go scheme is COVID-free for the rest of the population.–Matichon
  • The government spokesperson said that the PM is pleased with the lesser COVID cases  and will expedite the ease of restrictions.—Krungthep Turakij
  • The deputy PM and Public Health Minister Anutin said that if the Omicron transmission in Thailand is manageable, the Test & Go could resume in February. The top health official said the authority is eyeing to expand the sandboxes scheme to every region nationwide, including Samut Prakan, Chonburi, Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai. The Health Minister said that the ease of restriction on entertainment complex (pubs, clubs and karaoke bars) are not to be considered in this CCSA meeting.—Prachachat Turakij

Politics

• The losses at two by-elections in the Southern Thailand have crumbling the main-ruling Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP).
  • Media reported on a screen capture of group chat amongst the government whip, indicating that the Labor Minister, who has been blaming the PPRP secretary-general for leading their party to the failure in the election, is calling to conduct a poll asking what led to the failure of the PPRP. The Labor Minister suggested two choices to the question: a. as the PPRP has Thammanat as its secretary-general; or b. Thammanat is a figure that the public cannot stand. The Labor Minister later confirmed that the chat was accurate and conveyed that the poll was aimed at steering the main ruling party into the right direction.—Krungthep Turakij
  • The government whip from the PPRP dismissed the leaked conversation as something not a big deal. The government whip said that it is natural for a big political party to have people working in different styles, but affirming that the party remains united.–Matichon
  • Krungthep Turakij analysed that Thammanat strategy to distance the party from the Prime Minister was counter-productive as seen in the two by-elections. The losses did not only affect the political capital of the PPRP secretary-general but the party leader too.—Krungthep Turakij
• The PM has asked coalition parties to stop the spats  from the aftermaths of the by-elections. It is reported that the PM spoke during the weekly cabinet meeting asking for the unity within the coalition parties and continue working collaboratively. This remark happened after the PPRP and Democrat Parties competed over two by-elections in the South.—Thai Rath
• The freshly appointed Pheu Thai Party leader has sworn in as the leader of the Opposition. The party leader said that the main opposition party will file a general debate motion against the government between 21 to 24 January and expect the censure debate to be occurring by mid-February.—Thai Rath
• The government spokesperson cited Super Poll which indicated that more than 80% of the Thai population is still supporting the PM. The poll also indicated that almost 70% of the respondents said there is no other candidate worthy of the premiership than General Prayut Chan-o-cha.—Thai Rath
• Ousted and self-exiled former PM Thaksin Shinawatra revealed that he contacted the Omicron strain, despite having four-shots of vaccines.—Prachachat Turakij

Economic:

Cabinet’s decisions, 18 January 2022

Long Term Resident Visa

Approved of 2 draft announcements from Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Labour to implement the Long Term Resident (LTR) visa package in a bid to attract investments into Thailand and boost the economy.  LTR visa targets 4 groups of affluent personnel namely: 1) Wealthy global citizen; 2) Wealthy pensioner; 3)Professionals who want to work from Thailand; and 4) Highly Skilled Professionals.  Details of the 2 draft announcements are as follows:

·      Applicants must apply for the visa through the Board of Investment in accordance with their set requirements.  The visa is also applicable to the applicant’s spouse and children (maximum 4 people).

·      The LTR visa must be renewed every 5 years for a maximum period of 10 years, with 10,000 Baht annual fee per applicant.  

·      The applicant and spouse/children must report their place of residence to the government every year

·      Once granted the LTR visa, the applicant can apply for work permit

·      The applicant and spouse/children who are granted the LTR visa can apply for other types of visas in accordance with the criteria set by Immigration Bureau.  The LTR visa can be revoked if the foreigner and their children/spouse do not comply with the LTR visa requirements.

Sources: Thai Government News   Krungthep Turakij  Thai PBS World  Bangkok Post

·      Approved of allocating 1.48 billion Baht from the Central Fund to reduce people’s cost of living.  The fund will be used to support Ministry of Commerce’s project to sell essential goods at a low price for 90 days through 50 mobile cars and 3,000 participating retail outlets nationwide.  The program is part of the government’s effort to curb the rising inflation.  Manufacturers of carbonated drinks have agreed not to raise the price of their goods in compliance with the government’s request.  Source:  Naew Na newspaper, 19 January 2022  Bangkok Post  ThaiPBS World

Others

• Tourism and Sports Ministry plans to push for the resumption of the quarantine-free Test & Go scheme in February, which will be discussed at the CCSA’s meeting tomorrow (20 January).  Should Test & Go resumes in February, Tourism Authority of Thailand expects 7-8 million tourist arrivals to the country this year, partly because it is not known when Chinese tourists would be allowed to resume outbound travels.  Domestic tourists are forecasted at 160 million people, which if combined with international tourists, would bring total tourism revenue to 1.3 trillion Baht for 2022.  Revenue could reach 1.8 trillion Baht in the best case scenario, where local and international tourists tally 15 million people.  Source:  Bangkok Post Krungthep Turakij newspaper, 19 January 2022
• Commerce Ministry plans to organise 152 export promotional activities and accelerate signing mini free trade agreements (mini-FTAs) with trading partners to stimulate export growth of 3-4 percent this year.  MoC eyes signing mini-FTA with India’s Telangana state in Q1 of this year.  Other potential partners are China’s Gansu province, Shanghai and Shenzhen; South Korea’s Busan, Nigeria’s Abuja and  South Africa’s Johannesburg.  Source:  Bangkok Post INN News  Krungthep Turakij
• Gulf Energy Development (Gulf), a major energy and telecom firm, announced on Jan 17 its subsidiary Gulf Innova signed an MoU with Binance Group, the world’s largest cryptocurrency trading platform, to establish a digital exchange and other related business in Southeast Asia and Thailand.  Binance’s entry into the Thai digital asset industry should increase competition, decrease trading fees and encourage productivity and improvements in service quality.  Source:  Bangkok Post

Thai-Chinese joint venture SAIC Motor-CP, the manufacturer and distributor of MG cars, plans to spend 2.5 billion Baht developing a factory to produce batteries for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and start making BEVs domestically next year.  Source:  Bangkok Post

Headlines summary as of 18 January 2022

News

Newly confirmed cases	Total Cases	Death toll	Hospitalised/ intensive care patients
6,397 (165 from aboard; 10 from prisons), excluding 1,880 ATKs	2,337,811 (last seven days: 53,199)	18 (last seven days: 109)	81,952/ 534
Total vaccination	1st dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	2nd dose vaccine recipients (from 28 Feb)	3rd dose vaccine recipients (from 16 July)
109,828,653 (+286,508)	51,834,424 (+25,233)	47,637,067 (+57,202)	10,357,162 (+204,073)

• On 17 January, the Deputy PM and Public Health Minister Anutin said that the Public Health Ministry is going to propose to the CCSA on 20 January the revision of the pause of Test & Go scheme. The top health official said that he has instructed its agencies to ease the restrictions by placing the economy as the priority.—Thai Rath
  • The government spokesperson said that the PM is going to head a CCSA meeting which will rearrange the Covid-controlled areas and the rearrangement of entry requirements.—Krungthep Turakij
• At the Government House, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar Ms. Noeleen Heyzer paid a courtesy call to the PM on issues related to the political situation in Myanmar. The government spokesperson said that the PM mentioned that the first step to the situation is to build trust with the Myanmar leader. The Thai leader said the authority has set up humanitarian area along the border.—Krungthep Turakij

Politics

• A minister attached to the PM office is in the next step to purge international human rights civil society. Suporn Atthawong, vice minister to the PM’s Office, said that he has secured 1 million signatures in the campaign to drive out Amnesty International. His next move will be to file a complaint to the Department Of Provincial Administration, Interior Ministry to revoke the license of the civil society. Suporn said that he cannot stand seeing the civil society to continue its seditious and anti-monarchist actions.—Siam Rath  
• Even the Move Forward Party is going to announce its candidate for the Bangkok Governor election on 23 January, a media pointed out that the deputy secretary-general of the party Surachet Pravinvongvuth is the candidate. The PhD in Engineering is believed to lead the opposition party in the gubernatorial election under the progressive campaign.—Inside Thailand
• Two party-listed MPs from the main-ruling Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) have submitted their resignation letters from the party, nullifying its representative status. It is widely reported that the two MPs will join the expected party led by former economic team of the government.—Prachachat Turakij, Matichon, Thai Rath
  • Two members of the former technocrat team of the government are expected to hold a press conference establishing a new political party called ‘Build Thailand’s Future’. The press conference of the establishment is expected to be on 19 January at a Bangkok CBD hotel.—Prachachat Turakij
• Over the weekend, Thai authorities raided the homes of multiple reporters, accusing them of being involved in the ongoing anti-government protests. Sirote Klampaiboon, a prominent reporter for Voice TV, released a leaked document which revealed his name on a government watching list. He says this is why he was questioned and the likely reason why his house was raided.—Thai Enquirer
• A group of media and academia issued a statement in defiance of the cabinet resolution to pass a bill which aims at bosting the morale and journalistic standards of the media.  The main point of the statement is that it will lead up to the establishment of Journalistic Council which does not allow enough participation of people working in the industry.–Matichon

Economic

• The Stock Exchange of Thailand had conducted a sensitivity analysis on the transaction tax to be collected on share sales as earlier proposed by Finance Ministry (MoF).  The analysis revealed that the transaction tax will have 6 wide-ranging repercussions across the value chain, affecting those such as the investors, Thai capital and securities markets as well as on state revenue collection.  Most notably, it will disincentivise new investments, decrease Thailand’s competitiveness and ultimately leads to lower revenue collection from the tax.  Federation of Thai Capital Marketing Organization (FETCO) will also meet with MoF to voice their objections on the transaction tax collection.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij newspaper, 18 January 2022
• The World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report disclosed that COVID-19 has disrupted the Global Value Chain.  In re-configuring their supply chains, businesses are looking to establish a shorter and simplified supply chain that can be easily controlled.  The Thai National Shippers Council noted that it would take at least 2 years for the reconfigured supply chain to materialise.  In the meantime, Thailand will retain its place in the Global Value Chain as its logistics and manufacturing capabilities remain intact during the pandemic outbreak.  Its export sector is expected to perform relatively well, especially to countries that are RCEP members.  Source:  Krungthep Turakij newspaper, 18 January 2022
• Tourism and Sports Ministry will reduce the budget for the domestic ‘Tour Teaw Thai’ tour package subsidy program due to weak demand.  The tour packages on offer are to be slashed from 1 million to 200,000, while its 4 billion Baht budget allocated from the 1 trillion Baht government loan would be returned.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• Ministry of Commerce had established war rooms to monitor the price of essential consumer goods and services to tackle the rising inflation.  The war rooms, chaired by MoC’s Permanent Secretary Boonyarit, will also take legal actions against merchants who raise prices unfairly.  MoC has asked for manufacturers to cooperate in freezing the selling prices of goods, especially during periods of festivity such as the Chinese New Year.  Source:  Bangkok Post
• PM Prayut said Thailand will not import pork to increase supply and curb the rising price until the government has finished assessing the country’s pork supply.  The PM reasoned that the number of dead pigs resulting from the current outbreak of African Swine fever comprises only 20 percent of the total supply, and as such, he suspected that people must be meddling with the process.  Source:  Bangkok Post  Naew Na
• Infrastructure investment in the second phase of the Eastern Economic Corridor from 2022 – 2026 is anticipated to significantly drop to 398 billion Baht compared to the 900 billion Baht investment seen during the EEC’s first phase from 2018-2021.  The second phase development will target rail and road development to further improve transport.  It will also provide rail feeders to link the high-speed rail with the Laem Chabang deep seaport.  Source:  Bangkok Post

The Eastern Economic Corridor Office signed an MoU with EEC Global Cloud, a Thailand-based data centre that aims to provide hybrid cloud service to the government and businesses operating in the EEC area.  The goal is to enhance the competitiveness of Thai and foreign businesses and operators in the EEC area.  Source:  Matichon