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Companies given tax relief on insurance payouts during flood recovery File photo for reference only The government has approved a scheme to give tax relief to businesses receiving insurance payouts due to this year's floods. Spokesperson for the government, Jirayu Houngsub, announced after a Cabinet meeting that any companies which have been affected by the floods and have insurance coverage against such disasters will not be taxed on the money they receive from their insurance. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1340871-companies-given-tax-relief-on-insurance-payouts-during-flood-recovery/

The government has approved a scheme to give tax relief to businesses receiving insurance payouts due to this year's floods. Spokesperson for the government, Jirayu Houngsub, announced after a Cabinet meeting that any companies which have been affected by the floods and have insurance coverage against such disasters will not be taxed on the money they receive from their insurance. Also, to help businesses repair flood-related damages, the government is offering loans, referred to as soft loans, which total 50 billion baht ($1.5 billion). These loans have a low interest rate of 3.5% for the first two years and are capped at 40 million baht ($1.2 million) per applicant. Applications for these loans can be given in at any state financial institution or any of the 16 nationwide commercial banks. Furthermore, the Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG) is providing loan guarantees for businesses without enough collateral, with a total value of 1 billion baht ($30 million). More supportive initiatives include the Government Saving's Bank's plan to allow a six month grace period on loan repayments and interest on loans up to 10 million baht ($300,500) per person, and urging private financial institutions to cut their minimum payment due for credit cards down to 3% for three months. Jirayu revealed that the floods have affected up to 50 provinces, especially the northern region. In addition, according to the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the cost of damages due to the floods is predicted to be between 30 to 40 billion baht ($901,450 to $1.2 million), which is 0.21% of the GDP. A recent evaluation found that the agricultural sector took the most damage, estimated at 27.4 billion baht ($823 million), followed by the service sector with 9.2 billion baht ($276 million) of damage, and the manufacturing sector with damages assessed at 287 million baht ($8.6 million). File photo for reference only -- 2024-10-16

Thailand Prioritises SMEs with Financial Aid and Tech Support Boost File photo for reference only In an effort to bolster Thailand's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Industry Minister Akanat Promphan has unveiled initiatives designed to ease financial pressures and enhance technological capabilities within the sector. As part of a broader push to reform the nation's manufacturing industry, the ministry will channel support through an SME development fund aimed at mitigating liquidity challenges these businesses often face. A substantial 1.9 billion baht (approximately £47 million) in low-interest loans is earmarked to sharpen competitive edges and promote sustainable growth. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1340869-thailand-prioritises-smes-with-financial-aid-and-tech-support-boost/

In an effort to bolster Thailand's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Industry Minister Akanat Promphan has unveiled initiatives designed to ease financial pressures and enhance technological capabilities within the sector. As part of a broader push to reform the nation's manufacturing industry, the ministry will channel support through an SME development fund aimed at mitigating liquidity challenges these businesses often face. A substantial 1.9 billion baht (approximately £47 million) in low-interest loans is earmarked to sharpen competitive edges and promote sustainable growth. The minister has also set sights on creating an Industrial Reform Fund, consolidating multiple existing funds to refine focus and efficiency, with an impressive budget of over 20 billion baht (£500 million). In further financial relief efforts, a proposed collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand will introduce a debt moratorium, granting a three-month suspension on principal repayments for SMEs. To ensure SMEs remain competitive in the digital era, Akanat is fast-tracking the launch of the I-EA-T Incubation Centre for SMEs in Bangkok. Slated for completion by the end of the year within the Lat Krabang industrial estate, the centre will be a hub for sharing cutting-edge technological resources, operated by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT). These initiatives underscore the ministry’s commitment to supporting SMEs, ensuring they not only survive but thrive in the evolving global market landscape. File photo for reference only -- 2024-10-16

Search continues for 12 year old Thai girl missing for 12 days Photo via Facebook/ กระแสข่าวชาวกระบี่ทีวีออนไลน์ A Thai mother and aunt in the southern province of Phang Nga are searching for her 12 year old girl, who has been missing for 12 days since October 5, when the family left the girl alone at home to attend a vegetarian festival. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1340868-search-continues-for-12-year-old-thai-girl-missing-for-12-days/

A Thai mother and aunt in the southern province of Phang Nga are searching for her 12 year old girl, who has been missing for 12 days since October 5, when the family left the girl alone at home to attend a vegetarian festival. Wandee Hanhuan, the aunt of the 12 year old missing girl, Poonyanut “Sompoy” Kayankhai, took to social media to share a missing poster of the girl and urged netizens to share any useful information about her. The missing poster stated… “Poonyanut Kayankhai (Sompoy), 12 years old, went missing from our home in Soi Tarn Thong Nue, in the Bang Muang sub-district, Takuapa district, Phang Nga province. She disappeared at about 3.30pm on October 5. She was wearing pink Kitty-pattern pyjamas. Please contact us via 099-243-1662 or 061-264-3657, or contact Ban Yan Yao Municipal School.” Sompoy’s mother, Somwipha Chaimongkhon, told Matichon that she only found out about her daughter’s disappearance after seeing the missing poster on Wandee’s Facebook account. Somwipha said she lived apart from her daughter since divorcing her husband. Somwipha said she rushed to Phang Nga from her home in the northern province of Phayao to search for her daughter. The mother described Sompoy as a good and very tidy girl. Sompoy’s aunt, Wandee, revealed to the media that her daughter, Nattinan Hanhuan, was the last person to see Sompoy before she went missing. According to Nattinan, Sompoy was at home until 7pm. Nattinan then left the house at about 7.30pm to attend a vegetarian festival, leaving Sompoy at home alone. Wandee explained that she arrived home from work at about 10.50pm and did not see Sompoy. She immediately reported the matter to the community leader that night. Residents in the area helped search for Sompoy but found no trace of her. Wandee said she reported the matter to the Takuapa Police Station and posted about Sompoy on social media every day, hoping to find her safe, but there is no news. Wandee left a message for Sompoy saying… “If you are watching or reading this news, come back home. Return to our home. There is nowhere like home.” ThaiRath reported that Sompoy sent a message to Nattinan at about 10pm saying, “Aunt hasn’t arrived home yet,” and did not respond to further messages from Nattinan. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ กระแสข่าวชาวกระบี่ทีวีออนไลน์ Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-16

Phuket taxi driver hits foreign man on airport zebra crossing Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ A Thai taxi driver hit a foreign man on a zebra crossing at Phuket International Airport yesterday leaving the man with serious injuries. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1340867-phuket-taxi-driver-hits-foreign-man-on-airport-zebra-crossing/

A Thai taxi driver hit a foreign man on a zebra crossing at Phuket International Airport yesterday leaving the man with serious injuries. The Phuket Times reported the accident yesterday, October 15. “An airport taxi with a green registration plate hit a foreign tourist on a zebra crossing at Phuket Airport. The foreigner lost consciousness and had a bloody wound on his mouth.” The news agency added a picture of the victim in the comments section, showing the foreign man lying unconscious on the ground, still wearing his backpack. A man in a red shirt and an off-duty airport worker were seen providing assistance to the foreign victim. The condition of the foreign victim was not updated in the report. It was not clear whether the taxi driver was present at the scene after the accident or not. The report drew criticism of the airport taxi driver, as accidents involving airport taxis with green registration plates have been reported multiple times before. This case seemed more serious as it occurred right on a zebra crossing. Thai netizens commented on the accident. “It’s inside the airport! How fast was the taxi driver going that he couldn’t stop in time for the pedestrian?” “Can’t understand why motorists don’t stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings. What are the crossings for?” “Airport taxis cause trouble everywhere they go. They are selfish and drive without manners.” “I always avoid airport taxis on the road. I’m scared.” “This foreign man just arrived in Phuket. He might want to go home after his first step at the airport.” “More than half of airport taxi drivers are terrible drivers.” By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-16

Nigerian returning from Thailand nabbed with massive heroin haul Photo courtesy of Newsdiary Online In a dramatic crackdown on drug smuggling, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended a Thailand returnee at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Nigeria, unmasking a heroin haul worth over 3.2 billion Nigerian nairas (approximately 65 million baht). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1340866-nigerian-returning-from-thailand-nabbed-with-massive-heroin-haul/

In a dramatic crackdown on drug smuggling, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended a Thailand returnee at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Nigeria, unmasking a heroin haul worth over 3.2 billion Nigerian nairas (approximately 65 million baht). The suspect, Oguejiofor Nnaemeka Simonpeter, a 29 year old mechanical engineering graduate, was caught red-handed attempting to smuggle 13.30 kilogrammes of heroin in six backpacks, sewn into two suitcases. Simonpeter, who had travelled from Thailand via Qatar, had a cunning plan to bypass security. His luggage was initially routed to Ghana, but after landing in Lagos, he rerouted the bags to Nigeria in an attempt to collect them as “rush bags” and avoid scrutiny. NDLEA operatives, however, intercepted the suitcases during his exit. “The heroin was neatly sewn into the backpacks,” an NDLEA official disclosed, with the suspect admitting he was promised US$7,000 (approximately 233,000 baht) for successfully delivering the drugs to Lagos and Accra. This bust wasn’t the only major success for the NDLEA. Seaports across the country also saw a flurry of seizures, with opioids worth a staggering 22.7 billion Nigerian nairas confiscated. These included over 32 million tramadol pills and nearly 1.5 million bottles of codeine-based syrup from the Lekki, Apapa, and Port Harcourt ports. Further operations led to arrests and drug recoveries across Nigeria, including a suspect caught with 50,000 tramadol pills in Anambra, and a series of cannabis raids in Edo State, reported Newsdiary Online. NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa praised the agency’s relentless efforts in combatting drug trafficking. “The balance between supply reduction and demand reduction efforts is crucial.” By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Newsdiary Online Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-16

Industry Minister Akanat Promphan is advancing initiatives to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in mitigating financial pressures and enhancing their technological capabilities to remain competitive. The Industry Ministry’s broader objective is to reform Thailand’s manufacturing sector, according to Akanat. To this end, the ministry plans to provide financial aid through its SME development fund, aiming to alleviate the financial challenges faced by these enterprises. SMEs will have access to low-interest loans designed to boost their competitiveness and address liquidity issues. A total of 1.9 billion baht (US$57 million) has been earmarked for this purpose, Akanat said. “This will help SMEs gain better access to financial sources and develop their businesses more sustainably.” Previously, the minister revealed intentions to establish an Industrial Reform Fund worth over 20 billion baht (US$600 million) to support manufacturers, particularly SMEs. This new fund will consolidate various existing funds under the ministry, including those aimed at aiding SMEs, said Akanat. “Many funds are well-intentioned, but their functions may be redundant, so they need to be managed under the Industrial Reform Fund to have clearer purposes.” Akanat also plans to collaborate with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand to implement a debt moratorium for SMEs. Borrowers will have their principal payments suspended for three months. Additionally, Akanat is expediting the creation of the I-EA-T Incubation Centre for SMEs in Bangkok, aimed at keeping SMEs abreast of new technologies. The centre will be operated by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), reported Bangkok Post. “The centre should be ready to open by year-end.” IEAT officials intend to construct the centre within the Lat Krabang industrial estate compound. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Marek Okon, Unsplash Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-16

Thailand’s stock market sees a ‘baht’ of foreign interest Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Foreign investors have increased their holdings of Thai shares by 1.37% in the first eight months of 2024, reaching a total of 5.18 trillion baht, based on data from the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). This rise highlights the growing interest in the technology, financial, and services sectors. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1340863-thailand’s-stock-market-sees-a-‘baht’-of-foreign-interest/

Foreign investors have increased their holdings of Thai shares by 1.37% in the first eight months of 2024, reaching a total of 5.18 trillion baht, based on data from the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). This rise highlights the growing interest in the technology, financial, and services sectors. By August 2024, foreign investors held over 5.18 trillion baht (US$155 billion) in Thai shares, marking a 1.37% increase from the end of 2023. Their investments comprised 30.8% of the SET’s market capitalisation, which stood at 16.6 trillion baht (US$500 million) at the end of August. The SET’s research department revealed that the top three sectors for foreign investment are technology, financial, and services, with a combined value of 3.81 trillion baht (US$114 billion). Within these sectors, the electronics component industry saw foreign ownership totalling 1.36 trillion baht (US$40 billion), followed by banks at 754 billion baht (US$22 billion), information and communication technology at 666 billion baht (US$20 billion), and energy and utilities at 648 billion baht (US$19.5 billion). Approximately 75.2% of the shareholding value of foreign investors is in the MSCI Thailand index, mirroring the same period in 2023, according to the SET. The list of the top five foreign investors on the SET remained consistent with the previous year. Investors from the UK led the rankings, followed by those from Singapore, Hong Kong, Switzerland, and the US. The Netherlands, Japan, Taiwan, France, and Mauritius rounded out the top 10. “The SET anticipated the holding of foreign investors increased in September given that Thai share prices rose by 6.6% last month, with net foreign buying of 28.9 billion baht (US$867 million),” stated the bourse. The SET also mentioned that foreign investors returned to Thai stocks at the highest level in 22 months in September. This resurgence contributed to the rapid appreciation of the baht, driven by factors such as falling global interest rates, risk diversification into emerging market stocks, political clarity following the election of a new prime minister, and robust Thai economic indicators, reported Bangkok Post. According to Daol Securities, the four most popular stocks among foreign investors in September were Bumrungrad Hospital (BH), Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), CP ALL, and Gulf Energy Development (GULF), all of which continued to perform well. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-16

Thai singer Tik Shiro charged with drink driving after fatal crash - video Photo via ThaiRath Police charged Thai singer Sirisak “Tik” Nantasane, also known as Tik Shiro, with drink driving after he crashed his van into a motorcycle, resulting in one fatality on October 10. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1340794-thai-singer-tik-shiro-charged-with-drink-driving-after-fatal-crash-video/

Police charged Thai singer Sirisak “Tik” Nantasane, also known as Tik Shiro, with drink driving after he crashed his van into a motorcycle, resulting in one fatality on October 10. The victim, 28 year old Thai woman Thianporn “Meji” Siwapornpithak, lost her life, while her brother, Jakkaphat “Junior” Siwapornpithak, was seriously injured after the well-known singer Tik collided with their motorcycle on the Sukhapiban 5 Bridge at around 4am on October 10. Meji, Junior, and another sibling, 24 year old Jinnipha Siwapornpithak, were travelling together on the motorcycle and stopped on the bridge to pick up a water bottle. Jinnipha went to retrieve the bottle while Meji and Junior remained on the motorcycle, which meant that Jinnipha escaped the accident unharmed. Tik was seen apologising to the siblings’ parents following the incident. He was also admitted to hospital for a chest injury. Many people defended Tik, arguing that the siblings should not stop on the dark bridge just to retrieve a water bottle. Others, however, pointed out that Tik may have been driving at an excessive speed, causing him to miss the motorcycle. Police did not perform a breathalyser test at the scene, which led to public criticism. However, the police assured that the hospital conducted a blood alcohol test. Today, on October 15, police released the results of the alcohol test, confirming that Tik had an alcohol level in his system exceeding the legal limit. Tik was temporarily released without bail, as he was not deemed a flight risk. In conclusion, Tik faces two charges including: Section 291 of the Criminal Code: committing a reckless act leading to the death of another person. The penalty is imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to 200,000 baht. Section 43(2) of the Land Transport Act: driving under the influence of alcohol. The penalty is up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine of 10,000 to 20,000 baht, or both. Tik and his wife also visited the Phra Si Mahathat Wora Maha Viharn Temple yesterday, October 14, to attend Meji’s cremation. Kannayao Police Station informed ThaiRath that they will summon both parties to the police station again to reach a compensation agreement. By Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-15

Amnesty or agony: Lese majeste debate set to spark fireworks in Parliament Picture courtesy of Southeast Asia Globe In a political powder keg ready to ignite, the long-awaited report on offering amnesty for those charged under the contentious lese majeste law is finally set to hit the parliamentary floor this Thursday, after being kicked down the road twice. It’s all eyes on the House panel bringing the heat, with Sasinan Thammanithinan, the outspoken People’s Party MP and committee spokesperson, confirming the showdown. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1340793-amnesty-or-agony-lese-majeste-debate-set-to-spark-fireworks-in-parliament/

In a political powder keg ready to ignite, the long-awaited report on offering amnesty for those charged under the contentious lese majeste law is finally set to hit the parliamentary floor this Thursday, after being kicked down the road twice. It’s all eyes on the House panel bringing the heat, with Sasinan Thammanithinan, the outspoken People’s Party MP and committee spokesperson, confirming the showdown. Chaired by PM’s Office minister Chusak Sirinil, the committee is dealing with sparks flying over whether to include Section 112—the infamous lese majeste law—in the amnesty proposal. It’s a battleground for coalition partners Bhumjaithai, United Thai Nation, and the Democrats, with none backing down without a fight. Pheu Thai Party’s voice in the matter, Cherdchai Tantisirin, revealed that the nuts and bolts of the amnesty proposals are nearly ready to roll, but Parliament must first weigh in on the fiery findings from the Chusak committee. This is breaking new ground, being the first amnesty to consider the hot-button Section 112 offences. The committee has laid out three explosive options: extend an olive branch to Section 112 offenders, shut them out entirely, or navigate the tricky waters of conditional amnesty. They’ve zoomed in on a compromise, considering amnesty only for those who broke the lese majeste law unintentionally, while slamming the door on deliberate offenders. On Monday, seasoned Democrat MP and former top dog Jurin Laksanawisit warned the study was as divisive as it gets and could unleash a minefield of legal mayhem. “Should Parliament give the committee’s conclusions the green light, it’ll be a hot potato dumped straight into the government’s lap.” Brace yourselves, as this debate promises to be a rollercoaster of political drama—you won’t want to miss it! By Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Southeast Asia Globe Full story: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-15

Thai Army to Auction 64 Service-Dogs-in-Training Homes Needed File photo for reference only In an unexpected twist, the Royal Thai Army is organising an auction to rehome 64 dogs that, despite their rigorous training, didn't quite make the cut to become service dogs. These canines, all aged between 2.9 and 3.3 years, hail from two esteemed breeds: German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. The event is scheduled for 16th November and will take place at the Military Dog Centre in Pak Chong district. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1340792-thai-army-to-auction-64-service-dogs-in-training-homes-needed/

In an unexpected twist, the Royal Thai Army is organising an auction to rehome 64 dogs that, despite their rigorous training, didn't quite make the cut to become service dogs. These canines, all aged between 2.9 and 3.3 years, hail from two esteemed breeds: German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. The event is scheduled for 16th November and will take place at the Military Dog Centre in Pak Chong district. Prospective bidders will find both breeds well-represented, with nine male and sixteen female German Shepherds, alongside twenty-three male and sixteen female Belgian Malinois. These dogs, although trained, were either deemed too friendly, were underweight, or overweight, which prevented them from meeting stringent military standards. To participate in the auction, interested individuals must bring along a copy of their ID card and photographs of the place where these intelligent, friendly canines will be cared for. This unique opportunity not only provides these loyal animals with the chance to find a welcoming home but also invites dog lovers to include a highly obedient and well-trained companion in their lives. File photo for reference only -- 2024-10-15

Pattaya Official Seeks Justice in Sea Urination Row Photo: The Thaiger In an unusual turn of events in Pattaya, Sawate Permpoon, the chief of Jomtien Pattaya Municipality Office, found himself embroiled in a confrontation with two Thai men who allegedly urinated in the sea. The incident, which took place on Sunday, October 13th, began when beachgoers reported the inappropriate conduct to municipal officials, who responded swiftly to the scene. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1340790-pattaya-official-seeks-justice-in-sea-urination-row/

In an unusual turn of events in Pattaya, Sawate Permpoon, the chief of Jomtien Pattaya Municipality Office, found himself embroiled in a confrontation with two Thai men who allegedly urinated in the sea. The incident, which took place on Sunday, October 13th, began when beachgoers reported the inappropriate conduct to municipal officials, who responded swiftly to the scene. The clash escalated when Sawate confronted the men about their actions, which he noted tarnished the city's image and violated the Cleanliness and Orderliness Act. Attempting to uphold local ordinances, Sawate reminded them of the importance of maintaining public hygiene, especially in tourist areas. Unfortunately, his admonitions were met with defiance and even hostility, which resulted in a heated exchange captured on video. Despite the municipal office's authority, the situation took a legal turn when the two men refused to pay the imposed fines, citing a lack of cash as their reason. Instead, they opted to wait for a court order, thereby delaying any immediate resolution. In response, the Pattaya Mayor, Porramate Ngarmpichate, stepped in, summoning the pair in hopes of resolving the dispute amicably. However, as it stands, the matter remains unresolved, with potential legal actions pending. With his public campaign inspired by this incident, Sawate seeks to impart a broader message: urging both tourists and locals alike to consider their actions and help preserve the cleanliness of Pattaya’s beaches for everyone’s enjoyment. Photo: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-15

Thai football fans drive national team to King’s Cup victory: Ishii Photo: Thai PBS World The support of Thai football fans helped the national football team win the King’s Cup 2024 last night, defeating Syria 2-1 in Songkhla province, said Japanese head coach Matsatada Ishii. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1340789-thai-football-fans-drive-national-team-to-king’s-cup-victory-ishii/

The support of Thai football fans helped the national football team win the King’s Cup 2024 last night, defeating Syria 2-1 in Songkhla province, said Japanese head coach Matsatada Ishii. Thailand narrowly won after Ekanit Panya scored in the 44th minute of the first half. In the second half, Syria’s Ezequiel Naim Ham equalised in the 53rd minute, before the Thai team’s captain Chanathip Songkrasin scored the winning goal in injury time (90+1). This victory was crucial for the national football team, marking it their first win since 2017 and the 16th overall. Photo: Thai PBS World Full story: Thai PBS World -- 2024-10-15

Charting new waters: Pheu Thai seeks to ‘amend’ fences with coalition partners Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post In a political drama unfolding at the heart of Thailand, the ruling Pheu Thai Party admitted it must mend fences with coalition allies to forge ahead with its ambitious blueprint for rewriting the nation’s charter. This revelation came courtesy of PM’s right-hand man, Somkid Chueakong, during the poignant commemoration of the October 14, 1973, uprising on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1340788-charting-new-waters-pheu-thai-seeks-to-‘amend’-fences-with-coalition-partners/

In a political drama unfolding at the heart of Thailand, the ruling Pheu Thai Party admitted it must mend fences with coalition allies to forge ahead with its ambitious blueprint for rewriting the nation’s charter. This revelation came courtesy of PM’s right-hand man, Somkid Chueakong, during the poignant commemoration of the October 14, 1973, uprising on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue. Somkid, flying the flag for Pheu Thai, underscored the party’s relentless pursuit of democracy while acknowledging the tricky business of dealing with coalition partners. It’s a political tightrope walk, especially when wrangling with referendum rules on the table. “We admit there are some obstacles, and we’re trying to iron them out.” The biggest fish to fry? The Senate’s push to reimpose the notorious double majority rule—a beefed-up requirement for any referendum success. This rule demands at least half of the eligible voters hit the polls, with more than half of them voting in favour of the result to stick. In a showdown yesterday, October 14, the House delivered a resounding 348-0 smackdown to the Senate’s proposal, opting instead for a simpler majority rule. Next up, a joint House-Senate committee will dive into the drama to sort out the standoff. Pheu Thai, along with the main opposition People’s Party, threw their weight behind the straightforward approach, warning of endless delays if the double majority rule isn’t scrapped. Meanwhile, the wildcard Bhumjaithai Party held back, refusing to join the Lower House pushback. Party boss Anutin Charnvirakul, also a deputy PM and interior minister, played it diplomatically, insisting they’re listening to all sides but preaching caution, Bangkok Post reported. Despite the political patchwork, Pheu Thai is betting on a referendum hitting the stage early next year as planned. Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong has doubled down, vowing to deliver a referendum in early 2025, kicking off with the passage of the amended bill by parliament in the coming months. By Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-15