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Thailand Faces Economic Question: China and EV Cars A BYD Dolphin photographed in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, China. Source: Wikipedia Thailand’s weakening manufacturing base and plummeting competitiveness are key issues ahead of a showdown on Monday between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his economic ministers. Indeed, hard questions must now be asked about core assumptions underpinning the country’s economic policies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328122-thailand-faces-economic-question-china-and-ev-cars/

Thailand’s weakening manufacturing base and plummeting competitiveness are key issues ahead of a showdown on Monday between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his economic ministers. Indeed, hard questions must now be asked about core assumptions underpinning the country’s economic policies. Chief among them is the country’s trade and closer economic integration with China. Next, as if to highlight this, is the country’s gamble on EV car technology at the expense of its traditional automotive sector, which has been left reeling with plunging sales both at home and abroad. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who has just returned from Japan, will convene a meeting at Government House to tackle the negative trends plaguing Thailand’s economy. The country’s manufacturing output has plummeted for six consecutive quarters, with factory utilisation now estimated at a mere 57%. Stimulus measures may be discussed, but experts argue that these are just short-term fixes, unable to address the deep-rooted structural issues. Two glaring issues need to be addressed urgently: Thailand’s growing economic engagement with China and the rapid pivot to electric vehicle (EV) production. Since 2019, EV production has been championed as a cornerstone of Thailand’s plan to modernise its manufacturing base. However, sales trends in the last few months have questioned the viability of this strategy. In April, EV sales fell by 18.4% from March, showing no signs of recovery. Moreover, the broader auto industry is in decline. Car production in Thailand decreased by 11% in April, with a 25% slump in output for the first four months of 2024 compared to the previous year. Tightening bank lending rules and a 21.49% drop in domestic car sales in April have exacerbated the situation. Thailand’s pivot to EV production was developed as a response to waning competitiveness and the need to align with global trade dynamics, particularly with China. However, this shift is fraught with risk. The traditional automotive industry, largely built by Japanese and Western investments, contributed significantly to Thailand’s GDP and created a robust parts manufacturing ecosystem. Now, with Chinese-made EV cars potentially flooding the market due to Beijing's tax incentives, Thailand faces a dual challenge. Not only is the country’s traditional auto industry under threat, but the gamble on EV cars may not pay off as expected, given the falling sales and intensifying global trade wars. As Thailand increasingly faces economic headwinds, this week’s discussions may be critical in determining its economic future. TOP: A BYD Dolphin photographed in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, China. Source: Wikipedia -- 2024-05-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Set to Recriminalise Cannabis Amid Expert Outcry Smith Srisont, President of the Medical Association of Thailand. Picture courtesy: MEDI Thailand’s government has announced plans to close cannabis shops and reclassify cannabis flowers and buds as Category 5 narcotics, responding to severe backlash from the medical community. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328121-thailand-set-to-recriminalise-cannabis-amid-expert-outcry/

Thailand’s government has announced plans to close cannabis shops and reclassify cannabis flowers and buds as Category 5 narcotics, responding to severe backlash from the medical community. The Minister of Public Health is introducing a more stringent regime for medical cannabis use, backed by medical professionals who have declared the previous liberalisation policy a disaster. Hundreds of Thai doctors, including Smith Srisont, President of the Medical Association of Thailand, have criticised the former government’s handling of cannabis, citing an alarming rise in psychiatric cases linked to the drug’s recreational use. The shift follows Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s order to reclassify cannabis as a scheduled narcotic. The policy has sparked strong opposition from the cannabis industry and advocates, but it enjoys the support of nearly 76% of Thais according to a recent NIDA poll. Minister Somsak Thepsutin outlined plans for a permit system allowing the medical use of certain cannabis elements. This would offer a controlled framework for cannabis use, aiming to balance medical benefits with public health concerns. The move to recriminalise cannabis marks a significant departure from last year’s decriminalisation, which saw thousands of cannabis shops proliferate across Thailand. Medical experts argue that the drug’s liberalisation led to unregulated usage that endangered public health, particularly mental health. Critics of the 2022 liberalisation have been particularly vocal about the lack of legal framework and enforcement, which left authorities unable to regulate cannabis effectively. For example, enforcing road safety laws against drivers under the influence of cannabis became practically impossible. Medical proponents maintain that cannabis can still be used for medical purposes under stringent regulation, addressing concerns raised by mental health experts about the drug’s adverse effects on young people and the broader population. As Thailand moves towards recriminalising cannabis, the government appears committed to a new, more controlled approach that safeguards public health while acknowledging the potential medical benefits of cannabis. TOP: Smith Srisont, President of the Medical Association of Thailand. Picture courtesy: MEDI -- 2024-05-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Trucks to be Banned During Rush hours in Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat FILE PHOTO Phuket – Trucks with ten wheels or more will be banned on roads in Phuket during rush hours, said the Phuket Governor. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328120-trucks-to-be-banned-during-rush-hours-in-phuket/

Phuket – Trucks with ten wheels or more will be banned on roads in Phuket during rush hours, said the Phuket Governor. The Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat told the Phuket Express that trucks with more than ten wheels will be banned on roads in Phuket from 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. and from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. except on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, starting from July 1st, 2024. By Goongnang Suksawat Top: FILE PHOTO Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-05-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Boy Rescued After Father’s Abuse Over Religion Choice Picture courtesy: trueresort An eight-year-old boy has been rescued by the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive, after his father allegedly subjected him to physical abuse to force him to convert from Buddhism to Islam. The father’s actions reportedly included regular beatings whenever the child refused to worship Allah. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328118-thai-boy-rescued-after-father’s-abuse-over-religion-choice/

An eight-year-old boy has been rescued by the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive, after his father allegedly subjected him to physical abuse to force him to convert from Buddhism to Islam. The father’s actions reportedly included regular beatings whenever the child refused to worship Allah. This distressing situation came to light when the boy’s mother and grandmother approached Saimai Survive, armed with alarming video evidence of the abuse. The videos showed the boy carrying heavy objects like a basket and roll of metal wire over his head, performing strenuous activities such as repeatedly standing and sitting while holding these objects, painfully beyond his physical capacity. The grandmother revealed to Saimai Survive and Channel 7 that the father had recently divorced the boy’s mother and started a new relationship with a Muslim woman, leading him to convert to Islam. Consequently, he began coercing his young son to follow the same faith, not through encouragement, but through disturbing physical punishments. The boy was removed from his regular school and placed in an Islamic religious centre, intensifying his distress. When he couldn’t meet his father's religious expectations, he was subjected to further abuse. The grandmother, concerned for the child's well-being and freedom of choice, wanted him to return to a secular school where he could choose his own faith. Acting swiftly on the provided evidence, Saimai Survive collaborated with the Nong Chok Police Station and the Bangkok Shelter for Children and Families to raid the father's home. The boy is now under protection, receiving the care and freedom he desperately needed. Authorities are investigating the incident further, ensuring the boy’s father faces consequences for his actions. This case highlights the urgent need to protect children's rights and allow them the freedom to choose their beliefs without fear or coercion. TOP Picture courtesy: trueresort -- 2024-05-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Mae Chan Market Fire Causes Extensive Damage Picture Courtesy: Khaosod A ferocious fire broke out yesterday at Nuanchan Market, known locally as Kad Lang Mae Chan, situated along the Chan River in the municipality of Mae Chan, Chiang Rai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328116-mae-chan-market-fire-causes-extensive-damage/

A ferocious fire broke out yesterday at Nuanchan Market, known locally as Kad Lang Mae Chan, situated along the Chan River in the municipality of Mae Chan, Chiang Rai. The fire quickly spread, devastating stalls and extending to nearby buildings, before being brought under control in over two hours. The market, bustling and central to the community, became the heart of a tragedy as flames raged through numerous vendor stalls. Several nearby buildings suffered significant damage as well. Mae Chan district officials, along with the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department of Mae Chan Municipality and other local organizations, deployed water trucks to battle the inferno. One of the main challenges in containing the fire was the market's tight-knit layout, filled with narrow passages that hampered firefighting efforts. Despite these obstacles, authorities and volunteer rescue teams managed to contain the blaze. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries or fatalities, but the damage to numerous small shops and vendor stalls was severe. Witnesses recounted that the fire originated near the market area close to the bridge over the river. At the time, vendors had already closed their stalls and left for the evening, leaving the market deserted. The fire intensified quickly, fueled by wooden structures and dry goods stored within the market, ultimately extending to surrounding commercial buildings. Local officials have begun investigating the cause of the fire. The focus now shifts to supporting the affected vendors and rebuilding the market, which remains a central hub for trade and local livelihoods in Mae Chan. In the wake of the incident, the community is rallying to assist those impacted, highlighting the market’s importance not just as a place of commerce but as a vital part of daily life in Mae Chan. Picture Courtesy: Khaosod -- 2024-05-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Srettha certainly not out of wood yet by Tulsathit Taptim Although he can continue to function as prime minister, Srettha Thavisin still has to be afraid. Very afraid. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328115-srettha-certainly-not-out-of-wood-yet/

Although he can continue to function as prime minister, Srettha Thavisin still has to be afraid. Very afraid. He is fighting the biggest battle of his life on two fronts _ legally and politically. Legally, it’s super scary, but the Constitutional Court gave him 15 days to answer charges so this front can be finished early. Politically, trouble may last longer, but it’s frightening all the same, and he will have to keep looking over his shoulder because he cannot trust anybody. It’s extreme worrisome legally because most analysts have pointed out that the ministerial appointment of Phichit Chuenban is not the kind of “political conspiracy” case that can be interpreted either way. This one has established court records and unambiguous constitutional wordings that Srettha has to fight against. In addition, the prime minister’s attempts to seek top legal opinions before and after the appointment can go against him. Some may think Srettha was just wanting to be 100% sure, but others will argue that it shows he clearly knew there were going to be problems yet he went for it. This is by no means similar to Prayut Chan-o-cha’s “eight-year reign” controversy, which involved slipperier constitutional language and ideological conflicts. Srettha’s defenders have to deal with undisputed court records and clear-cut constitutional restrictions on ethical and legal qualities of ministerial nominees. The Constitutional Court’s ruling allowing him to continue serving as prime minister during what must be a horrifying waiting period does not guarantee the Prayut-style escape. Srettha has to consider this uncomfortable fact: Although Phichit has resigned, the charter court went ahead and accepted the case against the prime minister anyway. “It doesn’t matter if there is anyone behind the petition,” said former PM’s Office minister Suranand Vejjajiva, who is known to be close to Pheu Thai, during a TV programme after the court ruling. by Tulsathit Taptim Full story: Thai PBS 2024-05-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Paetongtarn Expresses Readiness Concerns for Prime Minister Role Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced today that she is not yet ready to assume the role of Prime Minister, as current Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is embroiled in a legal battle over an impeachment lawsuit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328114-paetongtarn-expresses-readiness-concerns-for-prime-minister-role/

Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced today that she is not yet ready to assume the role of Prime Minister, as Thailand's current Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is embroiled in a legal battle over an impeachment lawsuit. Paetongtarn, who is the daughter of Pheu Thai’s influential figure Thaksin Shinawatra, addressed reporters, stating that even if Srettha were to be impeached by the Constitutional Court or stepped down before any ruling, she would not step up to lead the government immediately. Paetongtarn was one of three Pheu Thai candidates for prime minister in last year’s general election, the others being Pheu Thai MP Chaikasem Nitisiri and Srettha. Expressing confidence in Srettha's situation, Paetongtarn believes he will be spared impeachment due to his recent cabinet decision. Last month, Srettha named Pichit Chuenban, previously a lawyer for Thaksin, as a minister without a portfolio. This move has been controversial and is at the heart of the impeachment efforts. A group of senators seeking Srettha's impeachment consider the appointment a serious breach of the constitution and political ethics. Srettha, a real estate tycoon turned politician, narrowly avoided an immediate suspension by the court, pending a ruling expected within the next few months. The controversy surrounding Pichit dates back to 2008 when he faced charges of attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials with two million baht, placed in food bags, in a case involving Thaksin. The incident led to Pichit's six-month jail sentence and the revocation of his lawyer's license. As this legal drama unfolds, Paetongtarn’s declaration adds another layer of uncertainty to Thailand’s political landscape, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for the nation’s leadership. The country awaits further developments in Srettha’s case, which will undoubtedly shape the political direction in the coming months. TOP: Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-05-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Drunk British Motorbike Rider Arrested with Methamphetamine in Patong By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – An intoxicated British motorbike rider was found with methamphetamine in Patong on Friday (May 24th). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328113-drunk-british-motorbike-rider-arrested-with-methamphetamine-in-patong/

Patong – An intoxicated British motorbike rider was found with methamphetamine in Patong on Friday (May 24th). The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that they had set up a checkpoint near the Dolphin Roundabout on the Taweewong Road in Patong. At 4:00 A.M. in the morning, an unidentified 34 year-old British man was stopped at the checkpoint. He was found in possession of an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-05-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Navy Admirals Bow To China While Keeping Defence Minister At Bay: Academic By Thai Newsroom Reporters Defence Minister Suthin Khlangsaeng and a Chinese submarine. Photo: TV Channel 7 THAI NAVY ADMIRALS have ultimately succumbed to China whilst Thai Defence Minister Suthin Khlangsang has obviously capitulated to their whims over the long-delayed procurement of a submarine with a “low-quality” engine from the Asian superpower, concluded a noted academic yesterday (May 24). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328111-thai-navy-admirals-bow-to-china-while-keeping-defence-minister-at-bay-academic/

THAI NAVY ADMIRALS have ultimately succumbed to China whilst Thai Defence Minister Suthin Khlangsang has obviously capitulated to their whims over the long-delayed procurement of a submarine with a “low-quality” engine from the Asian superpower, concluded a noted academic yesterday (May 24). Chulalongkorn University’s political scientist Prof. Emer. Surachart Bamrungsuk charged that the commanding admirals would practically be more or less influenced by a certain clique of persons with deeply vested interests in the navy’s procurement plan for the Chinese-made S26T submarine whilst the civilian Pheu Thai-attached defence minister could not do anything other than capitulate to their demands. The unnamed, influential figures, from both inside and outside the navy, have practically managed to keep the commanding admirals and civilian defence minister under control when it comes to the purchase of the 12.4 billion baht S26T submarine which will be equipped with a “low-quality”, Chinese-made CHD620 in lieu of the contract-specified, German-made MTU396, according to the political scientist. The sale of the German MTU396 engine for use aboard the Chinese submarine had been ultimately denied as part of the European Union’s trade embargo measures against Beijing. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Defence Minister Suthin Khlangsaeng and a Chinese submarine. Photo: TV Channel 7 Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-05-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Foreigner in Phuket loses temper, threatens murder over renting dispute A neighborhood in Phuket was shaken by a disturbing threat from a disillusioned Swedish expatriate, who vowed to kill a local propertyowner when he was banned from his rented home. The alarming event was shared on the "Phuket Residents Seek Help" Facebook page, prompting an instantaneous response from law enforcement. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328051-swedish-man-arrested-for-972-days-overstay-in-thailand/

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 25 May 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1328110-thailand-live-saturday-25-may-2024/

Thai Delivery Man Reports Losing Gold Worth 2 Million Baht on Bangkok Street - video Photo courtesy of The Thaiger A Thai delivery woman has reported a loss of 2 million baht worth of gold. Pailin Kaewphet, 58, claimed she lost the gold while transporting it from one gold shop to another in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328066-thai-delivery-man-reports-losing-gold-worth-2-million-baht-on-bangkok-street-video/

A 33-year-old Swedish national identified as Mr. Francesco was arrested for overstaying his visa for 972 days in Phuket, Thailand. Swedish man arrested for 972 days overstay in Thailand by Charlotte Nike Albrechtsen Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328051-swedish-man-arrested-for-972-days-overstay-in-thailand/

Swedish man arrested for 972 days overstay in Thailand by Charlotte Nike Albrechtsen A 33-year-old Swedish national identified as Mr. Francesco was arrested for overstaying his visa for 972 days in Phuket, Thailand on 22 May 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328051-swedish-man-arrested-for-972-days-overstay-in-thailand/

A 33-year-old Swedish national identified as Mr. Francesco was arrested for overstaying his visa for 972 days in Phuket, Thailand on 22 May 2024. The police became aware of him, as a Phuket resident had posted about him on the “Phuket Residents Seek Help” Facebook group. The post stated, that the Swedish man had broken into a rental house, where the homeowner had no longer allowed the man to rent. The man had then allegedly threatened to return and kill the homeowner. After seeing the post, the immigration police along with tourist police investigated the man. The officers went undercover and found the Swede driving in the area. They revealed their identity and invited him for questioning. At first the Swede refused to step out of the car and he also didn’t have his passport with him. by Charlotte Nike Albrechtsen Full story: ScandAsia 2024-05-24 ============== UPDATE: Foreigner in Phuket loses temper, threatens murder over renting dispute A neighborhood in Phuket was shaken by a disturbing threat from a disillusioned Swedish expatriate, who vowed to kill a local propertyowner when he was banned from his rented home. The alarming event was shared on the "Phuket Residents Seek Help" Facebook page, prompting an instantaneous response from law enforcement. Immigration officers along with tourist police set up monitoring in Phuket's Soi King Pattana 1, Moo 4, Saiyuan Road, Rawai Subdistrict, Mueang District on Wednesday. Their attentive watch gave results when they observed the suspect, 33-year-old Swedish man Francesco, entering the region. The officers quickly approached and asked him to exit his vehicle, which also had a small dog. Initially resistant, Francesco gave in after some coaxing. On questioning, Francesco was unable to produce his passport. As a result, he was taken to the Phuket Immigration Office for more checks. Investigations showed that Francesco had entered Thailand on February 12, 2020, with a NON-90 business visa that was good until September 23, 2021. Surprisingly, he had overstayed his visa by 972 days, KhaoSod English reported. After this discovery, Francesco was officially arrested and brought to Chalong Police Station for additional legal actions. Photo courtesy of The Thaiger -- 2024-05-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Singapore turbulent flight: Aussie survivor’s desperate plea by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of AP via The Sydney Morning Herald An Australian passenger from the ill-fated Singapore Airlines flight 321 has broken his silence from his Bangkok hospital room. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328036-singapore-turbulent-flight-aussie-survivor’s-desperate-plea/