THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Tuesday 25 Aug 2020

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Thai tourist arrivals tumble 71% year-on-year in January-July amid outbreak

By Orathai Sriring and Panarat Thepgumpanat

 

FILE PHOTO: Visitors take pictures inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, June 7, 2020. REUTERS/Jorge Silva

 

BANGKOK, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Thailand's tourist arrivals and spending saw a year-on-year slide of about 70% in the first seven months, data showed on Monday, as a fourth month of border closures aimed at keeping out COVID-19 took a bite out of its struggling economy.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179282-thai-tourist-arrivals-tumble-71-year-on-year-in-january-july-amid-outbreak/

 

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Weekday company trips urged in bid to boost tourism sector

By THE NATION

 

 

In a bid to stimulate the tourism sector, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is calling on listed companies to consider taking their staff out on trips or organise corporate social responsibility events up country.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179204-weekday-company-trips-urged-in-bid-to-boost-tourism-sector/

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Medical cannabis industry gears up to drive Thai economy

By The Nation

 

 

Medical cannabis will be raised to the status of an economic crop in Thailand and exported across the world, according to a government subcommittee studying the draft law on cultivation of cannabis and Thai hemp.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179234-medical-cannabis-industry-gears-up-to-drive-thai-economy/

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Nissan picks Thailand for its only production base in Asean

By The Nation

 

 

Automaker Nissan has closed its factory in Indonesia and plans to make Thailand its lone manufacturing base in Asean with a long-term business plan, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Minister of Industry, revealed.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179236-nissan-picks-thailand-for-its-only-production-base-in-asean/

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UPDATE: 

 

Navy defends Bt22.5bn deal for submarines as ‘good value’

By The Nation

 

High-ranking Navy officers line up at a press conference today to defend its purchase of two additional subs. (Nation Photo by Tatchadon Panyaphanitkul)

 

The Royal Thai Navy has defended its Bt22.5-billion deal to purchase two more submarines following public complaints that the money should be spent on relieving people’s suffering amid the Covid-19 crisis.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179241-navy-country-needs-submarine/?do=findComment&comment=15745407

 

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Prawit worried about drought in EEC

By The Nation

 

 

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan expressed concern over the drought in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) after visiting Dok Krai Reservoir in Rayong province on Monday (August 24).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179286-prawit-worried-about-drought-in-eec/

 

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Phuket tram system to cost Bt35bn and start running in 2026

By THE NATION

 

 

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) plans to invest around Bt35 billion for the first phase of its tram project in Phuket province.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179287-phuket-tram-system-to-cost-bt35bn-and-start-running-in-2026/

 

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Rayong’s aviation metropolis goal

 

   

RAYONG(NNT) - The Cabinet’s first mobile meeting since the COVID-19 outbreak is taking place in Rayong province in the eastern region, where the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet are meeting with villagers to express their support.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179288-rayong’s-aviation-metropolis-goal/

 

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PM Prayut orders all units to help flood-hit people in North

 

   

BANGKOK(NNT) - The flood situation in northern Thailand has affected 382 villages in 25 districts of eight provinces: Nan, Phrae, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Phayao, Uttaradit, Lamphun and Mae Hong Son. Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, has expressed concern for the people in flooded areas. He has instructed all units to send more manpower, resources and relief supplies to these areas.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179289-pm-prayut-orders-all-units-to-help-flood-hit-people-in-north/

 

 

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China pledges Mekong River data-sharing, details unclear

 

FILE PHOTO: A fisherman is seen on the Mekong river bank outside Nong Khai, Thailand January 10, 2020. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - China's prime minister pledged on Monday to share more water management data from its portion of the Mekong River with its neighbours in Southeast Asia after U.S. criticism that it was "hoarding" water and hurting livelihoods downstream.

 

Update: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179290-china-pledges-mekong-river-data-sharing-details-unclear/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Regional leaders meet virtually in 3rd Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Summit

 

   

BANGKOK(NNT) - Thailand’s Prime Minister today joined the 3rd Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Summit, held virtually via video conference, where leaders from the sub-region discussed economic cooperation to help with recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, as well as the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to all.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179290-china-pledges-mekong-river-data-sharing-details-unclear/?do=findComment&comment=15745440

 

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Samut Songkhram ready to welcome tourists

 

   

SAMUT SONGKHRAM (NNT) - Mr. Phisit Suasaming, President of Samut Songkhram Provincial Administrative Organization, said Samut Songkhram is not far from Bangkok and it is a popular tourist destination. Samut Songkhram is now ready to welcome tourists again, under the new normal. All tourist attractions still take measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179291-samut-songkhram-ready-to-welcome-tourists/

 

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Tiger Woods finding rhythm after shooting 66 at Northern Trust

 

FILE PHOTO: Aug 23, 2020; Norton, Massachusetts, USA; Tiger Woods hits his tee shot on the 9th hole during the final round of The Northern Trust golf tournament at TPC of Boston. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

 

(Reuters) - Tiger Woods shot his lowest round of the year with a 66 at the Northern Trust Open on Sunday and said he is starting to find his "rhythm and flow" after some inconsistent displays since the PGA Tour restarted in June.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179292-tiger-woods-finding-rhythm-after-shooting-66-at-northern-trust/

 

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Johnson eyes long spell at the summit after reclaiming top spot

 

FILE PHOTO: Aug 23, 2020; Norton, Massachusetts, USA; Dustin Johnson watches his putt on the 14th green during the final round of The Northern Trust golf tournament at TPC of Boston. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

 

(Reuters) - Dustin Johnson said he is targeting a lengthy stay at the top of the world rankings after reclaiming the number one spot with a 11-shot victory at the Northern Trust Open on Sunday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179293-johnson-eyes-long-spell-at-the-summit-after-reclaiming-top-spot/

 

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After court battle, Man City look to make peace with UEFA

By Simon Evans

 

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester City v Burnley - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - October 20, 2018. Manchester City badge. REUTERS/Darren Staples

 

LISBON (Reuters) - Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said his club wants to develop a "constructive relationship" with European soccer's governing body UEFA after the end of their bitter legal battle over financial rules.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179294-after-court-battle-man-city-look-to-make-peace-with-uefa/

 

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Leicester's Maddison signs new four-year deal

 

FILE PHOTO: Premier League - Everton v Leicester City - Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain - July 1, 2020 Leicester City's James Maddison before the match, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Peter Powell/Pool via REUTERS

 

(Reuters) - Leicester City midfielder James Maddison has signed a new contract to extend his stay at the King Power Stadium until at least 2024, the Premier League club said on Monday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179295-leicesters-maddison-signs-new-four-year-deal/

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Ireland midfielder Hendrick joins Newcastle after Burnley exit

 

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Burnley v Tottenham Hotspur - Turf Moor, Burnley, Britain - March 7, 2020 Burnley's Jeff Hendrick in action with Tottenham Hotspur's Steven Bergwijn REUTERS/Andrew Yates

 

(Reuters) - Newcastle United have signed Ireland midfielder Jeff Hendrick on a four-year contract, the Premier League club said on Monday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179296-ireland-midfielder-hendrick-joins-newcastle-after-burnley-exit/

 

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Merkel tells Russia to investigate suspected poisoning of Kremlin critic

By Michael Nienaber and Joseph Nasr

 

FILE PHOTO: Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny takes part in a rally to mark the 5th anniversary of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov's murder and to protest against proposed amendments to the country's constitution, in Moscow, Russia February 29, 2020. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov -/File Photo

 

BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday called on Russia to investigate the suspected poisoning of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny and hold the perpetrators accountable after doctors found indications of a toxic substance in his body.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179297-merkel-tells-russia-to-investigate-suspected-poisoning-of-kremlin-critic/

 

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Prominent Republicans throw weight behind Biden as Trump's convention opens

 

FILE PHOTO: Former Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) walks through the Ohio Clock Corridor off the U.S. Senate floor during the Senate impeachment trial of U.S. President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January 21, 2020. REUTERS/Tom Brenner/File Photo

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - More than two dozen former Republican U.S. lawmakers, including former Senator Jeff Flake, endorsed Democrat Joe Biden for president as the Republican National Convention opened on Monday, a rebuke to President Donald Trump by members of his own party.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179298-prominent-republicans-throw-weight-behind-biden-as-trumps-convention-opens/

 

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Texas, Louisiana brace as Tropical Storm Laura pegged to gather force

By Jonathan Allen and Brad Brooks

 

Tropical Storm Marco arrives at the coast of Louisiana as Tropical Storm Laura follows (bottom right) in an image from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) GOES-East satellite August 24, 2020. CIRA/NOAA/Handout via REUTERS.

 

(Reuters) - Tropical Storm Laura is forecast to gain strength rapidly as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico late Monday, and is expected to become a hurricane before hitting the Texas or Louisiana coast within 48 hours, forecasters said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179299-texas-louisiana-brace-as-tropical-storm-laura-pegged-to-gather-force/

 

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At least 100 feared trapped in building collapse south of Mumbai

By Rajendra Jadhav and Sankalp Phartiyal

 

Rescue workers removes the debris as they look for survivors after a five-storey building collapsed in Mahad in Raigad district in the western state of Maharashtra, India, August 24, 2020. REUTERS/Stringer. NO ARCHIVES. NO RESALES.

 

MUMBAI (Reuters) - At least 100 people are feared trapped in the debris of a five-storey building that collapsed on Monday in an industrial town in western India, a lawmaker said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179300-at-least-100-feared-trapped-in-building-collapse-south-of-mumbai/

 

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France's COVID-19 cases and casualties rise

 

People wearing protective masks walk in a street in Nantes as France reinforces mask-wearing as part of efforts to curb a resurgence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across the country, France, August 24, 2020. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

 

PARIS (Reuters) - The number of new, confirmed cases of COVID-19 in France has risen by 1,955 compared to the previous day, the French health ministry said on Monday, although the increase in new cases was less than in previous days.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179301-frances-covid-19-cases-and-casualties-rise/

 

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Bali postpones plan to allow back foreign tourists next month

 

FILE PHOTO: Travellers are seen at the Eka Karya Bali Botanical Garden amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Tabanan, Bali Province, Indonesia August 23, 2020. Antara Foto/Fikri Yusuf/via REUTERS

 

JAKARTA (Reuters) - The Indonesian island of Bali has postponed a plan to reopen the country's biggest tourism hub to international tourists on Sept. 11, its governor said, due to the rising level of coronavirus cases reported in the Southeast Asian country.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179302-bali-postpones-plan-to-allow-back-foreign-tourists-next-month/

 

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Revenue Dept braces for huge hole in annual tax revenue

By The Nation

 

Ekniti Nitithanprapas, director general of the Revenue Department

 

Worried about a potentially sharp drop in tax income as the economy shrinks, the Revenue Department has urged people to file their tax returns before the August 31 deadline.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179306-thai-revenue-dept-braces-for-huge-hole-in-annual-tax-revenue/

 

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Investors losing appetite for capital-hungry Thai energy producers

By The Nation

 

 

Investors are uncertain over the price of shares in energy producers after some launched moves to raise their capital, experts said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179307-investors-losing-appetite-for-capital-hungry-thai-energy-producers/

 

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Tax cut for new-car purchases in pipeline

By The Nation

 

 

The Cabinet will today (August 25) consider a proposal to cut tax on purchases of new cars as it discusses measures to boost the auto industry amid the Covid-19 crisis.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179309-tax-cut-for-new-car-purchases-in-pipeline/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Trump sets convention tone by claiming without evidence Democrats will steal election

By Jeff Mason and Joseph Ax

 

U.S. President Donald Trump gives a thumbs up as Vice President Mike Pence waves, following the President's address on the first day of the Republican National Convention after delegates voted to confirm him as the Republican 2020 presidential nominee for reelection, in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S., August 24, 2020. REUTERS/Leah Millis

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Reuters) - Republicans opened their national convention on Monday by outlining a dire portrait of America if Democrat Joe Biden ousts President Donald Trump in November, adopting the grim tone that Trump set hours earlier when he warned, without evidence, that Democrats will seek to steal the election.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179298-prominent-republicans-throw-weight-behind-biden-as-trumps-convention-opens/?do=findComment&comment=15745970

 

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Twin bombings kill 15, wound scores in Philippine south

By Enrico Dela Cruz

 

Burned motorcycle is pictured in the aftermath of an explosion in Jolo Island, Sulu province, Philippines August 24, 2020. in this picture obtained from social media. PEEWEE C. BACUNO via REUTERS

 

MANILA (Reuters) - Twin blasts including a suicide bombing killed 15 people and wounded 75 others on a restive southern Philippine island on Monday, among them security forces and civilians, with Islamist militants suspected of being behind the attack.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179311-twin-bombings-kill-15-wound-scores-in-philippine-south/

 

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Thailand presses ahead with plans to turn prisons into tourist attractions

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

Justice minister Somsak Thepsuthin is pressing ahead with his new initiative - to promote Thailand's prisons as tourist destinations. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179312-thailand-presses-ahead-with-plans-to-turn-prisons-into-tourist-attractions/

 

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DPA: Don’t worry, NPL problem not as critical as during 1997 crisis

By THE NATION

 

 

“Bank customers need not worry that they will lose their money, as the DPA will help protect your deposits in case another crisis strikes,” director Songpol promised.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1179313-dpa-don’t-worry-npl-problem-not-as-critical-as-during-1997-crisis/