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A Singaporean's guide to living in Thailand
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Profits at top banks fall more than 50% in 3rd quarter
National
Oct 22. 2020
By The Nation
Profits of nine banks fell by an average 55 per cent in the third quarter this year
due to their high reserves to cope with the economic impact of Covid-19.
Excluding Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya), the nine commercial banks' accumulated third-quarter net profit was Bt23.57 billion, down an average 55.18 per cent from Bt82.13 billion in the same period last year. The banks' net profit in the first nine months this year was Bt87.18 billion, down 34.5 per cent from Bt133.15 billion from last year.
Most of the drop in profit was attributed to the rise in reserves to cope with debt defaults amid the economic slowdown.
The five banks showing the biggest third-quarter profit drop were CIMB Thai Bank – down 77 per cent to Bt81 million; Siam Commercial Bank – down 68.9 per cent to Bt4.64 billion;
Bangkok Bank – down 57.4 per cent to Bt4.01 billion; Krungthai Bank – down 51.9 per cent to Bt3.05 billion; and Kasikorn Bank – down 32.8 per cent to Bt6.67 billion.
The banks' total reserves for the first nine months were Bt160.62 billion, up Bt61.35 billion or 61.8 per cent year on year. The three banks with the highest reserves are Tisco Financial Group, up 591 per cent; TMB Bank (129 per cent); and Krungthai Bank (87.7 per cent).
Meanwhile, the nine banks' held non-performing loans (NPLs) worth a total Bt474.56 billion at the end of the third quarter, up 17.6 per cent year on year. The three banks with the highest NPLs are Krungthai Bank at Bt110.66 billion, up 0.8 per cent; Bangkok Bank at Bt107.74 billion, up 25 per cent; and Kasikorn Bank at Bt96.74 billion, up 21.9 per cent.
Khattiya Intharawichai, Kasikorn Bank's chief executive officer, said its net profit dropped due to a 70.24 per cent rise in reserves to Bt17.69 billion for expected credit loss during the virus crisis.
Arthid Nanthawithaya, Siam Commercial Bank's CEO, said SCB had assessed the quality of its loan portfolio carefully and was monitoring loan quality deterioration amid the Covid-19 fallout. The bank’s NPLs rose to 3.32 per cent from 3.05 per cent in June.
Kasikorn Research Centre's Kanchana Chokpaisansilp predicts banks will face more challenges in the fourth quarter this year because exports and tourism are yet to recover.
"We expect the banks' fourth-quarter expenses to rise more than the previous quarter from setting up of reserves to cope with future risks, which will see net profits stay in negative territory," she said.
"Meanwhile, banks' NPLs this year would rise more than our previous forecast of 3.5 per cent due to increasing risks," she added.
National
Oct 22. 2020
By The Nation
Profits of nine banks fell by an average 55 per cent in the third quarter this year
due to their high reserves to cope with the economic impact of Covid-19.
Excluding Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya), the nine commercial banks' accumulated third-quarter net profit was Bt23.57 billion, down an average 55.18 per cent from Bt82.13 billion in the same period last year. The banks' net profit in the first nine months this year was Bt87.18 billion, down 34.5 per cent from Bt133.15 billion from last year.
Most of the drop in profit was attributed to the rise in reserves to cope with debt defaults amid the economic slowdown.
The five banks showing the biggest third-quarter profit drop were CIMB Thai Bank – down 77 per cent to Bt81 million; Siam Commercial Bank – down 68.9 per cent to Bt4.64 billion;
Bangkok Bank – down 57.4 per cent to Bt4.01 billion; Krungthai Bank – down 51.9 per cent to Bt3.05 billion; and Kasikorn Bank – down 32.8 per cent to Bt6.67 billion.
The banks' total reserves for the first nine months were Bt160.62 billion, up Bt61.35 billion or 61.8 per cent year on year. The three banks with the highest reserves are Tisco Financial Group, up 591 per cent; TMB Bank (129 per cent); and Krungthai Bank (87.7 per cent).
Meanwhile, the nine banks' held non-performing loans (NPLs) worth a total Bt474.56 billion at the end of the third quarter, up 17.6 per cent year on year. The three banks with the highest NPLs are Krungthai Bank at Bt110.66 billion, up 0.8 per cent; Bangkok Bank at Bt107.74 billion, up 25 per cent; and Kasikorn Bank at Bt96.74 billion, up 21.9 per cent.
Khattiya Intharawichai, Kasikorn Bank's chief executive officer, said its net profit dropped due to a 70.24 per cent rise in reserves to Bt17.69 billion for expected credit loss during the virus crisis.
Arthid Nanthawithaya, Siam Commercial Bank's CEO, said SCB had assessed the quality of its loan portfolio carefully and was monitoring loan quality deterioration amid the Covid-19 fallout. The bank’s NPLs rose to 3.32 per cent from 3.05 per cent in June.
Kasikorn Research Centre's Kanchana Chokpaisansilp predicts banks will face more challenges in the fourth quarter this year because exports and tourism are yet to recover.
"We expect the banks' fourth-quarter expenses to rise more than the previous quarter from setting up of reserves to cope with future risks, which will see net profits stay in negative territory," she said.
"Meanwhile, banks' NPLs this year would rise more than our previous forecast of 3.5 per cent due to increasing risks," she added.
Democracy movement vows fresh protests after PM snub
Bangkok Post PUBLISHED : 25 OCT 2020 AT 10:45
WRITER: AFP
The former military chief who staged the 2014 coup is facing pressure from a student-led movement that has organised massive demonstrations for months calling for his resignation.
They regard his hold on power -- renewed after last year's widely disputed elections -- as illegitimate and on Wednesday had given him three days to step down.
As the deadline for Gen Prayut to resign by 10pm Saturday came and went, activist Jatupat "Pai" Boonpattararaksa said protesters would turn out in force Sunday at a major Bangkok intersection.
"We hear the answer from the Prime Minister to our request," Mr Pai told a crowd outside Bangkok's Remand Prison, where protesters had gathered to call for the release of fellow activists.
"Tomorrow as citizens, we will protest against Prayut at Ratchaprasong at 4pm."
Gen Prayut remained resolute Saturday while attending a prayer ceremony for the country at a historic Bangkok temple, saying that "all problems can be resolved" through compromise.
"The government has real intentions to solve problems as long as it's under the line of laws," he told reporters, adding that he "won't quit".
The movement is largely leaderless though the different groups are united when it comes to their demands for an overhaul to Prayut's government.
Some are also issuing controversial calls for reform to the kingdom's unassailable monarchy, questioning the role of His Majesty the King in Thailand -- once a taboo act due to draconian royal defamation laws.
Another group called the People's Movement announced a march to the German Embassy on Monday afternoon -- in apparent defiance of the monarch, who spends long periods of time in Germany.
- Charm offensive -
The monarch has been back in Thailand for the past week and a half to commemorate a Buddhist holiday and the death of his late father Bhumibol Adulyadej.
He has not commented on the demonstrations, despite growing tension in Bangkok as protesters grow bolder in their challenge to the royal institution.
But His Majesty has made rare public visits with his supporters waiting outside the palace -- a charm offensive for an army of local and international media.
On Friday, he broke with royal protocol to praise a man who had held up a portrait of the king's parents at a pro-democracy rally.
"Very brave. So good. Thank you," His Majesty told the man according to footage posted on Facebook.
That quote was trending as a hashtag on Twitter in Thailand following the interaction.
Also top-trending on Sunday morning was the hashtag "25 October mob" -- a sign that protesters were preparing to gather for Sunday's rally.
Prayut had initially imposed emergency measures banning gatherings of more than four, but lifted it a week later when it failed to quell tens of thousands showing up to guerrilla demonstrations across the capital.
A special parliamentary session has been called for Monday to thrash out ways to reduce tensions.
Bangkok Post PUBLISHED : 25 OCT 2020 AT 10:45
WRITER: AFP
-
- Thailand's pro-democracy protesters have vowed to return to the streets after a deadline for Premier Prayut to resign was ignored.
The former military chief who staged the 2014 coup is facing pressure from a student-led movement that has organised massive demonstrations for months calling for his resignation.
They regard his hold on power -- renewed after last year's widely disputed elections -- as illegitimate and on Wednesday had given him three days to step down.
As the deadline for Gen Prayut to resign by 10pm Saturday came and went, activist Jatupat "Pai" Boonpattararaksa said protesters would turn out in force Sunday at a major Bangkok intersection.
"We hear the answer from the Prime Minister to our request," Mr Pai told a crowd outside Bangkok's Remand Prison, where protesters had gathered to call for the release of fellow activists.
"Tomorrow as citizens, we will protest against Prayut at Ratchaprasong at 4pm."
Gen Prayut remained resolute Saturday while attending a prayer ceremony for the country at a historic Bangkok temple, saying that "all problems can be resolved" through compromise.
"The government has real intentions to solve problems as long as it's under the line of laws," he told reporters, adding that he "won't quit".
The movement is largely leaderless though the different groups are united when it comes to their demands for an overhaul to Prayut's government.
Some are also issuing controversial calls for reform to the kingdom's unassailable monarchy, questioning the role of His Majesty the King in Thailand -- once a taboo act due to draconian royal defamation laws.
Another group called the People's Movement announced a march to the German Embassy on Monday afternoon -- in apparent defiance of the monarch, who spends long periods of time in Germany.
- Charm offensive -
The monarch has been back in Thailand for the past week and a half to commemorate a Buddhist holiday and the death of his late father Bhumibol Adulyadej.
He has not commented on the demonstrations, despite growing tension in Bangkok as protesters grow bolder in their challenge to the royal institution.
But His Majesty has made rare public visits with his supporters waiting outside the palace -- a charm offensive for an army of local and international media.
On Friday, he broke with royal protocol to praise a man who had held up a portrait of the king's parents at a pro-democracy rally.
"Very brave. So good. Thank you," His Majesty told the man according to footage posted on Facebook.
That quote was trending as a hashtag on Twitter in Thailand following the interaction.
Also top-trending on Sunday morning was the hashtag "25 October mob" -- a sign that protesters were preparing to gather for Sunday's rally.
Prayut had initially imposed emergency measures banning gatherings of more than four, but lifted it a week later when it failed to quell tens of thousands showing up to guerrilla demonstrations across the capital.
A special parliamentary session has been called for Monday to thrash out ways to reduce tensions.
Thai protesters say they will petition Germany over king
Sunday's demonstration was the first major show of force since PM Prayuth Chan-ocha ignored an overnight deadline.PHOTO: REUTERS
A march is planned on Monday to the German embassy amid calls by protesters for curbs on the king's powers in what have become the biggest anti-establishment protests in years. The king has spent most of this year in Germany.
Protesters said in a statement it would submit a letter to the embassy to ask whether the king had broken German laws by using his powers from there - something the German government has said would not be acceptable.
The protesters did not specify which powers they believed the king had used from Germany.
"This request is aimed at bringing Thailand back to the real constitutional monarchy," the statement said. Thailand is officially a constitutional monarchy.
Protests which began in July to remove Prayuth, a former army ruler, have increasingly demanded change to the monarchy too, with protesters saying it has helped enable decades of military domination of politics.
The Palace has a policy of not commenting to media and has never said anything about the king's time in Europe. Prayuth has said people should not criticise the monarchy even if they demonstrate against the government.
The prime minister's office posted a note on Twitter on Sunday to say Prayuth was not quitting. Thailand's crisis is due to be discussed in parliament on Monday and Tuesday.
Thai King in the spotlight as pro-democracy protests continue
Thai protests fuelled by discontent towards Prayut, poll shows
"If he doesn't resign, then we must come out to ask him to quit in a peaceful way," protest leader Jatupat "Pai"Boonpattararaksa told thousands of people gathered in central Bangkok.
There was no sign of a major police presence around protesters at the Ratchaprasong Intersection, an emotive location for protesters as the scene of bloodshed in 2010 in a crackdown by security forces on anti-establishment protests.
Out on bail, prominent Thai protest leader pledges to keep up campaign
Thousands defy Thai protest ban to join Bangkok demonstration
A government spokesman said there would be no use of force and called on people to remain peaceful and respect the law.
Sunday's demonstration was the first major show of force since PM Prayuth Chan-ocha ignored an overnight deadline.PHOTO: REUTERS
- Reuters PUBLISHED
BANGKOK (REUTERS) - Thai demonstrators said on Sunday (Oct 25) they would petition Germany to investigate King Maha Vajiralongkorn's use of his powers while he has been staying in the European country, as thousands of people again took to the streets of Bangkok.
A march is planned on Monday to the German embassy amid calls by protesters for curbs on the king's powers in what have become the biggest anti-establishment protests in years. The king has spent most of this year in Germany.
Protesters said in a statement it would submit a letter to the embassy to ask whether the king had broken German laws by using his powers from there - something the German government has said would not be acceptable.
The protesters did not specify which powers they believed the king had used from Germany.
"This request is aimed at bringing Thailand back to the real constitutional monarchy," the statement said. Thailand is officially a constitutional monarchy.
Protests which began in July to remove Prayuth, a former army ruler, have increasingly demanded change to the monarchy too, with protesters saying it has helped enable decades of military domination of politics.
The Palace has a policy of not commenting to media and has never said anything about the king's time in Europe. Prayuth has said people should not criticise the monarchy even if they demonstrate against the government.
The prime minister's office posted a note on Twitter on Sunday to say Prayuth was not quitting. Thailand's crisis is due to be discussed in parliament on Monday and Tuesday.
Thai King in the spotlight as pro-democracy protests continue
Thai protests fuelled by discontent towards Prayut, poll shows
"If he doesn't resign, then we must come out to ask him to quit in a peaceful way," protest leader Jatupat "Pai"Boonpattararaksa told thousands of people gathered in central Bangkok.
There was no sign of a major police presence around protesters at the Ratchaprasong Intersection, an emotive location for protesters as the scene of bloodshed in 2010 in a crackdown by security forces on anti-establishment protests.
Out on bail, prominent Thai protest leader pledges to keep up campaign
Thousands defy Thai protest ban to join Bangkok demonstration
A government spokesman said there would be no use of force and called on people to remain peaceful and respect the law.
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Tu...=1&pub_date=20201026123000&seq_num=2&si=44594
Thailand's youth protest draws thousands after PM refuses to quit
Demonstrators return to Bangkok's commercial heart in smaller numbers
Thousands of protesters returned to Bangkok's Ratchaprasong intersection on Sunday for the first major protest in Thailand since a state of severe emergency was lifted on Thursday. (Photo by Masayuki Yuda)
MASAYUKI YUDA, Nikkei staff writerOctober 25, 2020 16:35 JSTUpdated on October 25, 2020 22:07 JST
BANGKOK -- Pro-democracy groups are taking turns reviving daily rallies and protest momentum after a three-day relative lull during which Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha ignored a student demand that he resign by 10 p.m. on Saturday.
The first rally on Sunday was due to run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and revisited the Ratchaprasong intersection, a business and retail area in central Bangkok. A protest there on Oct. 15 attracted over 10,000 mostly young people. Today's rally had attracted thousands by 7 p.m.
"Prayuth is the problem. [He is] the first obstacle that we need to remove," said activist Jatupat Boonpattararaksa when he announced the rally this morning.
Jatupat, who goes by the nickname Pai Dao Din, called for the resumption of daily protests after Prayuth let the resignation deadline pass. He became a pro-democracy activist in 2015, and has been arrested and charged a number of times, including for lese-majeste -- a draconian law that outlaws perceived damage or insult to the monarchy. Jatupat was among 19 protesters arrested on Oct. 13 near Democracy Monument, and was granted bail on Friday.
The rally held at Ratchaprasong on Oct. 15 defied a state of severe emergency declared early that morning by the government that banned gatherings of more than four people. On that occasion, police blocked an overhead walkway from a nearby skytrain station, but the measure failed to curb attendance.
The following night, Oct. 16, riot police were deployed and water cannons, tear gas and skin irritants used against a peaceful crowd that was close to dispersing from the nearby Pathumwan intersection because of heavy rain. The excessive police action was widely criticized at home and abroad.
Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, the firebrand protest leader who goes by the nickname Pai Dao Din, called Sunday's rally after being released on bail from police custody on Friday. (Photo by Masayuki Yuda)
Thailand has been governed under a state of emergency since March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this has been renewed on a monthly basis. The supplementary severe emergency decree was lifted after a week on Oct. 22.
On Saturday, Prayuth said he would not quit the premiership when he emerged from Wat Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhakaram, a Buddhist temple. The prime minister had been participating in prayers for recovery from turmoil, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the national political impasse. "I urge everyone to reconcile and help solve problems together," he said.
There will be a special joint session of parliament on Monday and Tuesday to review the political unrest. Although such sessions are not allowed to vote through any resolutions, recommendations can be made.
Two other pro-democracy groups, Free Youth and the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration, announced a two-kilometer march in central Bangkok on Monday from Samyan intersection to the German embassy.
"See you at the German embassy at 17:00 on Monday," one of the protest groups tweeted late on Saturday. The rally will add an international twist to the standoff.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn spends most of his time in Germany, and reform of the monarchy has been one of the key demands at recent protests.
Thousands of protesters returned to Bangkok's Ratchaprasong intersection, the commercial heart of the kingdom's capital on Sunday. (Photo by Masayuki Yuda)
The lifting of the emergency decree has also enabled royalists to stage counter-rallies. The king and other members of the royal family have been under unusually open scrutiny in recent months, but the palace has remained tight-lipped.
On Friday, the king entered the frame directly by mingling with ordinary royalists following a ceremony to commemorate his great grandfather, King Chulalongkorn. The king stepped out of his motorcade to meet supporters.
"Very brave, very brave, very good, thank you," the king told a man who had challenged anti-government protesters on Wednesday by raising a picture of the king and Queen Suthida during an anti-government protest outside a Central department store in Bangkok's Pinklao district. A clip of the incident went viral.
The protesters frequently shout, "Prayuth, get out." Today they added a new chant to their repertoire: "Very brave, very brave, good job, good job -- now get out."
Political analysts have raised concerns that royalists might use the king's unexpected -- and very unusual -- interaction with the public as an excuse to escalate activities against pro-democracy protesters. So far, there have only been minor skirmishes between the two sides and no serious clashes.
Open discussion of the monarchy is meanwhile spreading. The Facebook group Royalist Marketplace, an online forum used mainly by younger people, had over two million members by Sunday afternoon despite government efforts to get it shut down.
Thailand's youth protest draws thousands after PM refuses to quit
Demonstrators return to Bangkok's commercial heart in smaller numbers
Thousands of protesters returned to Bangkok's Ratchaprasong intersection on Sunday for the first major protest in Thailand since a state of severe emergency was lifted on Thursday. (Photo by Masayuki Yuda)
MASAYUKI YUDA, Nikkei staff writerOctober 25, 2020 16:35 JSTUpdated on October 25, 2020 22:07 JST
BANGKOK -- Pro-democracy groups are taking turns reviving daily rallies and protest momentum after a three-day relative lull during which Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha ignored a student demand that he resign by 10 p.m. on Saturday.
The first rally on Sunday was due to run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and revisited the Ratchaprasong intersection, a business and retail area in central Bangkok. A protest there on Oct. 15 attracted over 10,000 mostly young people. Today's rally had attracted thousands by 7 p.m.
"Prayuth is the problem. [He is] the first obstacle that we need to remove," said activist Jatupat Boonpattararaksa when he announced the rally this morning.
Jatupat, who goes by the nickname Pai Dao Din, called for the resumption of daily protests after Prayuth let the resignation deadline pass. He became a pro-democracy activist in 2015, and has been arrested and charged a number of times, including for lese-majeste -- a draconian law that outlaws perceived damage or insult to the monarchy. Jatupat was among 19 protesters arrested on Oct. 13 near Democracy Monument, and was granted bail on Friday.
The rally held at Ratchaprasong on Oct. 15 defied a state of severe emergency declared early that morning by the government that banned gatherings of more than four people. On that occasion, police blocked an overhead walkway from a nearby skytrain station, but the measure failed to curb attendance.
The following night, Oct. 16, riot police were deployed and water cannons, tear gas and skin irritants used against a peaceful crowd that was close to dispersing from the nearby Pathumwan intersection because of heavy rain. The excessive police action was widely criticized at home and abroad.
Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, the firebrand protest leader who goes by the nickname Pai Dao Din, called Sunday's rally after being released on bail from police custody on Friday. (Photo by Masayuki Yuda)
Thailand has been governed under a state of emergency since March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this has been renewed on a monthly basis. The supplementary severe emergency decree was lifted after a week on Oct. 22.
On Saturday, Prayuth said he would not quit the premiership when he emerged from Wat Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhakaram, a Buddhist temple. The prime minister had been participating in prayers for recovery from turmoil, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the national political impasse. "I urge everyone to reconcile and help solve problems together," he said.
There will be a special joint session of parliament on Monday and Tuesday to review the political unrest. Although such sessions are not allowed to vote through any resolutions, recommendations can be made.
Two other pro-democracy groups, Free Youth and the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration, announced a two-kilometer march in central Bangkok on Monday from Samyan intersection to the German embassy.
"See you at the German embassy at 17:00 on Monday," one of the protest groups tweeted late on Saturday. The rally will add an international twist to the standoff.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn spends most of his time in Germany, and reform of the monarchy has been one of the key demands at recent protests.
Thousands of protesters returned to Bangkok's Ratchaprasong intersection, the commercial heart of the kingdom's capital on Sunday. (Photo by Masayuki Yuda)
The lifting of the emergency decree has also enabled royalists to stage counter-rallies. The king and other members of the royal family have been under unusually open scrutiny in recent months, but the palace has remained tight-lipped.
On Friday, the king entered the frame directly by mingling with ordinary royalists following a ceremony to commemorate his great grandfather, King Chulalongkorn. The king stepped out of his motorcade to meet supporters.
"Very brave, very brave, very good, thank you," the king told a man who had challenged anti-government protesters on Wednesday by raising a picture of the king and Queen Suthida during an anti-government protest outside a Central department store in Bangkok's Pinklao district. A clip of the incident went viral.
The protesters frequently shout, "Prayuth, get out." Today they added a new chant to their repertoire: "Very brave, very brave, good job, good job -- now get out."
Political analysts have raised concerns that royalists might use the king's unexpected -- and very unusual -- interaction with the public as an excuse to escalate activities against pro-democracy protesters. So far, there have only been minor skirmishes between the two sides and no serious clashes.
Open discussion of the monarchy is meanwhile spreading. The Facebook group Royalist Marketplace, an online forum used mainly by younger people, had over two million members by Sunday afternoon despite government efforts to get it shut down.
'Please resign,' Thai opposition tells PM at protest debate
Protesters accuse Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of engineering last year's election to keep the army's grip on power.PHOTO: REUTERS
BANGKOK (REUTERS) - Opponents of Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha urged him on Monday (Oct 26) to stop using the monarchy to justify his hold on power and resign, in remarks made to a special session of Parliament called by the former junta leader to discuss months of protests.
Student-led demonstrations, which initially demanded the departure of Mr Prayut and a new Constitution, have increasingly turned their attention to the monarchy, calling for reforms to curb the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
"The Prime Minister is a major obstacle and burden to the country. Please resign and everything will end well," said Mr Sompong Amornvivat, leader of the opposition Pheu Thai party, the largest single party in Parliament.
Members of the opposition Move Forward party accused Mr Prayuth of trying to use the monarchy to keep power - particularly regarding an incident around a royal motorcade that was used to justify tough emergency measures on Oct 15.
Mr Prayut called the Parliament session this week after the emergency measures - including a ban on protests - only inflamed anger and brought tens of thousands onto Bangkok streets.
He rejected a demand from protesters to step down and said last week it was his government’s job to protect the monarchy.
"I'm confident that today, regardless of our different political views, everyone still loves the country," Mr Prayut said in his opening address.
But his opponents and protest leaders are sceptical the parliamentary session will resolve the crisis. His supporters have a majority in Parliament, whose entire Upper House was picked by his former junta.
Opposition MPs questioned Mr Prayuth’s reasons for emergency measures, especially the justification for a fracas around Queen Suthida’s motorcade on Oct 14, when she was jeered by protesters.
Mr Prayuth’s critics say it was his government’s fault for not planning the convoy’s route better, and not that of the protesters he has blamed.
"There was an attempt to use the royal motorcade to distort the truth and make people hate and confront each other," said Move Forward MP Suttawan Suban Na Ayuthaya. "Don’t bring the monarchy into this conflict."
Mr Prayuth seized power in a 2014 coup and protesters accuse him of engineering last year’s election to retain the army’s grip on power. He says the election was fair.
Protesters have also called for the king’s powers to be reduced, saying the monarchy has helped enable decades of military domination.
The Palace has made no comment since the start of the protests.
Protesters are due to march to the German Embassy at 5pm (6pm Singapore time) and have said they will petition Berlin to investigate the King's use of his powers while in the European nation, where he spends much of his time.
Thai protesters say they will petition Germany over king
Fighting words emerge as besieged Thai loyalists try to rally
A couple of dozen royalists assembled at the embassy before the march, shouting, "Long live the king. We will protect him with our lives."
Protesters accuse Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of engineering last year's election to keep the army's grip on power.PHOTO: REUTERS
- REUTERS UPDATED
38 MIN AGO
BANGKOK (REUTERS) - Opponents of Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha urged him on Monday (Oct 26) to stop using the monarchy to justify his hold on power and resign, in remarks made to a special session of Parliament called by the former junta leader to discuss months of protests.
Student-led demonstrations, which initially demanded the departure of Mr Prayut and a new Constitution, have increasingly turned their attention to the monarchy, calling for reforms to curb the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
"The Prime Minister is a major obstacle and burden to the country. Please resign and everything will end well," said Mr Sompong Amornvivat, leader of the opposition Pheu Thai party, the largest single party in Parliament.
Members of the opposition Move Forward party accused Mr Prayuth of trying to use the monarchy to keep power - particularly regarding an incident around a royal motorcade that was used to justify tough emergency measures on Oct 15.
Mr Prayut called the Parliament session this week after the emergency measures - including a ban on protests - only inflamed anger and brought tens of thousands onto Bangkok streets.
He rejected a demand from protesters to step down and said last week it was his government’s job to protect the monarchy.
"I'm confident that today, regardless of our different political views, everyone still loves the country," Mr Prayut said in his opening address.
But his opponents and protest leaders are sceptical the parliamentary session will resolve the crisis. His supporters have a majority in Parliament, whose entire Upper House was picked by his former junta.
Opposition MPs questioned Mr Prayuth’s reasons for emergency measures, especially the justification for a fracas around Queen Suthida’s motorcade on Oct 14, when she was jeered by protesters.
Mr Prayuth’s critics say it was his government’s fault for not planning the convoy’s route better, and not that of the protesters he has blamed.
"There was an attempt to use the royal motorcade to distort the truth and make people hate and confront each other," said Move Forward MP Suttawan Suban Na Ayuthaya. "Don’t bring the monarchy into this conflict."
Mr Prayuth seized power in a 2014 coup and protesters accuse him of engineering last year’s election to retain the army’s grip on power. He says the election was fair.
Protesters have also called for the king’s powers to be reduced, saying the monarchy has helped enable decades of military domination.
The Palace has made no comment since the start of the protests.
Protesters are due to march to the German Embassy at 5pm (6pm Singapore time) and have said they will petition Berlin to investigate the King's use of his powers while in the European nation, where he spends much of his time.
Thai protesters say they will petition Germany over king
Fighting words emerge as besieged Thai loyalists try to rally
A couple of dozen royalists assembled at the embassy before the march, shouting, "Long live the king. We will protect him with our lives."
Milk looks delicious.
Petition will call on Germany to see if the King reigned
over Thailand from Europe
National
Oct 26. 2020
By THE NATION
The pro-democracy group Free Youth and its ally, the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration, announced in a Facebook post on Monday morning that they will be marching to the German embassy in the afternoon to submit a petition.The march will kick off at 5pm from Sam Yan intersection and end near Lumpini MRT station, close to the embassy.
The groups said their petition calls for the German authorities to check whether the King has actually been reigning over his country from Germany.
The post also said: “Our monarchy has been used as a political tool for several years. The dictators and fascists have used the monarchy to tackle those who stand against them. This is the reason why Thailand is not moving forward as it should be.”
The groups also accused this government of worsening the country’s condition over the past six years and slammed Prayut Chan-o-cha of taking power unfairly through a coup.
over Thailand from Europe
National
Oct 26. 2020
By THE NATION
The pro-democracy group Free Youth and its ally, the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration, announced in a Facebook post on Monday morning that they will be marching to the German embassy in the afternoon to submit a petition.The march will kick off at 5pm from Sam Yan intersection and end near Lumpini MRT station, close to the embassy.
The groups said their petition calls for the German authorities to check whether the King has actually been reigning over his country from Germany.
The post also said: “Our monarchy has been used as a political tool for several years. The dictators and fascists have used the monarchy to tackle those who stand against them. This is the reason why Thailand is not moving forward as it should be.”
The groups also accused this government of worsening the country’s condition over the past six years and slammed Prayut Chan-o-cha of taking power unfairly through a coup.
HOW TO DO BOTH LOY KRATHONG AND HALLOWEEN IN 1 NIGHT
By
Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter
KhaoSod
October 27, 2020 1:00 pm
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BANGKOK — Once in a rare full moon, Loy Krathong and Halloween falls on the same fateful night – so pick your poison for 2020 and whether you want your dreams or nightmares to come true.
Here’s a list for things to do this Loy Krathongloween on Saturday:
No, I Actually Want to Float Krathong
Zip between 10 piers along the Chao Phraya via free shuttle boat to visit temples, support locals’ shops, and visit historic areas of Old Bangkok from Oct. 29 to 31 at the “River Festival Thailand 2020.”
Stops include Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Tha Maharaj, lesser-known temples, as well as riverside tourist spots like Asiatique and Lhong 1919. Iconsiam mall’s festival runs Tuesday through Sunday, and will have ice krathongs (despite the term, they are not drugs) and biodegradable krathongs for people to float.
Bangkok Metropolitan Authority will hold a Loy Krathong celebration by Khlong Oang Ang
A Halloween-themed Loy Krathong will take place at Chulalongkorn University’s pond in the city center.
Those going upcountry for the weekend may want to stop by Sukhothai Historical Park, where Loy Krathong Festival will be hosted from Oct. 23 to Nov. 1, with light and sound shows from Tuesday through Saturday. Free entry.
No, I Actually Want to Be Scared
On Halloween night, the Bangkok Hiking Meetup will camp on a remote campsite close to where the Lauda Air Flight 004 crashed in 1991 in Suphan Buri and killed all 213 passengers – the deadliest aviation tragedy in Thai history.
Local hikers say they have seen foreigners dressed in business clothes walking around the crash site. Price: 4,800 baht for a three-day trip.
Halloween at Bangkok 1899
Trade for a Halloween costume last-minute at the Bangkok 1899’s Halloween event which will include a clothing swap, pumpkin carving, face painting, and a barbecue.
Horror Movie Trivia
Aesop’s Bangkok is holding a trivia night for horror film buffs on Thursday at 7:30pm. Free entry, and winners will receive cash prizes or food vouchers.
Family-Friendly Halloweens
Here’s a list of Halloween events suitable for the kids:
Untz, untz, untz goes the beat while the Bangkok bourgeoisie dress up as nurses, witches, and Mae Naak on Halloween night.
Stranger Bar’s resident drag queen M Stranger Fox is throwing a “Halloween Hallo Queens” party on Saturday 8pm and will feature drag queens Gisele, Srimala, Jai Sira, and Natalia Pliacam.
By
Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter
KhaoSod
October 27, 2020 1:00 pm
https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/events/2020/10/27/how-to-do-both-loy-krathong-and-halloween-in-1-night/
BANGKOK — Once in a rare full moon, Loy Krathong and Halloween falls on the same fateful night – so pick your poison for 2020 and whether you want your dreams or nightmares to come true.
Here’s a list for things to do this Loy Krathongloween on Saturday:
No, I Actually Want to Float Krathong
Zip between 10 piers along the Chao Phraya via free shuttle boat to visit temples, support locals’ shops, and visit historic areas of Old Bangkok from Oct. 29 to 31 at the “River Festival Thailand 2020.”
Stops include Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Tha Maharaj, lesser-known temples, as well as riverside tourist spots like Asiatique and Lhong 1919. Iconsiam mall’s festival runs Tuesday through Sunday, and will have ice krathongs (despite the term, they are not drugs) and biodegradable krathongs for people to float.
Bangkok Metropolitan Authority will hold a Loy Krathong celebration by Khlong Oang Ang
A Halloween-themed Loy Krathong will take place at Chulalongkorn University’s pond in the city center.
Those going upcountry for the weekend may want to stop by Sukhothai Historical Park, where Loy Krathong Festival will be hosted from Oct. 23 to Nov. 1, with light and sound shows from Tuesday through Saturday. Free entry.
No, I Actually Want to Be Scared
On Halloween night, the Bangkok Hiking Meetup will camp on a remote campsite close to where the Lauda Air Flight 004 crashed in 1991 in Suphan Buri and killed all 213 passengers – the deadliest aviation tragedy in Thai history.
Local hikers say they have seen foreigners dressed in business clothes walking around the crash site. Price: 4,800 baht for a three-day trip.
Halloween at Bangkok 1899
Trade for a Halloween costume last-minute at the Bangkok 1899’s Halloween event which will include a clothing swap, pumpkin carving, face painting, and a barbecue.
Horror Movie Trivia
Aesop’s Bangkok is holding a trivia night for horror film buffs on Thursday at 7:30pm. Free entry, and winners will receive cash prizes or food vouchers.
Family-Friendly Halloweens
Here’s a list of Halloween events suitable for the kids:
- Halloween Monsters Party at K-Village, Oct. 31 from 3pm to 9pm. Trick-or-treating, carnival games, and a Halloween market expected.
- Bambini Villa Little Ghosts Party, Oct. 31 from 11am to 5pm at Bambini Villa family mall.
- Bangkok Farmers’ Market Halloween Party, Oct. 31 to Nov. 1.
Untz, untz, untz goes the beat while the Bangkok bourgeoisie dress up as nurses, witches, and Mae Naak on Halloween night.
Stranger Bar’s resident drag queen M Stranger Fox is throwing a “Halloween Hallo Queens” party on Saturday 8pm and will feature drag queens Gisele, Srimala, Jai Sira, and Natalia Pliacam.
- Latino Halloween Party at Mojjo Rooftop Party, free flow drinks 699 baht from 7pm to 9pm
- Jungle Jam at Jam bar. Free entry.
- Mustache Takeover at Spectrum Lounge & Bar
- The Haunting at Insanity Nightclub, from Oct. 30 to 31
- Sway
- Kolour Halloween. Tickets 950 baht at the door.
Appeal Court overturned the conviction of criminal defamation agst journalist Suchanee Cloitre
4 reporting labour rights abuses of migrant workers citing Section 329 (3) of #Thailand Criminal Code #SLAPPs #bizhumanrights
4 reporting labour rights abuses of migrant workers citing Section 329 (3) of #Thailand Criminal Code #SLAPPs #bizhumanrights
Focused on Thai King, protesters vow to persist
even if PM Prayut quits
The growing resolve of key protesters shows that there's no easy short-term solution to end the movement.PHOTO: REUTERS
BANGKOK (BLOOMBERG) - With Thai protests intensifying against the monarchy, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's hold on power is growing more tenuous by the day.
A poll published Sunday (Oct 25) by Bangkok's Suan Dusit University showed more than 62 per cent of participants said discontent with Prayuth was the key reason for the recent demonstrations.
The former army chief has run Thailand for more than six years, taking power in a 2014 coup and returning as premier after elections last year under a constitution produced by his military regime.
Mr Prayut has so far refused to resign in the face of repeated deadlines set by protesters to step down. During a special parliament session this week, he said that the government would restart in November a stalled process for amending the constitution and accused many lawmakers of having "short memories."
"If I didn't take power in 2014, what would happen?" he told Parliament on Tuesday. "Would there be riots in Thailand? Did you forget all the things that happened before I came in? Did you forget all the chaos, all the corruption?"
But even if Mr Prayut quits, protesters say they aren't going anywhere until the political system engineered by the royalist elite is also gone.
That means they'll continue pushing their other demands: A more democratic constitution and more accountability for King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Same problems
"The protest movement won't end until we've reached all of our three demands," Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, a key protest leader, said in a phone interview.
"Even if Prayut quits, someone like Prayut will replace him and we'll go back to the same problems again. All the changes in the government, the charter and the monarchy need to happen at the same time."
The growing resolve of key protesters shows that there's no easy short-term solution to end the movement. They've adopted Hong Kong-style tactics to keep police off balance, prompting Mr Prayut to lift a state of emergency in Bangkok last week after authorities struggled to enforce it.
Thai royalists show support for King as lawmakers meet
Thai economy's Covid-19 recovery shaken as protests pose new risks
Much like the Hong Kong protests, which made demands for democracy that threatened an entrenched power, the Thai demonstrators are looking to upend the royalist elite that has run the country for much of its history.
While China managed to stem large-scale protests by implementing a repressive national security law, Thailand's leaders potentially face a greater risk with a more aggressive response.
Any action that leads to bloodshed - which has occurred throughout Thailand's history, most recently in 2010 - could further hurt an economy dependent on trade and tourism that is already reeling from the pandemic. Thailand's benchmark SET Index has fallen almost 24 per cent this year, the most in Asia.
Upper hand
Mr Prayut would only consider resignation if the government loses legitimacy due to using force on protesters or an economic crisis, according to Prof Siripan Nogsuan Sawasdee, head of the Department of Government at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Political Science.
"The government for now still has the upper hand," she said.
Even if Mr Prayut goes, the system that allowed him to take power without standing in the election is still in place. The constitution now gives the 250-member Senate, which is appointed by the military, a vote for the prime minister along with the 500-member lower house - stacking the odds in favour of the establishment candidates.
Possible replacements for Mr Prayut include Deputy Premier Anutin Charnvirakul and former premier Abhisit Vejjajiva, who were both nominated for prime minister during the last election.
Thailand cracks down on protesters: A timeline of events
'Please resign,' Thai opposition tells PM at protest debate
But if they don't muster enough support, the charter allows for the possibility of an "outsider" candidate to contest, with analysts saying that could include someone like Mr Apirat Kongsompong, a former army chief who's now working for the palace.
"The system was designed to keep the establishment in power, so it's unlikely that they'll do anything to change that structure," said Prof Punchada Sirivunnabood, an associate professor of politics at Mahidol University near Bangkok.
"They may agree to either some changes to the constitution, or the government's resignation, but not both."
The final demand on changes to the monarchy is the most ambitious. Protesters have broken long-held taboos about publicly criticising the royal family, with demands for the monarch to no longer endorse coups, provide transparency in how funds are spent, and get rid of laws that stifle discussion of the royal family.
Global Reach
Protesters have begun making their case on the world stage: On Monday, they submitted a letter to the German Embassy in Bangkok asking the government in Berlin to investigate the king, who spends much of his time in the European country, over tax and visa violations there.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said authorities were examining the issues, and warned there would be "immediate consequences" if they found anything illegal.
Thai protesters say they will petition Germany over king
The palace hasn't commented on the protester demands, or the remarks from the German authorities. Calls to the Bureau of the Royal Household seeking comments went unanswered on Tuesday.
"The student demand for a reform to the monarchy is the least likely to be addressed," said Prof Christopher Ankersen, associate professor at New York University's School of Professional Studies Center for Global Affairs.
"It's not evident that this king would be interested in agreeing to them. It's difficult to imagine him being convinced to 'retire' from the scene, relinquish day to day control over the kingdom or live out the rest of his days as a true constitutional monarch."
Still, protest organisers like Jatupat believe they have momentum on their side despite the long odds.
"Each time we hold a demonstration, there are more and more people joining," said Jatupat. "People are optimistic that there will be changes."
even if PM Prayut quits
The growing resolve of key protesters shows that there's no easy short-term solution to end the movement.PHOTO: REUTERS
- UPDATED
4 HOURS AGO
BANGKOK (BLOOMBERG) - With Thai protests intensifying against the monarchy, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's hold on power is growing more tenuous by the day.
A poll published Sunday (Oct 25) by Bangkok's Suan Dusit University showed more than 62 per cent of participants said discontent with Prayuth was the key reason for the recent demonstrations.
The former army chief has run Thailand for more than six years, taking power in a 2014 coup and returning as premier after elections last year under a constitution produced by his military regime.
Mr Prayut has so far refused to resign in the face of repeated deadlines set by protesters to step down. During a special parliament session this week, he said that the government would restart in November a stalled process for amending the constitution and accused many lawmakers of having "short memories."
"If I didn't take power in 2014, what would happen?" he told Parliament on Tuesday. "Would there be riots in Thailand? Did you forget all the things that happened before I came in? Did you forget all the chaos, all the corruption?"
But even if Mr Prayut quits, protesters say they aren't going anywhere until the political system engineered by the royalist elite is also gone.
That means they'll continue pushing their other demands: A more democratic constitution and more accountability for King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Same problems
"The protest movement won't end until we've reached all of our three demands," Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, a key protest leader, said in a phone interview.
"Even if Prayut quits, someone like Prayut will replace him and we'll go back to the same problems again. All the changes in the government, the charter and the monarchy need to happen at the same time."
The growing resolve of key protesters shows that there's no easy short-term solution to end the movement. They've adopted Hong Kong-style tactics to keep police off balance, prompting Mr Prayut to lift a state of emergency in Bangkok last week after authorities struggled to enforce it.
Thai royalists show support for King as lawmakers meet
Thai economy's Covid-19 recovery shaken as protests pose new risks
Much like the Hong Kong protests, which made demands for democracy that threatened an entrenched power, the Thai demonstrators are looking to upend the royalist elite that has run the country for much of its history.
While China managed to stem large-scale protests by implementing a repressive national security law, Thailand's leaders potentially face a greater risk with a more aggressive response.
Any action that leads to bloodshed - which has occurred throughout Thailand's history, most recently in 2010 - could further hurt an economy dependent on trade and tourism that is already reeling from the pandemic. Thailand's benchmark SET Index has fallen almost 24 per cent this year, the most in Asia.
Upper hand
Mr Prayut would only consider resignation if the government loses legitimacy due to using force on protesters or an economic crisis, according to Prof Siripan Nogsuan Sawasdee, head of the Department of Government at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Political Science.
"The government for now still has the upper hand," she said.
Even if Mr Prayut goes, the system that allowed him to take power without standing in the election is still in place. The constitution now gives the 250-member Senate, which is appointed by the military, a vote for the prime minister along with the 500-member lower house - stacking the odds in favour of the establishment candidates.
Possible replacements for Mr Prayut include Deputy Premier Anutin Charnvirakul and former premier Abhisit Vejjajiva, who were both nominated for prime minister during the last election.
Thailand cracks down on protesters: A timeline of events
'Please resign,' Thai opposition tells PM at protest debate
But if they don't muster enough support, the charter allows for the possibility of an "outsider" candidate to contest, with analysts saying that could include someone like Mr Apirat Kongsompong, a former army chief who's now working for the palace.
"The system was designed to keep the establishment in power, so it's unlikely that they'll do anything to change that structure," said Prof Punchada Sirivunnabood, an associate professor of politics at Mahidol University near Bangkok.
"They may agree to either some changes to the constitution, or the government's resignation, but not both."
The final demand on changes to the monarchy is the most ambitious. Protesters have broken long-held taboos about publicly criticising the royal family, with demands for the monarch to no longer endorse coups, provide transparency in how funds are spent, and get rid of laws that stifle discussion of the royal family.
Global Reach
Protesters have begun making their case on the world stage: On Monday, they submitted a letter to the German Embassy in Bangkok asking the government in Berlin to investigate the king, who spends much of his time in the European country, over tax and visa violations there.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said authorities were examining the issues, and warned there would be "immediate consequences" if they found anything illegal.
Thai protesters say they will petition Germany over king
The palace hasn't commented on the protester demands, or the remarks from the German authorities. Calls to the Bureau of the Royal Household seeking comments went unanswered on Tuesday.
"The student demand for a reform to the monarchy is the least likely to be addressed," said Prof Christopher Ankersen, associate professor at New York University's School of Professional Studies Center for Global Affairs.
"It's not evident that this king would be interested in agreeing to them. It's difficult to imagine him being convinced to 'retire' from the scene, relinquish day to day control over the kingdom or live out the rest of his days as a true constitutional monarch."
Still, protest organisers like Jatupat believe they have momentum on their side despite the long odds.
"Each time we hold a demonstration, there are more and more people joining," said Jatupat. "People are optimistic that there will be changes."
Rebel alliance: Bangkok's motorcycle taxi drivers aid Thai protesters
Bangkok motorcycle taxi riders have come to the aid of anti-government protesters, offering lifts and keeping an eye out for trouble. (Photo: AFP/Mladen ANTONOV)
28 Oct 2020 04:28PM
BANGKOK: Orange-vested drivers of motorcycle taxis have become allies to Thailand's anti-government protesters gathering across traffic-snarled Bangkok, offering lifts and keeping an eye out for trouble.
When authorities shut down train lines this month in an effort to curb daily rallies, drivers of the capital's motorcycle taxis came to the rescue, ferrying stranded protesters to demonstration sites.
But they have long waited on the sidelines of the youth-led movement, cheering student leaders on as they demanded the resignation of Premier Prayut Chan-o-cha and issued unprecedented calls for reform to the kingdom's monarchy.
"I root for these kids," said driver Supatr Manapornsiri, 41, adding that he keeps his prices low because he supports their goals.
"My income has increased a bit," he told AFP, saying it jumps from 1,000 baht (US$32) a day to 1,300 to 1,400 baht during protests.
Another driver Pakin Kamhamauk, 44, sometimes even grants free rides.
"If they happen to have no money then that's fine," he said.
Motorcycle taxis may appear a haphazard transport option for Bangkok's traffic-clogged roads, but there is order in the chaos, with passengers lining up on specific street corners to wait for drivers.
Congregating around demonstrations in their signature orange vests, the drivers are also helpful as look-outs.
Many motorcycle taxi drivers say they sympathise with the protesters' goals – and are happy to lend a helping hand. (Photo: AFP/Mladen ANTONOV)
In October, when authorities deployed water cannon for the first time since protests kicked off in July, it was the drivers who rushed to provide early warnings and later blockaded some roads so activists could safely escape riot police.
Supatr said he worries for the mostly young protesters, who have rallied peacefully for their goals.
"They're well-disciplined. They don't go off to do stupid things," he said.
"I want every single one of them to be safe."
FIRST ON THE SCENE
Thailand has a history of street politics turning violent, with massive demonstrations in the past prompting tough crackdowns from authorities.
Motorcycle taxi drivers have aligned themselves in previous protest cycles with the so-called "Red Shirts", mostly working-class blocs supporting ousted populist premiers Yingluck and Thaksin of the prominent Shinawatra clan.
While today's growing movement is fronted by university students, the drivers – who often hail from rural northeastern provinces and Bangkok's slums – have gamely jumped on.
Massive rallies have rocked the Thai capital for months. (Photo: AFP/Lillian SUWANRUMPHA)
Dubbed by some as the "Orange Shirts", a play on Thailand's colour-coded political factions, motorcycle taxi drivers are able to snake through tens of thousands of protesters, leaning on their intimate knowledge of the capital's backstreets.
"If there are protesters who faint, we're usually the first to help them out," driver Yom, 49, who declined to give his full name, told AFP.
Happy to support a movement seeking to oust Prayut, he said the former military chief has done little to boost Thailand's ailing economy since the 2014 coup that brought him to power.
"He doesn't know how to manage a single thing," Yom said.
"The country keeps edging closer to a cliff. I think it's time to replace him with someone new."
Source: AFP/dv
Bangkok motorcycle taxi riders have come to the aid of anti-government protesters, offering lifts and keeping an eye out for trouble. (Photo: AFP/Mladen ANTONOV)
28 Oct 2020 04:28PM
BANGKOK: Orange-vested drivers of motorcycle taxis have become allies to Thailand's anti-government protesters gathering across traffic-snarled Bangkok, offering lifts and keeping an eye out for trouble.
When authorities shut down train lines this month in an effort to curb daily rallies, drivers of the capital's motorcycle taxis came to the rescue, ferrying stranded protesters to demonstration sites.
But they have long waited on the sidelines of the youth-led movement, cheering student leaders on as they demanded the resignation of Premier Prayut Chan-o-cha and issued unprecedented calls for reform to the kingdom's monarchy.
"I root for these kids," said driver Supatr Manapornsiri, 41, adding that he keeps his prices low because he supports their goals.
"My income has increased a bit," he told AFP, saying it jumps from 1,000 baht (US$32) a day to 1,300 to 1,400 baht during protests.
Another driver Pakin Kamhamauk, 44, sometimes even grants free rides.
"If they happen to have no money then that's fine," he said.
Motorcycle taxis may appear a haphazard transport option for Bangkok's traffic-clogged roads, but there is order in the chaos, with passengers lining up on specific street corners to wait for drivers.
Congregating around demonstrations in their signature orange vests, the drivers are also helpful as look-outs.
Many motorcycle taxi drivers say they sympathise with the protesters' goals – and are happy to lend a helping hand. (Photo: AFP/Mladen ANTONOV)
In October, when authorities deployed water cannon for the first time since protests kicked off in July, it was the drivers who rushed to provide early warnings and later blockaded some roads so activists could safely escape riot police.
Supatr said he worries for the mostly young protesters, who have rallied peacefully for their goals.
"They're well-disciplined. They don't go off to do stupid things," he said.
"I want every single one of them to be safe."
FIRST ON THE SCENE
Thailand has a history of street politics turning violent, with massive demonstrations in the past prompting tough crackdowns from authorities.
Motorcycle taxi drivers have aligned themselves in previous protest cycles with the so-called "Red Shirts", mostly working-class blocs supporting ousted populist premiers Yingluck and Thaksin of the prominent Shinawatra clan.
While today's growing movement is fronted by university students, the drivers – who often hail from rural northeastern provinces and Bangkok's slums – have gamely jumped on.
Massive rallies have rocked the Thai capital for months. (Photo: AFP/Lillian SUWANRUMPHA)
Dubbed by some as the "Orange Shirts", a play on Thailand's colour-coded political factions, motorcycle taxi drivers are able to snake through tens of thousands of protesters, leaning on their intimate knowledge of the capital's backstreets.
"If there are protesters who faint, we're usually the first to help them out," driver Yom, 49, who declined to give his full name, told AFP.
Happy to support a movement seeking to oust Prayut, he said the former military chief has done little to boost Thailand's ailing economy since the 2014 coup that brought him to power.
"He doesn't know how to manage a single thing," Yom said.
"The country keeps edging closer to a cliff. I think it's time to replace him with someone new."
Source: AFP/dv
Panel proposes quarantine cut to 10 days
Movement tracing in lieu of longer stay
Bangkok POst PUBLISHED : 30 OCT 2020 AT 06:00
A soldier from the Naresuan task force stands guard on the Thai side of the border with Myanmmar in tambon Tha Sai Luad, Mae Sot district, Tak province. The border patrol has been stepped up to prevent security threats and a possible spread of Covid-19 throughillegal crossings. (Photo by Nutthawat Wicheanbut)
As the national communicable disease committee approves the national quarantine policy draft, its panel of health experts said they agree in principle with the proposal to reduce the mandatory quarantine period for returnees from 14 to 10 days.
Speaking after the committee's meeting on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the policy draft is intended to bolster long-term efforts to reopen the country to tourists and revive the pandemic-hit economy.
The policy draft was designed to ensure that Thailand has enough quarantine venues with rigorous health and safety standards to support the country's eventual reopening, the minister said.
It also sought to develop a streamlined approach to running quarantine facilities, so all facilities, both at the national and provincial levels, can work together effectively under the supervision of the national communicable diseases committee in Bangkok, he added.
The draft also contains guidelines for managing a quarantine venue -- including the assignment of personnel and standards of services in common and/or other public areas.
"It covers the screening of suspected cases, general management of the venue's environment, provision of basic services, data collection and reporting, contact tracing, as well as venue assessment and evaluation criteria," Mr Anutin said.
The public health minister also said the committee's panel of specialists have agreed in principle with the proposal to cut the current 14-day quarantine period for returnees to 10 days.
In place of the 14-day quarantine, the Department of Disease Control will monitor returnees for another four days once they complete a 10-day quarantine, the proposal said.
Movement tracing will be carried out and returnees must adhere to social distancing rules, avoid crowded places and wear a face mask in public places.
The proposal will be presented to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration for consideration, Mr Anutin said.
He said the Covid-19 situation in Thailand is under control, as most of the new infections are returnees.
''The priority now is to strike a balance between people's health and the economy. We have to work together to help revive the economy.
"Thailand still has to rely on foreign tourists. Reopening the country to foreign visitors will help put the economy back on track," Mr Anutin said.
Meanwhile, Supakit Sirilak, director-general of the Department of Medical Sciences, said on Thursday the 57-year-old French woman who tested positive for Covid-19 after leaving an alternative state quarantine facility in Samut Prakan on Oct 15 did not contract the virus from the foreigners who stayed next to her room.
The sample she gave did not match those provided by the other patients, who tested positive on Oct 15 and Oct 19, he said.
Movement tracing in lieu of longer stay
Bangkok POst PUBLISHED : 30 OCT 2020 AT 06:00
As the national communicable disease committee approves the national quarantine policy draft, its panel of health experts said they agree in principle with the proposal to reduce the mandatory quarantine period for returnees from 14 to 10 days.
Speaking after the committee's meeting on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the policy draft is intended to bolster long-term efforts to reopen the country to tourists and revive the pandemic-hit economy.
The policy draft was designed to ensure that Thailand has enough quarantine venues with rigorous health and safety standards to support the country's eventual reopening, the minister said.
It also sought to develop a streamlined approach to running quarantine facilities, so all facilities, both at the national and provincial levels, can work together effectively under the supervision of the national communicable diseases committee in Bangkok, he added.
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The draft also contains guidelines for managing a quarantine venue -- including the assignment of personnel and standards of services in common and/or other public areas.
"It covers the screening of suspected cases, general management of the venue's environment, provision of basic services, data collection and reporting, contact tracing, as well as venue assessment and evaluation criteria," Mr Anutin said.
The public health minister also said the committee's panel of specialists have agreed in principle with the proposal to cut the current 14-day quarantine period for returnees to 10 days.
In place of the 14-day quarantine, the Department of Disease Control will monitor returnees for another four days once they complete a 10-day quarantine, the proposal said.
Movement tracing will be carried out and returnees must adhere to social distancing rules, avoid crowded places and wear a face mask in public places.
The proposal will be presented to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration for consideration, Mr Anutin said.
He said the Covid-19 situation in Thailand is under control, as most of the new infections are returnees.
''The priority now is to strike a balance between people's health and the economy. We have to work together to help revive the economy.
"Thailand still has to rely on foreign tourists. Reopening the country to foreign visitors will help put the economy back on track," Mr Anutin said.
Meanwhile, Supakit Sirilak, director-general of the Department of Medical Sciences, said on Thursday the 57-year-old French woman who tested positive for Covid-19 after leaving an alternative state quarantine facility in Samut Prakan on Oct 15 did not contract the virus from the foreigners who stayed next to her room.
The sample she gave did not match those provided by the other patients, who tested positive on Oct 15 and Oct 19, he said.
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