On the surface, the MFP and Pheu Thai came across as the nucleus of a close-knit, so-called pro-democracy alliance. They had managed to side-step direct confrontation over the House speaker role early this month, although it was only a matter of time before cracks in their relationship manifested, according to a source. Pheu Thai claimed it had a long list of members who were a perfect fit for the job. He suggested Pheu Thai look in the mirror to see who was unable to practise what they preach. The MFP's main ally, the Pheu Thai Party, is now in pole position to take the lead in forming the government.

Indian rice export ban fuels price fearsMr Chookiat said as a result of India's rice ban, Thai rice exports are expected to be significantly impacted. Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said the ban is likely to prompt Thai rice mills and rice exporters to delay rice purchase orders in order to evaluate the impact, as India is the world's biggest rice exporter. "Thai rice traders are closely monitoring the situation, as initially we expected that the Indian government might adopt alternative measures instead of an export ban. However, it is believed that during this short-term period, both Thai rice exporters and the domestic rice market may have to carefully quote the rice prices, according to Mr Chookiat. "At present, the cultivation of Thai rice itself is facing problems of drought in several areas, which raises concerns that the quantity of Thai rice this year might decrease.

Move Forward steps back for Pheu ThaiMove Forward Party (MFP) secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon announces on Friday that his party resolved to step back to let the Pheu Thai Party take charge of forming a government. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)The Move Forward Party (MFP) has announced its decision to step back and allow the Pheu Thai Party to take charge of forming a government, MFP secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon announced on Friday. With Mr Pita having been blocked twice from being selected, Move Forward has now decided to give Pheu Thai the opportunity, he said. In the next parliament meeting on July 27 to select the prime minister, Move Forward would nominate a candidate from Pheu Thai for the position, while Pheu Thai could also nominate a candidate of their choice, Mr Chaithawat said. The conservative bloc had coordinated the work of its mechanisms to prevent Move Forward forming a government," Mr Chaithawat said.

The top three sectors with the highest number of new registrations were general building construction, real estate, and the hotel/restaurant business. The top three industries with the highest number of business closures were also general building construction, real estate, and the hotel/restaurant business. According to Mr Thosapone, June 2023 generated the highest number of new business registrations over the past 10 years (running from June 2014 to 2023), marking six consecutive months of growth. Nevertheless, tourism-related businesses rose by 81.2% in the first half of the year, accounting for 7.99% of all newly registered firms. Additionally, foreign currency exchange businesses saw a 257% increase, likely due to the surge in international travel.

Move Forward to renominate Pita for PMPheu Thai Party leader Cholnan Srikaew, centre, hugs and consoles Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat on Wednesday afternoon when the latter was about to leave the parliament after the Constitutional Court suspended his MP role. (Photo: Nutthawat Wicheanbut)The Move Forward Party (MFP) will renominate its leader Pita Limjaroenrat for prime minister even though a majority of both House representatives and senators rejected the renomination on Wednesday, according to its deputy leader. That day, the Constitutional Court also suspended Mr Pita from duty as an elected member of the House of Representatives. The Pheu Thai leader said he agreed that the regulation no. Dr Cholnan insisted that Pheu Thai had not considered teaming up with other parties outside the eight-party alliance.

Japanese diplomat attacked in US in anti-Asian hate crimeMembers and supporters of the Asian-American community attend a rally against hate in New York City. (Photo: AFP)A senior Japanese diplomat in Oregon was attacked by a woman last month and sustained injuries, Japan's foreign ministry said on Wednesday, in what local media reports say was an alleged anti-Asian hate crime. The diplomat, who suffered a cut to his head after hitting the pavement, was hospitalised but discharged on the same day. The diplomat told a police officer the attacker pushed him down "unprovoked", according to a report. The officer saw "a lot of blood running" when Yoshioka was taken to hospital, the report said.

Pheu Thai Party leader Cholnan Srikaew speaks to reporters at the party's headquarters on May 24. Pheu Thai Party has emerged in pole position to form a new government after parliament on Wednesday rejected a bid to renominate Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat for a prime ministerial vote. After the meeting, Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew said: "At this moment, Pheu Thai still joins hands with the other coalition allies. Asked whether the party would join a new coalition led by Pheu Thai, Mr Varawut said it was premature to discuss the matter. The source said Pheu Thai has now gathered enough support from Bhumjaithai, the PPRP and Chartthaipattana, with a combined number of 282 MPs to form a stable government.

"I love you to the Moon and back" is a phrase often used by lovers to express strong and enduring love. Piyaphach Jeeno, also known as Art Jeeno. (Photo: River City Bangkok)"Next to the painting, dried flowers are attached to the wall. (Photo: River City Bangkok)"Before this exhibition, I did not have many followers. "To The Moon And (Never) Back" runs at River City Bangkok, RCB Photographers' Gallery 1 until Sunday.

"This gives us supply chain resilience and fast delivery," he said. However, in term of manufacturing, Thailand should focus on promoting upstream production, product design, and assembly of high-value electronics products. He said diversification of manufacturing and suppliers helps minimise the risk of supply chain disruption and geopolitical issues. HP's decision on the production shift to Thailand might further enhance the attractiveness of the country. He added that the past few years have reinforced the point that HP must also design a supply chain for resilience.

The Revenue Department is planning to launch a value-added tax (VAT) reverse charge scheme in the scrap metal industry to reduce the risk of refund fraud by January 2024, says director-general Lavaron Sangsnit. The VAT reverse charge scheme, which the department plans to issue a decree for by January next year, will require iron smelter businesses, the ultimate buyer in the transaction chain of the scrap trading ecosystem, to issue both purchase and sales invoices and submit VAT to the department. On the other hand, a tax invoice which the buyer receives is called purchase tax. In the case of a VAT-registered buyer, the buyer has the right to deduct in accordance with the general provisions for the VAT the buyer calculates and reports. If the purchase tax is greater than the sales tax, the business can then claim the deduction or refund of VAT.

First, Exo returns with another album, Exist, and Taeyeon from Girls’ Generation will have a solo concert in Bangkok. The album also includes the pop R&B track Regret It in which the rapper Chanyeol showcases his songwriting skills. As a solo artist, she has showcased unique musical styles and captivated fans heart with every release, including her latest album, INVU. She was the first Korean female solo artist to hold a solo concert in Thailand, performing two shows at Impact Arena. Thai fans will have the opportunity to experience her incredible talent in person at “Taeyeon Concert - The Odd Of Love” on Aug 12 to 13 at Impact Arena.

The atmosphere in front of parliament on Thursday morning during a voting session for a new prime minister. “Both businesses and consumers are closely watching the prime ministerial selection, which could require several votes,” said Mr Thanavath. “If the prime ministerial selection and government formation proceed smoothly without intense protests, enabling the implementation of investment initiatives, the economy could grow by 4%,” he said. The FTI said Thailand needs to improve its economy as the recovery has been uneven since the pandemic. The economy is now paced by tourism, said Mr Kriengkrai, with more Chinese travellers visiting Thailand following the reopening of China early this year.

Mr Pita received 311 votes in favour from MPs and 148 against, with 39 abstentions. It is not yet clear whether the name of the Move Forward leader will be put forward again on one or both occasions. “We accept the result, but we are not retreating,” Mr Pita told reporters shortly after the results were announced. The voting at the joint sitting of the House of Representatives and the Senate followed six hours of debate on the qualifications of Mr Pita, the sole candidate. The session saw 705 out of 749 parliamentarians (one senator resigned on Wednesday) confirming their attendance for the vote.

Backed by eight prospective coalition partners, Mr Pita, who is the MFP’s sole prime minister candidate, needs 64 votes to secure the premiership. Mr Pita is accused of contesting the May 14 polls despite knowing he was ineligible as he held 42,000 shares in iTV, a media company. According to the source, the Constitutional Court, which meets every Wednesday, would only consider what was on the day’s meeting agenda. Mr Pita said on Wednesday that he was undeterred by the EC’s decision and expressed confidence that the senate would make the right call. Mr Pita also suggested that he was close to clinching the prime minister post, which would explain why the EC’s decision came on the eve of the prime minister selection.

(Photo: AFP)NIKOPOL, Ukraine: On the 500th day since Russia's invasion and as the war grinds on, Ukrainian forces are advancing slowly without enough arms and ammunition and with its main cities under constant threat. Since the beginning of June, Ukraine's army has been on the offensive to reconquer territory captured by Russian forces in the east and the south. While suffering losses, Russian forces are putting up a ferocious resistance. Russian forces "have built solid fortifications, they have a lot of equipment," said Antonina Morakhovska, a 73-year-old retired teacher in the city of Nikopol in southern Ukraine. Ukrainians remain united in the effort to repel Russian forces but their resilience is constantly being tested.