Officials at Suvarnabhumi airport conduct an exercise on the Thailand Pass process on Wednesday. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)The government will launch the "Thailand Pass" system to fast-track procedures for foreign visitors when the country reopens on Monday. Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Thailand is ready to reopen with the Thailand Pass system set to replace certificates of entry (CoE) and reduce unnecessary paperwork. Foreign tourists and Thais who wish to enter Thailand can register for Thailand Pass online at tp.consular.go.th from Monday. Once they have received approval, travellers can download the Thailand Pass QR code to show to airline and screening officers.

PM gets booster shot ahead of tripPrime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday received the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine as his booster shot before attending the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow. Kiattiphum Wongrajit, public health secretary-general, administered the shot at Government House before Gen Prayut took part in the 13th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Summit. He received doses of AstraZeneca on March 16 and May 24. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the PM was among the first in Thailand to receive two doses of AstraZeneca and a booster shot of Pfizer, an mRNA vaccine. Mr Anutin received the Sinovac vaccine on March 1, becoming the first person in the country to do so.

Boy shot outside police station diesA 15-year-old boy who was seriously wounded by a bullet in chaotic scenes in front of Din Daeng police station in August died yesterday morning, according to Amnesty International Thailand. He was shot in the neck with a bullet lodged in the upper part of his spine. Piyanut Kotsan, director of Amnesty International Thailand, yesterday expressed condolences to the boy's family and called on authorities to speed up the investigation into the shooting. The boy was the first protester shot when anti-government demonstrators confronted police in Din Daeng on that August night. Meanwhile, police said yesterday that 15 people have been summoned to answer charges related to violent protests taking place in the Din Daeng area.

The future of Palang Pracharath secretary-general Capt Thamanat Prompow is the main agenda in a key party meeting on Thursday. Asked if there was any connection between the party's overhaul and its secretary-general Capt Thamanat Prompow, Mr Chaiwut admitted there was a problem with Capt Thamanat. PPRP deputy leader Wirach Ratanasate also denied a report that nine PPRP executive committee members had tendered their resignations. Mr Wirach said Deputy Prime Minister and PPRP leader Prawit Wongsuwon had not sent any signal regarding the replacement of the party's secretary-general. On Tuesday, Capt Thamanat met for talks with Gen Prawit at the Five Provinces Bordering Forest Preservation Foundation, party sources said.

Covid fears mount as Bangkok eyes touristsA worker cleans Don Mueang, one of the airports to reopen for fully vaccinated travellers on Monday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)About 300,000 foreign tourists are expected to visit Bangkok in each of the next two months after the capital reopens, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Bangkok governor Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang chaired a meeting via teleconference of a committee steering the plan to reopen Bangkok to fully vaccinated tourists. Practice run: Airport staff yesterday took part in a drill to practise screening arrivals at Suvarnabhumi airport in preparation for the country’s reopening to foreign visitors on Nov 1. High on the agenda will be the reopening plan and moves to revise the colour-coding system used to identify the severity outbreak in, a source said.

Sept factory output falls 1.28% y/yThe manufacturing production index (MPI) for September showed a smaller than expected drop of 1.28% from a year earlier, the Industry Ministry said on Wednesday. This followed an easing of coronavirus restrictions. The reading compared with a forecast for a 3.0% fall in output in a Reuters poll and August's revised 4.71% decline.

Locals are seen walking on Sarasin Bridge in Phuket, which is a landmark of the island, and may be the venue for the countdown celebration. Mr Bocelli is already confirmed to perform at the countdown event in Phuket, however, Thai-born K-pop singer Lisa's presence needs to be finalised again because of her packed schedule, particularly at the end of the year. The ambiance at the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2018 event held on Thalang Road in Phuket. He said the countdown celebration is expected to take place at Sarasin Bridge, a landmark which tells the island's love story. K-pop sensation Lalisa ManobanHe said the ministry will also discuss safety and health guidelines for mass gatherings with the Public Health Ministry.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha addresses the 38th and 39th Asean Summits via videoconference on Tuesday. Gen Prayut told Asean leaders that the Covid-19 crisis underlines the region's vulnerability to coping with emerging threats. "Asean should start reopening and allowing for safe travel to revive its economies," he said, adding that the Asean Travel Corridor Arrangement Framework should be put into practice, with mutual recognition of vaccines and vaccine certificates to facilitate business travel, and later tourism. The Thai prime minister complimented the progress made in using the Covid-19 Asean Response Fund to procure vaccines, and hoped member states would receive these soon. Hopes are still running high that a special envoy of Asean chair Brunei can visit Myanmar soon.

PPRP considering executive board overhaulPrawit: Shake-up on the cardsThe ruling Palang Pracharath Party is mulling a reshuffle of its executive board, a move which could see its secretary-general replaced. PPRP leader Prawit Wongsuwon said he was thinking about altering the party's executive line-up although he said that now was not the time for the changes. However, PPRP deputy leader Wirach Ratanasate said on Tuesday he has heard nothing from the PPRP leader about an internal reshuffle. Capt Thamanat upset Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha after he allegedly plotted to unseat him in the last no-confidence debate. Mr Wirach also said if executive post changes are thought through carefully, they should go ahead.

Thailand should continue to uphold its neutrality over the territorial conflict in the South China Sea and tread carefully in forging diplomacy with countries embroiled in the dispute, a seminar was told. Phum Mulsilp, a lecturer at Srinakharinwirot University's Faculty of Social Sciences, said the dispute over the South China Sea (SCS) stemmed chiefly from struggles for natural resources and the territorial claims that various countries have asserted. These definitions have a direct bearing on the territorial powers, rights and interests of states running coastlines in the SCS. The US, meanwhile, has consistently refused to acknowledge China's territorial claims in the SCS, citing freedom of navigation. Sitting on the fence, Thailand should act carefully and play its diplomacy card with countries that are parties to the SCS conflict.

Teacher accused of hire-purchase fraudPeople hold a banner as they file a complaint with the CSD accusing a schoolteacher in Bangkok of stealing their vehicles. The accused teacher was identified by police only as Rachayon. They alleged that Mr Rachayon paid a few instalments and then disappeared, leaving them out of pocket. Mr Tantikorn said he repeatedly visited Mr Rachayon's school but was finally told on Oct 16 that the teacher had not turned up for work for many days. Mr Tantikorn claimed that 50 other people had been duped by Mr Rachayon with the total damage amounting to 50 million baht.

Exports, a key driver of growth, increased 17.1% in September from a year earlier, beating a forecast for a rise of 11.62% in a Reuters poll, and against August's 8.9% rise. In January-September, shipments rose 15.5% year-on-year and should post strong growth in 2021, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit told a news conference, following September's easing of coronavirus restrictions that halted activity. The export gains in September were led by stronger shipments of refined oil, chemicals, plastics and steel, the ministry said. Demand from key exports markets was also higher in September, with exports to the United States, the biggest market, up 20.2% from a year earlier. Exports to China increased by 23.3% and exports to Japan rose by 13.2%.

Verstappen has stronger hand in F1 title thrillerLewis Hamilton believes Max Verstappen is likely to increase his 12-point lead in the next two F1 races. "The next two tracks for sure are very strong for Red Bull, so it is going to be tough," said Hamilton, who is chasing a record eighth world title. Hamilton's greater experience may count for something too with Verstappen never having been in the position of front-runner for a world title, so how he handles the pressure could come into play. The manner in which he held off a fast-charging Hamilton, though, suggests he may be able to cope with it as the title race reaches its climax. "The general feedback (before this race) was: 'You guys are dominating now and what is Red Bull going to do?'

Startups looking to venture into electric vehicle businesses are upbeat on the prospectsAn electric tuk tuk redesigned to better serve elderly and disabled people. Startups venturing into electric vehicle (EV) businesses expect to see rapid post-pandemic growth of the industry, with more charging facilities and EV-sharing service platforms to serve new urban lifestyles. Chayoot Sripian, founder and chief executive of Powerup Thailand Co, an electric tuk-tuk manufacturer, said his company decided to venture into a tuk-tuk-sharing service platform during lockdown. Poonpat Loharjun, founder and chief executive of Evolt Technology Co, said his company plans to increase the number of chargers to up to 300 units by 2023 to serve growing demand. As well, renewable energy and EV developer Energy Absolute Plc announced an ambitious plan to increase its EV charging outlets to 1,000 by the end of this year.

Used car market likely to enjoy continued growthSecond-hand cars have become a more attractive choice for prospective car buyers during the pandemic. (Photo: Kitja Apichonrojarek)Thailand's used car market is expected to continue growing, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic which boosted its growth to 20-30%, said the Association of Used Cars. The used car market recorded a 10% growth on yearly average before the pandemic hit Thailand at the beginning of 2020. "Normally the used car market grows slowly. "The used car market is taking advantage of the government's lockdown easing and its plan to reopen Thailand.