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.

Eighty five people suffocated after being arrested and packed into military trucks to be taken to Narathiwat’s Tak Bai district. (Bangkok Post file photo)Human rights defender Angkhana Neelaphaijit on Monday called for improvements in the country's justice system and for the political willpower to hold to account those responsible for the deaths of more than 80 Muslim protesters in Tak Bai in 2004. The Tak Bai incident took place on Oct 25, 2004, when 85 Muslim protesters died, mostly from suffocation, while being transported on military trucks. "The families of the victims and the Tak Bai residents filed lawsuits to seek justice but it turned out all the cases were dropped by the prosecutors who were supposed to administer justice," she said. "In this Tak Bai case, we have three years to bring the case to court to have the truth revealed and established, to return justice to the victims."

Recovery to dominate Asean talksPrime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will press to promote and strengthen Asean's response to the Covid-19 pandemic and build a sustainable post-pandemic future at the 38th and 39th Asean and related summits this week. Gen Prayut will participate in 14 meetings under the Asean framework via teleconference from today until Thursday, according to government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana. According to Mr Thanakorn, Thailand will also provide support on promoting cooperation to address the pandemic and its impacts between Asean and its dialogue partners. This also included peace and security building to help the region keep up with geopolitical challenges. In addition to attending the 38th and 39th Asean summits, the PM will participate in meetings with Asean's dialogue partners, such as China and Japan and the 13th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle meeting.

Four biggest wins at the T20 World CupScotland's Mark Watt (R) was one of five batters to fall to the spin of Mujeeb Ur RahmanSHARJAH: Afghanistan thrashed Scotland by 130 runs in a Super 12s match at the Twenty20 World Cup on Monday. 130, South Africa v Scotland, 2009An unbeaten 79 by batting superstar AB de Villiers steered South Africa to 211 for five in a group encounter at the Oval. 130, Afghanistan v Scotland, 2021Hazratullah Zazai (44) and Najibullah Zadran (59) smashed six sixes between them to pummel the Scotland attack and guide the team to 190 for four in 20 overs. 116, England v Afghanistan, 2012Luke Wright's unbeaten 99 fired England to 196 for five as they took apart the Afghan bowlers. Pace bowler Stuart Broad returned figures of 2-10 as England skittled out Afghanistan for 80 in 17.2 overs.

Biden to be first US president to join Asean summit in four yearsUS President Joe Biden speaks during a town hall about his infrastructure investment proposals at the Baltimore Center Stage Pearlstone Theater in Baltimore on Thursday. The US embassy in Brunei told Reuters that Biden will lead the US delegation for the Asean-United States summit, part of a series of Asean leaders' meetings this week. They expect Biden to focus on collaboration on Covid-19 vaccine distribution, climate change, supply chains and infrastructure. And, meanwhile, all of us have got economic relationships growing with China.’"The Asean meetings will take place without Myanmar military leader Min Aung Hlaing, who overthrew a civilian government on Feb 1 - a rare exclusion for a grouping usually known for non-interference. Kagan called this a significant step but said more needed to be done to address the challenges Myanmar is facing.

44 Covid deaths, 8,675 new casesShoppers return to Talad Rod Fai on Srinakarin Road, in Bangkok, on Sunday, when the market reopened. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)Thailand logged 44 new Covid-19 fatalities and 8,675 new cases during the previous 24 hours, the Public Health Ministry announced on Monday morning. On Sunday, 9,589 Covid-19 patients were discharged from hospitals after recovering from the coronavirus. The compares with the daily figures of 9,351 new Covid-19 cases and 56 fatalities reported on Sunday morning. Since the pandemic started early last year, there have been 1,859,157 Covid-19 cases, with 1,740,316 complete recoveries so far.