The outcome of the May 14 election was a big disappointment for Pheu Thai, which sought to score a landslide victory to return to power. The party came second behind the Move Forward Party (MFP), which had the mandate to form a coalition first. Pheu Thai stayed out of it until MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat's second attempt to become prime minister failed. Pol Gen Patcharawat believed it was best for Gen Prawit to step aside, according to a source close to the matter. As it turned out, senators close to Gen Prawit abstained in the PM vote while PPRP MPs fully backed Mr Srettha.

(Photo: Government Pharmaceutical Organization)The development of Thailand’s first Covid-19 vaccine is in the home stretch and it could be ready for use as a booster shot early next year, according to the National Vaccine Institute (NVI). The test results will be available in the middle of this month, Mr Nakhon said. Once it receives FDA approval, the GPO can start producing the vaccine to be given as a booster shot, with a target of 5-10 million doses a year. The first two phases of the study, from 2021 to 2022, showed that the GPO vaccine could stimulate Covid-19 antibodies while remaining safe to use, Mr Nakhon said. Covid-19 booster shots are still highly recommended for high-risk groups, including the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases.

Rice exports poised to reach 8m tonnesSacks of rice are stored at a rice mill in Kalasin province. Rice exports are projected to reach 8 million tonnes this year as targeted after shipments through Aug 29 tallied 5.29 million tonnes, up 11.9% year-on-year, according to the chief of the Department of Foreign Trade. "Given rice export trends, shipments are anticipated to continue increasing as demand rises for Thai rice. "We can confirm India's ban on exporting non-basmati white rice will not affect Thailand's rice exports," he said. Bhutan requested 90,000 tonnes of rice, of which 79,000 tonnes were sold, while Mauritius asked for 14,000 tonnes, all of which were sold.

Sixteen hurt as school bus hits traffic light poleNAKHON RATCHASIMA: Sixteen students were injured when a school bus overturned after hitting a traffic light pole at a junction in Kaeng Sanam Nang district yesterday morning. Authorities were alerted to the accident, which took place on Niwetrat Road, at 7.30am, said Pol Lt Col Paphon Chaisaksri, chief investigator at Kaeng Sanam Nang police station. Police and emergency responders found the school bus overturned in the middle of the road. Sixteen students aged between 10-17 were hurt in the accident, three of whom had to remain in hospital while the rest were discharged. The driver, identified only as Chainarong, 52, told police that he tried to beat the red light by pressing on the accelerator but lost control and crashed.

Free visas not enough for Chinese revivalChinese tourists pose on a beach on an island in Phangnga province in a file photo from Jan 30, 2020. Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of Atta, said there are two methods of implementation for the Chinese visa policy. He said even though Chinese travel agents are optimistic about policies from the new government, they are awaiting more clarity about tourism measures, such as those regarding visas. Negative images of Thailand are circulating on Chinese social media, particularly regarding safety, which makes them reluctant to travel, said Mr Adith. The government should accelerate this agenda before mid-September to boost the Chinese market to 5 million by the year-end.

Gen Prayut's last day at Government HouseOutgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha pays respect to shrines at Government House on Thursday morning. He said it would be the last day of his prime ministerial work at Government House. After paying respects to the shrines at Government House on Thursday morning, Gen Prayut told reporters that he would leave Government House for the sake of appropriateness. "I wish today is a good day for you," Gen Prayut told reporters at Government House. The Constitutional Court suspended his prime ministerial role in August last year pending its ruling on questions about his eight-year term prime ministerial tenure.

Policy statement nearly finalised: SretthaPrime Minister Srettha Thavisin smiles during his visit to Phuket last week to explore ways of promoting tourism and discuss the prospects for developing wellness tourism in the island province. (Photo: Achanthaya Cheunnirun)The government's policy statement, to be delivered before parliament after the new cabinet is sworn into office, is nearly complete, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Thursday. "The policy statement is expected to be ready within about a week, as it is almost 100% complete," said Mr Srettha of the Pheu Thai Party. Mr Srettha emphasised that the first cabinet meeting would prioritise teh reduction of energy prices. Based on our conversations, I think there should be no problems," Mr Srettha said.

Prawit to resign as MP while retaining PPRP leadershipOutgoing Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon arrives at the office of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand in Bangkok on Thursday morning before saying he will resign as a list MP for the Palang Pracharath Party. (Photo: Wassana Nanuam)Outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said on Thursday he will resign as an MP but will remain as leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). Gen Prawit is the only PPRP MP on the party list. The outgoing deputy prime minister said he still feels energetic working in the field of sports. Gen Prawit, 78, is one of the "Three Por Generals", a clique that also includes outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and outgoing Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda.

Household debt reached 15.9 trillion baht in the first quarter of the year, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council. (Photo: Patipat Janthong)The consumer confidence index dropped to 55.6 in July from 56.7 the previous month as consumers were concerned about household debt, says Fiscal Policy Office director-general Pornchai Thiraveja. The ratio of household debt to GDP stood at 90.6%, representing a slight decrease from the previous quarter. Thailand's headline inflation declined to 0.38% in July mainly from lower raw food prices, while core inflation declined to 0.86% due to the high base last year. In July 2023, 2.49 million foreign tourists visited Thailand, representing an increase of 120% year-on-year.

PM Srettha promises quick cut in energy pricesAs electricity meters click over, the new prime minister has promised an early reduction in the price of energy. (Photo: Bangkok Post)New Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has promised an early announcement of reductions in energy prices after his administration starts work. Responding to reporters questions, Mr Srettha said at the parliament on Wednesday that his cabinet would cut energy prices soon after it gets down to work. The caretaker cabinet of outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had its last meeting on Tuesday. Mr Srettha of the Pheu Thai Party was speaking after meeting with outgoing Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow and the economic team of the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) at the parliament on Wednesday.

Thailand mulls easing visa rules to lure Chinese, Indian touristsPeople take a stroll along one of the beaches in Phuket province. Meanwhile, travellers from India must pay 2,000 baht ($57) for a 15-day visa on arrival. The airport operator agreed to reduce bottlenecks to augment flights capacity by 20% and find ways to speed up immigration clearances, Mr Srettha said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, right, meets with leaders of eight major airlines — Thai Airways, Thai Vietjet Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, THAI Smile Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air. But the return of Chinese visitors has been slower-than-expected even though China was the largest source of travellers last month at nearly 420,000.

Last week Mr Pita said in a media interview that neither he nor his party wanted to be leader of the opposition. Under Section 106 of the charter, the opposition leader is appointed from the largest party in that camp. But an MP from the leading opposition party cannot serve as a cabinet minister or as the House speaker or deputy speaker. “The opposition leader post is important because it receives royal endorsement. Mr Chuan also said that because the Pheu Thai-led government is not yet fully formed, Mr Padipat need not step as a deputy speaker.

PM Srettha: Cabinet line-up finalisedPrime Minister Srettha Thavisin speaks to reporters. (Bangkok Post file photo)Freshly appointed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Monday his cabinet line-up was finalised, amid speculation the new defence minister could be a civilian member of the prime minister's Pheu Thai PartyMr Srettha, speaking at party headquarters, said the cabinet line-up was settled as far as he was concerned. Mr Srettha said that the defence minister would have to be able to discuss and coordinate security issues and show leadership. He refused to be drawn on speculation the new defence minister may be a civilian. Sources said Pheu Thai deputy leader Sutin Klungsang could be the new defence minister, succeeding outgoing Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Move Forward must officially renounce opposition leader role, says WanPadipat Suntiphada, right, and Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat meet reporters at the parliament after the former was elected a deputy House speaker on July 4. Mr Wan said the right to assume the opposition leader seat must go to the leader of the biggest part of the opposition. A party cannot have its MP concurrently occupy the positions of deputy House speaker and opposition leader. "The charter and the parliamentary rules dictate that an opposition leader must be appointed," he said, explaining that the leader of the opposition takes part in selecting members of some independent agencies. But Mr Wan insisted no deadline is imposed on when the opposition leader must take office.

Thaksin can seek pardon despite opposition: prison bossFormer prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra greets supporters at Don Mueang airport on Aug 22 as he returned to the country after 15 years of self-imposed exile. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)Corrections authorities insist former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra can seek a royal pardon while opponents object to such a request, saying he was investigated for lese majeste. The governor said an application for a royal pardon begins at the petitioner's prison. Prison authorities will check the written petition and then forward it to the Department of Corrections. Mr Nastee also said that visitors would be allowed to see Thaksin at Police General Hospital from Monday onwards.