FAT awaits True's decision on Thai League 1 telecast
FAT awaits True's decision on Thai League 1 telecastFAT chief Somyot Poompunmuang PRThe Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has said it is willing to extend the live telecast contract to next year and it is now up to TrueVisions to decide if it wishes to broadcast the remaining Thai League 1 matches until the end of the season. Last week, TrueVisions, the broadcast rights holder, sent a letter to the FAT, asking for Thai League 1 to resume in 14 days and wrap up the action within 2020. "It was not really up to us to decide things as we had to wait for government's decision," added Somyot. "The dates for the restart and end of the season were agreed at a meeting between the FAT, Thai League Co and representatives of all clubs. "We have offered to TrueVisions that if they are willing to live telecast all matches until the end of the season then we will extend the contract.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 22:07 UTC
Man City lay down Liverpool marker with 4-0 rout
Man City lay down Liverpool marker with 4-0 routJurgen Klopp's Liverpool were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester City. City began the evening by giving a guard of honour to their opponents, but showed little respect once the action got underway. That is why they are champions of Europe and the Premier League," said City boss Pep Guardiola. The early signs suggested Liverpool would be able to pick off a leaky City defence that has cost them their title. But City more than laid down a marker and also showed why they are among the favourites to win the Champions League for the first time when European football returns in August.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 22:07 UTC
PPRP rift in the past, says Somsak
PPRP rift in the past, says SomsakPalang Pracharath Party leader Gen Prawit WongsuwonJustice Minister Somsak Thepsutin has signalled the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) is ready to move forward and leave the internal rift among members behind, noting the fracture will not create a pretext for a cabinet reshuffle soon, despite apparent disagreements among PPRP MPs. Mr Somsak, who is also a leading figure in the Sam Mitr (Three Allies) faction in the PPRP, on Thursday said the rift has been resolved and the party elected Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon as its leader. Mr Somsak also allayed fears the conflict would set a precondition for a cabinet reshuffle in the near future. Mr Somsak said there's been no indication from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of an impending cabinet shake-up. Mr Somsak said he was in no position to talk to Mr Somkid to patch things up since the deputy prime minister is no longer a PPRP member.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 22:07 UTC
June sees consumer sentiment recovery, albeit to still-low level
June sees consumer sentiment recovery, albeit to still-low levelConsumer sentiment picked up for a second straight month in June, boosted by businesses reopening after the lockdown lapsed and the government's relief and economic stimulus schemes. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) reported yesterday that the consumer confidence index rose 49.2 in June from 48.2 in May and 47.2 in April. Despite improving sentiment, the index remains at historically low levels since October 1998. The World Bank last month warned that 8.3 million workers in Thailand could lose their jobs or income. "Concerns about the second wave of the outbreak and no sign of a global economic recovery are also key factors that affect consumer confidence," Mr Thanavath said.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 22:07 UTC
CCSA fears new surge during break
CCSA fears new surge during breakCentre for Covid-19 Situation Administration spokesman Taweesilp VisanuyothinThe Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) is concerned that a mass exodus of Thais expected to travel to their provincial homes during the long holiday on July 4-7 could lead to a new surge in Covid-19 infections, spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin said. However, the cabinet on Tuesday approved July 27 as a substitute Songkran holiday, though it has yet to assign the remaining two Songkran holidays. However, evidence had emerged that illegal migrant workers have continued to sneak across borders and mingle with local residents, Dr Taweesilp said. Asked by reporters about the long holiday, Gen Prayut said revellers should avoid crowds as part of disease control measures. Udom Kachintorn, a former deputy education minister, said the public should continue to wear face masks and observe social-distancing measures.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 22:07 UTC
CPTPP delay the right call
CPTPP delay the right callThe decision earlier this week by the House Committee on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to seek more time to study the impact of the controversial agreement means the country has prolonged its delay in joining the newly formed trade bloc which is to meet early next month in Mexico. Over the past few years, the Commerce Ministry, with support from Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, has pushed for Thailand to become a member. However, the Trade Negotiation Department has disputed the claim, insisting that farmers still have the right to store seeds -- but only for non-commercial use. While the Trade Negotiation Department is a major proponent, officials at the Public Health Ministry have countered the move. Early this year, Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul made it clear he and ministry officials were against the pact.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 22:07 UTC
2 SRT routes up for bids this year
2 SRT routes up for bids this yearThe bidding process for construction and service operation contracts for two new routes in the dual-track train project, worth 153 billion baht in total, is expected to start later this year, says State Railway of Thailand (SRT) governor Niruj Maneepun. Construction of the routes will cost 85 billion baht and 68 billion baht respectively, he added. Both routes have passed an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and next move on to the land expropriation process before the bidding stage, Mr Niruj said. Mr Niruj believes the construction of the Phase 2 routes may begin ahead of the Phase 1 routes, which are not connected. Phase 1 aims to construct routes such as the Den Chai to Pak Nam Pho, which would link Phrae with Nakhon Sawan, he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 22:07 UTC
Economic cabinet told to meet every 2 weeks
Economic cabinet told to meet every 2 weeksPrime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered the economic cabinet to meet every two weeks. (Bangkok Post file photo)Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered the economic cabinet to meet every two weeks in order to seek measures to rehabilitate the economy during the next six to 12 months. The next economic cabinet meeting is scheduled for July 10. The central bank began applications for the 500-billion-baht soft loan scheme for SMEs affected by the coronavirus crisis on April 27. The 500-billion-baht soft loan scheme is part of the third phase of relief measures.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 22:07 UTC
Somkid rustles up larger SME loans
Aviation business operators could receive a credit line exceeding 500 million baht from the central bank's soft loan scheme. The Bank of Thailand's 500-billion-baht soft loan scheme is targeted at business operators with a credit line of up to 500 million baht, but some of these business operators want loans exceeding 500 million baht, Mr Somkid said. The government will absorb interest charges for six months for SMEs that receive soft loans. The soft loan scheme had extended just 90.5 billion baht to 567,312 SMEs as of June 22. Of the total SMEs, 43,030 or 76.4% were small SMEs with credit lines below 20 million baht, 9,825 were mid-sized SMEs with credit lines of 20-100 million baht and the rest were large SMEs with credit lines of 100-500 million baht.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 22:07 UTC
Allied parties set to ditch election pact
Allied parties set to ditch election pactThe main opposition Pheu Thai Party will field a former candidate, Salinthip Sukwat, to contest the upcoming by-election in Samut Prakan's Constituency 5. The by-election, which is likely to take place next month, will likely see two major opposition parties both fielding candidates. It issued a yellow card against Mr Krungsiwilai but he is still eligible to run again. Mr Sompong expressed confidence that Ms Salinthip, a veteran politician who has continued to work in her constituency since the election defeat, would win the by-election. It is likely to be a three-horse race after Mr Krungsiwilai said he would seek re-election and the MFP expressed interest in also fielding a candidate.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 22:07 UTC
Govt wants to attract US tech firms
Government House photoUS investors are being urged to develop a Silicon Valley-like centre for innovative tech firms in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with the government pledging to devise special promotion packages for them. "We talked about the framework for working together to strengthen the economy and promote US investment in Thailand," Mr Somkid said. Mr Somkid said Thailand continues to have ample attractions for foreign investment. Mr Somkid said the US also asked the government to speed up promoting investment in promising industries like electronics, digital and medical devices. According to Mr Somkid, US investors remain keen to invest in Thailand and use it as a production base for Southeast Asia.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 22:07 UTC
Infrastructure contractors plea for time
Infrastructure contractors plea for timeInfrastructure contractors have asked the Department of Rural Roads (DRR) to extend the deadline for construction projects due to the economic ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic, a senior official said. DRR director-general Kaiwan Rojananukoon said 30-40 contractors awarded projects by the department have written to request such extensions. In light of this, the Comptroller-General's Department has told the DRR that extensions are possible, though the DRR must determine whether the contractors have actually been affected by the pandemic as claimed. However, some contractors have abandoned projects -- mostly worth about 100 million baht each -- due to a lack of liquidity, he said. It also shares responsibility with local agencies to look after about 100,000km of local roads, though the department has only 1,000 engineers who face an overload of work.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 22:07 UTC
Texas to require face coverings in public spaces
Texas to require face coverings in public spacesStaff at The Original Ninfa's restaurant in Houston, Texas, seen wearing gloves and masks, on May 1, 2020. HOUSTON - Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican and ally of US President Donald Trump, on Thursday issued an executive order requiring face coverings in public spaces as the state marks record numbers of new infections. "Restricting the size of group gatherings will strengthen Texas' ability to corral this virus and keep Texans safe," he said. Texas on Wednesday reported a record 8,076 coronavirus cases in 24 hours, 1,000 more than the record high a day earlier. Abbott's orders came as many Republican officials, who were initially lukewarm about the importance of wearing masks, begin publicly calling for face coverings as the United States sees soaring numbers of new infections.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 21:00 UTC
Ghislaine Maxwell, jet-set socialite facing jail for Epstein sex crimes
Ghislaine Maxwell, jet-set socialite facing jail for Epstein sex crimesActing US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Audrey Strauss, announces charges against Ghislaine Maxwell -- shown here with the late disgraced financier Jeffrey EpsteinNEW YORK - Once a card-carrying member of the jet-set's fashionable elite, British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell now faces years in prison if convicted of sex trafficking minors in collaboration with her former partner, the late Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell later appeared by video at a hearing on transferring her to New York to face the charges, which carry a potential life sentence. Epstein's accusers described Maxwell as the registered sex offender's right-hand confidante, acting both as paramour and madam at the behest of the multi-millionaire's proclivities. A 2003 Vanity Fair article described how Maxwell arranged much of Epstein's life, with the hedge fund manager describing her as his "best friend." Giuffre also alleges she was trafficked for underage sex with friends of Epstein, including Prince Andrew.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 20:26 UTC
Global virus infections hit record highs in swelling pandemic
Global virus infections hit record highs in swelling pandemicBrazil has more than 60,000 virus deathsLOS ANGELES - Global coronavirus infections have hit record highs as the United States and Brazil battle the world's deadliest outbreaks while new clusters around the planet test fragile gains in containing the disease. The pandemic is accelerating with more than half of the world's infections over the past half year recorded in June alone, according to the World Heath Organization. And the past week has seen new highs with cases topping "160,000 on every single day," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday. In the worst-hit United States new infections soared past 50,000 for the first time on Wednesday in a new grim milestone. Indigenous people across Latin America have been hit hard by the disease due to weakened immune systems and centuries of state neglect.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 15:22 UTC