Sheeran, Stones back urgent call to aid UK live music
The Rolling Stones have joined some 1,500 performers including Ed Sheeran, Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton to urge the British government to save the country's live music industry from collapsing because of the coronavirus. LONDON: Some 1,500 acts including Ed Sheeran, Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones urged the British government Thursday to save the country's live music industry from collapsing because of the coronavirus. They cited new research showing that live music added 4.5 billion pound to the British economy and supported 210,000 jobs across the country last year. "UK live music has been one of the UK's biggest social, cultural, and economic successes of the past decade," they wrote in the letter to culture minister Oliver Dowden. The government has been easing stay-at-home orders imposed in late March but while pubs, restaurants and museums will reopen this weekend, live music venues remain closed.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 00:33 UTC
JSCCIB: Politics could hurt rehabilitation
JSCCIB: Politics could hurt rehabilitationGen Prawit Wongsuwon, who did not attend the PPRP meeting at Impact Muang Thong Thani, thanks his supporters onscreen after they elected him as leader on Saturday. (Photo by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) is worried political infighting could hinder the roll-out of economic rehabilitation plans, especially if there are major reshuffles in ministries overseeing the economy. JSCCIB wants a person who excels in economic affairs to lead the economic team, said Kalin Sarasin, a JSCCIB member and chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. Many businesses do not want to see the government reimpose quick lockdown measures again if local transmissions of the disease erupts. "A new virus lockdown will further affect an already strained economy."
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 00:11 UTC
Canadian Open axed over travel issues
Canadian Open axed over travel issuesNew york: US-Canada border travel restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic have forced the LPGA Tour to cancel the Canadian Pacific Women's Open, organisers announced on Tuesday. World No.1 Ko Jin-Young of South Korea was to have defended her Canadian crown in Vancouver after winning last year in suburban Toronto. "The CP Women's Open is truly a world-class event and a favourite stop for all of us at the LPGA," tour commissioner Mike Whan said. The 2020 LPGA Tour campaign was halted after only four tournaments, two in January in the United States and two in Australia in February. The Ladies Scottish Open and Women's British Open remain scheduled for August.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 02, 2020 00:00 UTC
TBA talks soft loan criteria with BoT
The goal is to increase the soft loan disbursement, said Predee Daochai, chairman of the TBA, as the tough loan conditions under the executive decree are a drag. Offering soft loans with specific objectives and easing some conditions should boost SME liquidity amid the pandemic, he said. Both the regulator and banks want SMEs to have better access to the soft loan scheme to help them overcome this difficult situation," said Mr Predee. The soft loan scheme has extended only 90.5 billion baht to 567,312 SMEs as of June 22. The maximum drawdown for the soft loans is set at 20% of each bank's outstanding loans at the end of December.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 01, 2020 23:03 UTC
TOT designates new acting president
TOT designates new acting presidentThe TOT board yesterday appointed senior executive vice-president Morakot Thienmontree as the new acting president of the state telecom enterprise, with immediate effect. He replaced former acting president Pipat Kanthong, who resigned from the position last month. Morakot: Enhancing business capabilityMr Morakot said his key responsibility is to enhance the company's business capability. Mr Morakot said the use of the TOT conduits would also ensure faster operations. Previously Buddhipongse Punnakanta, digital economy and society minister, told the Bangkok Post TOT and CAT Telecom need more partners to ensure their service capacity.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 01, 2020 23:03 UTC
Sanchez shines in Inter rout as Milan salvage draw at SPAL
Sanchez shines in Inter rout as Milan salvage draw at SPALAlexis Sanchez scored one goal and set up two more for Inter Milan against Brescia. MILAN: Alexis Sanchez scored a penalty and set up two goals as Inter Milan thrashed relegation candidates Brescia 6-0 in Serie A on Wednesday, while city rivals AC Milan snatched a last-gasp draw away to lowly SPAL. Sanchez teed up Ashley Young to volley Inter ahead at San Siro after just five minutes and the Chile forward dispatched a spot-kick to double the lead following a foul on Victor Moses. "We kept our foot on the gas and the fact that we didn't concede is a big positive," Inter coach Antonio Conte told broadcaster DAZN. "It was a step backwards in terms of result because we wanted to continue the winning run," Milan coach Stefano Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 01, 2020 22:41 UTC
Chansin to lead Thai Airways
Chansin to lead Thai AirwaysChansin: Former PTT presidentThai Airways International (THAI) has appointed Chansin Treenuchagron, a former president of the state-owned oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc, as acting president. THAI on Wednesday informed the Stock Exchange of Thailand of Mr Chansin's appointment, which was approved by a special board meeting. The former president of PTT Plc joined the THAI board last month. He replaces Chakkrit Parapuntakul, who resigned as acting president but remains the company's second vice chairman. Mr Chansin's appointment as acting president effectively ended his position as THAI's independent executive.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 01, 2020 22:41 UTC
Pupils delight at reopening of schools
Teachers wearing face masks and shields arrived early at Yothinburana School in Bangkok, armed with infrared thermometer guns to check students' body temperatures before allowing them in. "That includes recording the health details of students, teachers and staff for at least 14 days prior to the start of the school reopening." "Large schools worry us more than small schools because they have a large number of students and their classrooms have air conditioning. "All school staff and students must use the Thai Chana app when checking in and out," he added. There was only slight traffic congestion on the grand reopening day of the country's schools, said the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB).
Source:Bangkok Post
July 01, 2020 22:41 UTC
Price controls on delivery services may shackle riders
Price controls on delivery services may shackle ridersA Grab Express delivery driver making his way around Bangkok. On Tuesday, the cabinet resolved to include online food and parcel delivery services in the list of 51 controlled goods and services, based on the Price of Goods and Services Act. Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the measure was adopted because of numerous complaints about online services and online food delivery prices. Paiboon Amonpinyokeat, managing partner at law firm P&P, regarded the price control for goods delivery for online business as "a good move". Governing delivery services is as crucial as other necessary goods and services, said Mr Korkij.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 01, 2020 22:30 UTC
CPTPP discord delays entry
CPTPP discord delays entryGiven the contentious debate about whether the country should join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Thailand is unlikely to be able to submit a formal request to join the controversial pact within this year. The cabinet agreed to set up a special committee to study the costs and benefits of CPTPP, she said. The country still has room to submit a formal request to join the pact in the future if we choose." Moreover, the CPTPP offers a significantly expanded range of markets, including those Thailand does not have FTAs with (Canada and Mexico). Non-governmental organisations spearheaded by FTA Watch and BioThai, another civic group advocating sustainable agriculture, have raised concerns about the overwhelming disadvantages that CPTPP would bring to Thailand.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 01, 2020 22:30 UTC
PM defends weapons budget
Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha elaborates on the 2021 budget bill at the parliament in Bangkok on Wednesday. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is defending the decision to include the procurement of weapons for the armed forces in the budget bill for 2021, after opposition criticism during Wednesday's first reading in parliament. Opposition members took turns debating whether the Defence Ministry should have a 223.4-billion-baht budget next year. He said military technology constantly gets updated, and it is important for the kingdom's armed forces to have modern arms. "The state budget is a crucial mechanism to steer and spur the dying economy, but I found no parts in this budget bill that serve this purpose," he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 01, 2020 22:30 UTC
Police warn bar owners to obey law
Police warn bar owners to obey lawThe Metropolitan Police Bureau yesterday told night-entertainment operators and soapy massage parlours to comply with measures to curb the Covid-19 pandemic or their businesses would be closed again. Entertainment venues which fail to adopt the health safety regulations will be warned by police and if they refuse to comply, ordered to suspend their operations, according to Pol Lt Gen Piya. Dararat Matkham, a restaurant and karaoke operator in the Buddha Monthon Sai 1 area of Bangkok, said she was relieved nightlife venues were being allowed to reopen. Pol Lt Gen Piya stressed no sex services would be allowed at massage parlours and the law would be strictly enforced. The cabinet on Tuesday endorsed the fifth phase of the easing of restrictions on remaining businesses and premises as proposed by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).
Source:Bangkok Post
July 01, 2020 22:18 UTC
The economy is sick and pills won't do
The economy is sick and pills won't doA mannequin wearing a T-shirt that says 'Settakij Dee Dee', which means 'good economy' in English. Simple mathematics says that 12% of GDP spending on cash handouts, project investments and soft loans should bring negative GDP growth to a robust positive one. If things turn sour like a second wave of outbreak, GDP growth could easily take another nose dive. When the 1 trillion baht package is not enough to stop GDP from falling, why not double that amount to 2 trillion baht or even triple to 3 trillion baht. Therefore, 40% of GDP stimulus package is recommended for president Roosevelt.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 01, 2020 22:18 UTC
Prawit quashes reports of PPRP rift
The debate took place amid growing tension between Mr Somkid and some MPs in the ruling Palang Pracharath Party, led by Gen Prawit. Chanat KatanyuDeputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has dismissed reports of a rift in the government after an executive of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) reportedly asked Somkid Jatusripitak to step down as economic team leader. Gen Prawit, who also leads the PPRP, said the remark was strictly a matter of personal opinion. "There's nothing to it and I think Mr Somkid understands this," Gen Prawit said. Gen Prawit blamed media outlets for exaggerating the reports which drove a wedge between people in the government.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 01, 2020 22:18 UTC
Windies coach Simmons won't be sacked over funeral attendance
Windies coach Simmons won't be sacked over funeral attendanceWest Indies coach Phil SimmonsLONDON - West Indies coach Phil Simmons was told Wednesday he was in no danger of losing his job after the Barbados Cricket Association president said the former Test batsman should be sacked for attending his father-in-law's funeral. Simmons temporarily left the West Indies' protective bubble to attend the funeral, which took place in Britain. But Skerritt told a conference call: "I want to assure West Indies cricket fans that Phil Simmons still has the full backing of Cricket West Indies no matter what has been said. Meanwhile Simmons, in his second stint as Windies coach, said: "This has not been an easy time for my family. West Indies captain Jason Holder had no qualms over Simmons' brief absence.
Source:Bangkok Post
July 01, 2020 22:18 UTC