Download - October 5, 2021 Thai Enquirer Summary
October 5, 2021
Thai Enquirer Summary
Political News
The drug dealing convict – Thammanat Prompan, who was disgraced by 2014 coup
leader – Prayut Chan-o-cha, in September when Prayut sacked Thammanat from the
Cabinet post, raised the bar for the various visits that politicians are undertaking when he
braved through the flood waters to give handouts to the people impacted in the Ayutthaya
province.
While giving envelopes to the people, the drug dealing convict in Australia said
“do not throw away the envelopes, this is because it will help you remember me
for a long time to come.”
While all this continues the political parties around the country are already starting to
announce their candidates for the Prime Ministership.
Move Forward party has nominated Pita Limjaroenrat as its candidate for Prime
Minister.
The party has also come out to say that it expects to win up to 150 to 170
seats in the next general elections.
Democrat party has come out to state that it was nominating its leader – Jurin
Laksanawisit
Kla party set up by former Finance Minister under Democrat party has nominated
its leader and founder – Korn Chatikavanijm, as the candidate for the PM.
Questions have been raised on why the main opposition Pheu Thai party has not
named any candidates yet, but this is usually the case with Pheu Thai which only
announces its key PM candidate at the last minute.
Yingluck’s name was named less than 45 days away from elections
Nikorn Chamnong, a party-list MP and key leader of the Chart Thai Pattana party,
discussed the case that the Election Commission (EC) sending letter to the leaders of all
political parties to prepare for general elections that the next time that the party has
scheduled a meeting of the party executive committee on October 12, then the party's
policy committee meeting will prepare to make campaign policies that need to be clearer.
The move is to tackle the issue of the 2-ballot system and on October 30, there
will be a general meeting in Suphan Buri province.
However, Nikorn does not believe that general elections will take place later this
year because they have to wait for local elections to be completed at the end of
this year and must look at the political situation that affects the government.
Other issues that need to be looked into are the important laws on finance for
consideration and if the general election was to be held it will actually happen in
the 1st half of 2022.
Meanwhile both the powerful figures of Palang Prachat party (PPRP), the 2014 coup
leader – Prayut, and the million dollar watch borrower – Prawit Wongsuwon, came out to
say that a Cabinet reshuffle was not on the cards.
“I am not going to reshuffle the cabinet” Prayut told reporters then walked out.
The opposition has come out to say that if the parliament is dissolved the government can
call an election within a span of just 45-days although the constitution stipulates that an
election has to be called ‘within’ 90-days.
Phue Thai party’s Suthin Klangsaen says that elections can be called within 45
days after the house is dissolved
Meanwhile the opposition block of political parties has filed cases with National Anti-
Corruption Commission (NACC) against the government mismanagement of vaccine
procurement and procurement of the antigen test kits (ATK) among other things.
The cases filed were for the following
Alleging the entire cabinet of the Cabinet for procuring the wrong vaccine
for Covid-19, indicating malpractice.
Alleging the entire Cabinet in the case of procuring 8.5 million ATK test
kits.
Accuse the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Public Health, Anutin Charnvirakul, in the case of offenses against
government positions in the provision of the COVID-19 vaccine
ineffective.
Accusing the Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and
Cooperatives, Chalermchai Sri-on, and the Cabinet for issuing a cabinet
resolution that is against the law by facilitating corruption in rubber
stocks.
Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, said
the government was ready to clarify all allegations, especially General Prayut
answered all questions clearly. Hopefully the opposition will have enough
evidence as they claim. because PPRP does not want this submission to be a a
way to gain popularity contest for political gains.
Duangrit Benjathikul Chairungruang, Secretary to the Minister and a spokesman for the
Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (TSU) said that if there
is news, Thammasat University will propose a matter to consider in the case of students
requesting to use the space to organize activities on October 6 that they have not seen the
matter.
Any such request must be proposed to Anek Laothamatas, the Minister of Higher
Education, Science, Research and Innovation, should first consider the
appropriateness. Regarding measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Economic News
Thailand decided to peg the diesel price yesterday at 30 baht a litre but in the process also
lowered the prices effective today by 1-bath a litre.
Part of the move is also to lower the marketing margin for the oil retailers by 0.40
baht from 1.80 to 1.40 baht a litre.
This will last until the end of the month.
1. Reduce the marketing cost of diesel B10 and B7 from an average of
1.80 baht per liter to 1.40 baht, effective October 5 - October 31, 2021.
2. Reduce the collection of B7 money into the fund from 1.00 baht per liter
to 0.01 baht per liter, effective from 11 Oct.-31 Oct. 2021
3. Reduce biodiesel blending from B10 and B7 to B6, effective from 11
Oct.-31 Oct. 2021 by using subsidies from the Initial Fuel Fund of 3,000 million
baht.
As for the fuel fund position as of October 3, 2021, it was at 10,970 million baht,
divided into oil accounts plus 28,732 million baht and LPG accounts negative
17,762 million baht
On the other hand, the opposition Phue Thai came out to say that it can lower the price by
up to 5-baht a litre against the 1-baht proposed by this government.
Social media was buzzing with how the government of Prayut has raised the oil
prices by nearly 10 baht but lowered the price by a mere 1-baht.
They have been comparing the oil prices year-on-year (Oct 4, 2020 vs Oct 4,
2021) which has risen by 9.30 baht for benzene, gasohol 95 and E20. While diesel
has risen by 10.02-baht YoY.
Meanwhile global oil prices continue to rise which could put pressure on domestic oil
prices.
US oil prices rose to the highest level in 7-years after Opec and its allies declined
to accelerate plans to increase crude production, snubbing calls from the White
House to help tackle a growing global energy crunch.
US oil benchmark West Texas Intermediate jumped by 3% after the meeting to
more than $78 a barrel for the first time since 2014, while Brent crude, the
international marker, rose to $82 a barrel for the first time in 3-years.
Meanwhile the government, despite its lack of funds to keep subsidizing, has come out to
say that it will continue to subsidize liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) until January 2022.
The government has said that 15-kg tanks for cooking gas LPG would be
subsidized up to 318 baht per tank until January 2022.
A source from the Ministry of Finance revealed that The Ministry of Finance is
considering measures to stimulate real estate.
The issue of extending the period of tax reduction measures on transfers and
mortgages at 0.01% from the end of the measures on December 31, 2021, as well
as expanding the ceiling on real estate eligible for the right previously, only
housing valued at no more than 3 million baht were in the category.
Property developers have called for the measures to cover 80% of the real
estate sector to boost wider scale, which the Ministry of Finance accepts
may increase the ceiling for housing worth not more than 5 million baht.
Soraphong Chaktheerangkoon, senior director of Kasikorn Securities, said that if
the government increases the price ceiling on real estate that is eligible to reduce
transfer tax - mortgage to 0.01% to a price level of 5 million baht, it will cover
more than 60% of the market and is expected that the government will have a
resolution within Q4/21 to take effect in 2022.
At the same time, state banks will have special promotions for loans,
special interest rates.
If the house price ceiling is increased to 5 million baht, receive tax benefits, this
will benefit strong low rise housing developers such as AP, LH, and SPALI.
General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister and Minister of Defense revealed after the
chairing the meeting of the Eastern Special Development Zone Policy Committee or the
EEC board that it agreed to adjust the EEC investment plan of 2.2 trillion baht in 5 years.
The meeting revealed that an investment of 1.7 trillion baht, consisting of 3 parts:
Expanding infrastructure of 200 billion baht from the Eastern Aviation
City and develop the area around the main high-speed train station
Attracting target industries at 400 billion baht per year
Upgrading communities and people.
The meeting felt that it was confident that the new investment plan will drive the
Thai economy to grow 4.5-5% per year to alleviate the impact of COVID-19. As a
result, Thailand is out of the middle-income trap and move to being a developed
country in 2029.
Winai Tiewsomboonkit Chief Executive Officer Thai Foods Group Plc (TFG) revealed
that Money Hub Service Company Limited, a subsidiary of TFG Holding in which it
holds 88.50% stake, has opened a personal loan business.
From October 4th
through the Money Hub application, the results of those
applying are known within 5 minutes and the salary starts from only 7,000 baht
per month.
One can apply for a loan immediately. No guarantor needed and maximum
approval limit of 50,000-baht, interest rates starting at 2.08% per month.
Overall, TFG's business performance in the second half of the year has improved.
from loosening the lockdown in the country resulting in increased consumption
Especially the export business in 3Q/21 started showing better signs.
Sunvending Technology Plc (SVT) is set to debut on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the
service group, the commerce category, on October 5, 2021.
SVT is a leading retailer through Vending Machine under the trademark
SUNVENDING, with a registered capital of 700 million baht, with a par value of
1 baht per share, with an IPO on September 22-23 and September 27, 2021, at a
price of 2.54 baht per share.
The company raised 508-million-baht, securities value at the IPO price of 1.78
billion baht.
The top two major shareholders after IPO are Saha Pathanapibul Plc (SPC) and its
affiliates 44.02% and Chokwatana Group 23.08% have a dividend payment policy
of not less than 40% of net profit of 55.54 million baht, a decrease of 40.49%
from the previous year and total revenue of 1.77 billion baht, a decrease of 2.12%
from the previous year due to the impact of COVID-19.
Today the Ministry of Commerce is set to hold a press conference on the inflation rate at
10:30 hrs. at the ministry.
COVID-19 News
Infection data for today are as follows
Total New Infections = 9,869
Community Infection = 9,596
Prison Infection = 273
Total positive cases (ATK/Antigen) = 3,495
Total New Death = 92
Total New Recovery = 11,152
Total Infection including ATK = 13,364
Total infections so far since outbreak = 1,657,231
Total deaths so far since outbreak = 17,203
Total in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) = 3,013
Total number on life support (ventilator) 701
The government’s data on ‘Positive testing’ numbers as a percentage of the tests it
undertakes stands at
The positive testing number as of October 4th
– 13.16%
Details of data for each day can be found @ https://ddc.moph.go.th/covid19-
dashboard/ (All information is in Thai language)
The south of Thailand somehow saw a sudden surge in infection in the key cities.
1) Bangkok @ 1,137 new cases as of October 4th
2) Yala (south) @ 764 cases
3) Chonburi @ 594 new cases
4) Songkla @ 484 new cases
5) Pattani @ 406 new cases
6) Samut Prakarn @ 382 new cases
7) Narathiwat @ 314 new cases
Meanwhile General Prayut attended the 1st vaccination of children between the age of 12-
18 years of age.
The vaccination of children using Pfizer has started in Thailand and so far about 4
students out of more than 130,000 have developed mild complication, which is in
line with the global standards.
During the event General Prayut said that the schools are set to open by November 1st,
2021.
Meanwhile the plans to get mRNA vaccine by November from the other mRNA
manufacturers – Moderna, is reportedly going to arrive earlier than November 2021.
Initially 1.9 million doses were to arrive on October 19th
but then the Ministry of
Public Health came out to say last week that it would be delayed until November
or ‘within Q4 2021’.
The head of private hospital association in Thailand – Chalerm Harnphanich, has
come out to say that the delay in shipment of Moderna was ‘just for about 10-
days’ from the actual delivery date of October 19th
He has come out to say that people should not wait for Moderna and get
vaccinated with any vaccine they can get hold of because the expiry date
for the Moderna vaccine is at least 7-months which means that these
vaccines can be used as booster doses.
Inoculation Drive
Just about 42% of the 50 million people targeted have been inoculated with 2 doses in
Thailand so far
Or 21.21 million out of the nearly 70 million people in Thailand have received
their 2-doses.
The data shows as of October 4th
vaccination are as follows
Total 1st dose - 193,877 doses total of 33,263,524 doses
2nd
dose - 394,211 doses total of 21,212,809 doses
3rd
dose - 28,574 doses total of 1,469,523 doses
4th
dose - 18 doses total of 988 doses
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flooding News
Flooding continues to wreck havoc around the country and now is threatening parts of
Bangkok.
To make matters worse, another storm on its way
Also there is a possibility of high tides that could rise the water level in the rives
by as much as 30-50 cm on October 10th
.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General News
Were you not able to use Facebook/Instagram or WhatsApp for the past few hours?
Well, you are not alone, a total of 2.7 billion people were impacted globally.
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-58793174
Parts of Thonburi in Thungkru area saw what Thais call as ‘circling strong winds’ but
most people call them as tornado. The area was Suksawad Soi 76 and experts called it
Gustnado.
The tornado or Gustnado (whatever you may want to call it) flipped open many
rooftops, damaged houses and shattered windows.
Political News Headlines in Thai Media
Moving monuments, stealing plaques, banning books, and redacting facts from history
books; these are just some of the dirty tactics that military governments have used to try
and erase the people’s fights for democracy in this country.
o Link- https://www.thaienquirer.com/33492/opinion-the-government-can-no-longer-
rewrite-history-in-the-internet-age/
There are continued rumors inside the Palang Pracharat Party that Prime Minister Prayut
Chan-ocha will dissolve the house early despite public denials by the premier, a inside
source told Thai Enquirer.
o Link- https://www.thaienquirer.com/33500/rumors-inside-ruling-party-of-early-
house-dissolution/
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration is worried about the coronavirus
situation in the deep South as the infection rate in four southern provinces are reported to
be as high as the capital’s, assistant spokesperson Dr Apisamai Srirangsan said.
o Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40007025
Police from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division finally arrested the owner of the
Nataree massage parlour in Bangkok, five years after being on the run.
o Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40007015
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday poured cold water on speculation that a
cabinet reshuffle involving key ministerial posts may be imminent.In the rumoured
shake-up, Supachai Panitchpakdi, the former secretary-general of the UN
o Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2192275/prayut-denies-
rumours-of-imminent-reshuffle
Two men and a youth were arrested for allegedly throwing a bomb at a Lumpini police
patrol car at Ratchaprasong Intersection on Monday morning. Another person involved in
the incident managed to escape arrest.
o Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40007016
Economic News Headlines in Thai Media
The Thai government will subsidize diesel prices to below 30 baht per litre until the end
of October to help people with their living costs after the prices inched up last month, the
energy minister said Monday.
o Link- https://www.thaienquirer.com/33482/diesel-prices-capped-at-30-baht-for-
october/
Hotel and tourism-related stocks surged on Monday following on hopes of a recovery in
the tourism industry after the government passed several lockdown easing measures over
the past week.
o Link- https://www.thaienquirer.com/33470/hotel-stocks-rise-on-hopes-of-tourism-
recovery-new-tourism-visa-to-boost-incoming-travelers/
Facebook apps slowly came back online Monday following a prolonged, global outage,
one of the largest disruptions to the social media sites billions of users in years.
o Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/tech/40007038
The Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid Project in Sirindhorn Dam, which is claimed to be the
largest floating solar cell project in the world with a capacity of 45 megawatts, is now
99.26 per cent complete and ready for commercial power supply this October, deputy
government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said.
o Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40007023
The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Tuesday (October 5) that weak
southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand
is becoming stronger. Thundershowers are forecast over the country with isolated heavy
rain in the South.
o Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40007027
The sandbox tourism program is now open to fully vaccinated travelers from anywhere in
the world, according to an announcement by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
o Link- https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/business/2021/10/04/sandbox-program-
now-open-to-vaxxed-tourists-from-all-countries/
October is the time for hectic egg production across the country, but the Covid-19 crisis
has shattered that, causing a glut amid a slowdown in purchasing power, both
domestically and internationally.
o Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40007024
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index closed at 1,614.48 on Monday, up 9.31
points or 0.58 per cent. Transactions totalled 78.69 billion baht with an index high of
1,619.62 and a low of 1,610.96.
o Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40007021
Issues to be watched out for
October 2021 – Initial plans for Bangkok governor elections.
October 29, 2021 – The Bank of Thailand makes its monthly economic data available for
the month of August 2021
November 9, 2021 – The Bangkok Civil Court is scheduled to inquire a class action
lawsuit filed by 39 restauranteurs against Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-O-Cha and
his government demanding 50 million baht in compensation for damage to their
businesses caused by lockdown restrictions imposed under the Emergency Decree.
November 15, 2021 – The National Economic & Social Development Council (NESDC)
announces the GDP data of Q3 2021
November 30, 2021 – The Bank of Thailand makes its monthly economic data available
for the month of September 2021
December 14, 2021 – The Constitutional Court is set to rule on same-sex-marriage case
that has been bumped around since 2017 in the judicial process.
December 30, 2021 – The Bank of Thailand makes its monthly economic data available
for the month of October 2021
Key Data
SET Index 1,614.48 +9.31
Link - https://www.set.or.th/en/company/ipo/upcoming_ipo_set.html
Global Commodities
Metal -Link http://www.bloomberg.com/markets/commodities/futures/metals/
Energy -Link - http://www.bloomberg.com/energy/
Baltic Dry Index (BDI)-Link - http://www.bloomberg.com/quote/BDIY:IND
Global Equity Market’s Movements
Link - http://www.bloomberg.com/markets/stocks/world-indexes/asia-pacific/
Asian Equity Markets Movement
Link - http://www.bloomberg.com/markets/stocks/world-indexes/
Information on October 4, 2021
Buying, Selling or Transfer of shares by Owners/Management
Stock Code Volume Value Action
XD, XE or XM or other notifications
For list of Companies that have dividend payment and AGM meeting schedules click on
https://www.set.or.th/set/xcalendar.do
Trading Breakdown on the Stock Exchange of Thailand
Background Information –
The strength of each party in the Thai Parliament as of May 8, 2019 as per the report by the
Election Commission of Thailand. Elections took place on March 24, 2019
https://www.ect.go.th/ect_th/news_all.php?cid=24
List of MPs - https://www.ect.go.th/ect_th/download/article/article_20190508184334.pdf
Information provided here is copyright of ThaiNews Corp and no part maybe reproduced in any form without the
prior written permission. The opinions expressed are only those of the writer’s and is analysed based on the
situation.