Prayut returns as prime minister

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PM says Thailand will advance based on achievements of last year, despite slowdown in tourist arrivals

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he is confident that 2022 will be a year of the “sustainable extension” of his government’s achievements during the previous year, despite the crises and challenges confronted by the country.

In his Facebook post today (Sunday), the prime minister elaborated on what he considers to be his government’s achievements, ranging from the procurement of sufficient COVID-19 vaccines, economic recovery, the rice price guarantee for farmers, the 50:50 co-payment stimulus scheme and access to funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

He claimed that the government’s success in administering more than 100 million doses of vaccines has controlled the spread of COVID-19, to the extent that Thailand has reopened its borders and many businesses have been able to resume operations, albeit under strict safety measures.

He claimed that the confidence indices in all sectors, from agriculture and industry to services and investment, are on the rise, which will help boost economic expansion. He said the government is ready to roll out promotional incentives for trade and investment, from international investment to local investment.

Citing the outstanding success of the 50:50 co-payment scheme, which has helped boost consumer purchasing power, with combined total spending of over 200 billion baht in just the third phase, he promised that the fourth phase will be rolled out for the months of March and April.

He claimed that the government’s credit guarantee scheme has enabled the SMEs to access about 240 billion baht in fresh funding, generating more than 2.6 million jobs.

The prime minister said that the government’s 80 billion baht fund to support the revenue guarantee scheme for rice farmers has helped about 4.7 million farming households.

On household debt, he said that the government has developed measures in the past year to solve the problems, including in the student loan program, car and motorcycle leasing, refinancing for credit card loans and personal loans, debt problems among government officials and a reduction of interest rates and fees.

Despite all the challenges and obstacles facing many countries worldwide in the past year, the prime minister claimed they have made Thailand stronger, with an increased capacity in various areas, including health care and tourism.

Nonetheless, arrivals of foreign travellers are slowing after the government suspended the “Test and Go” program, which exempted fully-inoculated arrivals from mandatory quarantine.

Issuance of the “Thailand Pass” for new applicants has also been suspended until further notice over Omicron variant concerns and Omicron cases in Thailand are on the rise, notably through local transmission, whereas daily new COVID-19 cases are hovering above 3,000 a day with no clear sign of reducing in the near future. https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pm-says...rist-arrivals/

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Prayut orders stricter Covid-19 measures after New Year celebrations

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered state agencies to expand Covid-19 prevention measures once the holiday period is over.

Theerapat Prayurasiddhi, permanent secretary of the Office of the PM, said on Thursday that Prayut wants agencies to consider the following measures between January 1 and 14, namely:

• Work from home if possible

• Avoid large gatherings such as meetings, seminars, training and examinations. On-site activities can be held provided all Covid-19 prevention measures are strictly adhered to or if the event cannot be cancelled or postponed. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010646

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Tackling household debt high on govt's 2022 agenda

The government has set its sights on hastening the economic recovery and marking 2022 as the year of tackling household debt, said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in his New Year message.

In a Facebook post, Gen Prayut said the country has been beset by problems stemming from Covid-19 and the economic malaise that resulted from pandemic lockdowns and restrictions.

He said he has ordered measures to be taken to deal with the crisis, which have aided people facing dire straits. "I'm pleased that the measures have shown signs of easing people's plight," he said.

Vaccine procurement and inoculation targets have been met with more than 100 million doses of vaccines administered so far, he said.

The reopening of the country has kickstarted the economy, setting in motion a much-needed recovery, he said. Confidence indices have surged across the farming, industrial and service sectors, while investments are also looking up. Relief packages have helped preserve the public's purchasing power and stimulated the economy, he added.

The Khon La Krueng ("Half and Half") co-payment subsidy programme in particular has been a resounding success and Phase 4 of the scheme will be introduced in March, he said. Public spending spurred by Phase 3, which ended on Friday, amounted to over 200 million baht, he added.

He said the government has enabled SMEs to access loans worth 240 billion baht, which is credited for the creation of 2.6 million jobs.

The rice guarantee scheme, worth 80 billion baht, has given a financial breather to 4.7 million farmers nationwide, he said.

The government is prioritising the kingdom's household debt problem, which has reached a crisis point, Gen Prayut said, adding the government hoped to resolve household debts through a variety of channels and mechanisms, including debt negotiations and restructurings.

According to a Reuters, Thailand's household debt to GDP ratio stood at 89.3% in the third quarter.

The amount was 14.35 trillion baht at the end of September, up from 14.28 trillion at the end of June, or equal to 89.3% of GDP, already among Asia's highest, it said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business...ts-2022-agenda

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PM rallies forces for Covid battle

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed all provincial governors to brace for a possible surge in the number of new Covid-19 infections, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Saturday.

In their capacity as chairmen of provincial communicable disease committees, governors must be ready to enforce Covid-19 control measures in a new fight to contain the virus, said Mr Thanakorn.

The PM had also ordered all state-run healthcare facilities to prepare staff for a rise in the number of new patients who may need inpatient treatment, he said.

As for those who develop mild symptoms, they will be isolated at home or in the community with support provided by the National Health Security Office (NHSO) through its home- and community-based isolation programme for Covid-19 infected patients, he said.

Gen Prayut also urged everyone to take care of themselves and get a rapid Covid-19 test regularly, said Mr Thanakorn.

Deputy Defence Minister Chaichan Changmongkol, meanwhile, relayed a similar order to armed forces and the Royal Thai Police at a meeting on Saturday.

While security authorities must stem the flow of illegal migrants into Thailand, they are also instructed to support the government's work to contain Covid-19, said Gen Chaichan.

In the event of a serious outbreak, the military may have to facilitate transfers of Covid-19 patients from communities to proper healthcare facilities, he said.

The military will also help set up emergency Covid-19 operation centres in Bangkok and other provinces in case of a widespread outbreak, he said.

Mlitary forces will work to support law enforcement against businesses which fail to comply with Covid-19 control measures, he added.

The air force has reopened its field hospital in Don Muang, equipped with 150 beds for Covid-19 patients, said ACM Phanphakdi Phatthanakun, the air force chief of staff.

Several provinces on Saturday began stepping up Covid-19 containment measures. In Ubon Ratchathani, provincial governor Phongrat Phiromrat sought cooperation from the people to avoid going out between 11pm and 4am and ordered a Covid-19 lockdown in five villages in Nam Khun and Na Yia districts for 14 days following sharp rises in Covid-19 cases there.

In Bangkok, Khachit Chatchawanit, the city clerk, said City Hall will today open 41 community isolation centres with a combined capacity to serve up to 5,158 infected patients. Unlike Ubon Ratchathani, Bangkok has yet to discuss the need to encourage its residents to avoid going out at night, he said.

City Hall, however, is encouraging members of the public to report any pubs or restaurants which fail to follow the government's Covid-19 control measures.

Chiang Mai, meanwhile, has ordered 23 pub and restaurants closed for three days, after they were found to pose a risk of spreading Covid-19, said provincial governor Prachon Pratsakun.

When these businesses resume after the shutdown, they will be required to have their staff tested every three days and can only serve alcohol to customers in open-air spaces, he said. Chiang Mai recorded 310 new infections in the province on Saturday.

Police and municipality officials in Pattaya City in Chon Buri on Friday night began evening patrols to ensure nightspots and restaurants follow Covid-19 control measures. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...r-covid-battle

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a few stories.......

• Japan's Hagiuda visits

Japan has committed to promoting economic cooperation with Thailand, as well as industrial investment and development.

Koichi Hagiuda, of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (Meti) paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha at Government House on Thursday.

It was Mr Hagiuda’s first visit to Thailand and the first visit by a Japanese Meti minister in five years.

Mr Hagiuda affirmed Japan’s commitment to promoting future investment and ensuring sustainable socio-economic growth in partnership with Thailand.

He further expressed confidence the meeting would help strengthen economic ties between Thailand and Japan.

“Thailand is an important trade and investment partner for Japan, and vice versa, with close cooperation across all sectors,” he said.

He also affirmed Japan’s support for Thailand’s hosting of the 2022 Apec Summit and related meetings.

On the Thai side, Gen Prayut thanked the minister for Meti's help in modernising Thai industry through the application of digital technologies such as AI, IoT (Internet of Things) and the 5G system.

The prime minister thanked Japan for taking part in Thailand’s human resource development, which will, in turn, support Japanese investment in the country’s S-Curve (most innovative) industries in the long run.

He also thanked the Japanese private sector for its unwavering confidence in Thailand’s economic potential, as Japan has remained Thailand’s No.1 foreign investor for decades.

“Co-creation between private sectors will lead to future investment and sustainable socio-economic growth for the two countries and Asia as a whole,” the prime minister said.

He added, “Collaboration will be further tightened to achieve SDGs in energy and carbon dioxide emissions reduction.”

Gen Prayut likewise emphasised the Thai government’s commitment to promoting a business environment that is conducive to Japanese investment in Thailand.

Mr Hagiuda confirmed that Thailand is one of the target countries under Japan’s initiative “Asia-Japan Investing for the Future”.

After the meeting, the prime minister presided over the signing of a memorandum of cooperation regarding an energy partnership between the governments of Thailand and Japan, with the focus placed on cooperation on clean and smart energy initiatives.

Government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Thailand is ready to cooperate with Japan in various areas of mutual interest under the Apec framework. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...hagiuda-visits

• Prayut concerned over hospitals turning away Covid-infected children

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has urged all government and private hospitals to accept children sickened with Covid-19.

Prayut was deeply concerned over reports of hospitals denying treatment to infected children, said a government spokeswoman Traisulee Traisoranakul on Monday.

"The premier asked the Public Health Ministry to implement a system to ensure that children infected with Covid-19 receive treatment as soon as possible as they may have low immunity to the virus," she said.

Prayut also urged Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health to provide guidelines on treating Covid-positive kids for hospitals nationwide.


Authorities advised parents to get vaccinated, avoid taking children to crowded places and keep monitoring their symptoms.

Children with fever, cough, runny nose or contact with Covid-19 cases should receive an antigen [ATK] test and a second test 3-4 days later.

Parents of children who test positive should contact their local hospitals for help, while parents living in Bangkok and surrounding areas can contact Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health or the National Health Security Office hotline on 1330, added the spokeswoman. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010956

• Infectious waste from New Year travel checks worries Prayut

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has tasked the Interior Ministry with ensuring that all infectious waste is handled safely to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in communities, deputy government spokesperson Traisulee Traisoranakul said on Monday.

She said this is because the volume of infectious waste is expected to rise as people travelling during the New Year break have to be screened for Covid-19 via ATKs and have to wear surgical masks while onboard public transport.

“The PM has ordered the Interior Ministry to instruct local agencies accordingly,” she said.

Traisulee added that the Public Health and Transport ministries are providing free ATK tests at Bangkok bus terminals until Monday to cover people returning from their hometowns.

“People who test positive through ATK tests will be given RT-PCR tests to confirm the infection,” she said. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010705

• Provincial rail projects receive priority

The government has vowed to ramp up infrastructure projects in various regions this year to drive social and economic development throughout the country.

According to government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, related agencies have been instructed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to accelerate infrastructure projects to upgrade social and economic development in the provinces, increase the country's logistics competitiveness, and raise local people's income.

A total of 81.5 kilometres of rail infrastructure projects in six provinces are expected to get off the ground within the next few years, including light rail development in Khon Kaen, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Hat Yai and Phitsanulok.

According to Mr Thanakorn, the first phase of the Khon Kaen Light Rail Transit project (Samran-Tha Phra), at 26km in length, appears to have made the most progress.

Local organisations and the Khon Kaen Transit System Co (KKTS), a company set up and registered by five municipalities in Khon Kaen to operate the train project, signed a memorandum of understanding with the CKKM-CRRC Consortium on Nov 16 to handle the construction.

KKTS is expected to deliver construction areas to the consortium led by transport vehicle engineering company Cho Thavee Plc within one year.

Phuket's 42km light rail project, running from Tha Noon in Phangnga province to the Chalong intersection in southern Phuket, is conducting environmental impact assessment (EIA) and public-private partnership (PPP) studies. The project aims to be operational by 2028.

According to Mr Thanakorn, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority is designing and implementing a PPP scheme for the 15.7km Red Line (Airport-Chiang Mai University-International Convention Centre) for Chiang Mai's light rail.

The project is projected to be proposed to the cabinet in 2023 and start construction in 2024, with the start of operations likely by 2028, he said.

The Chiang Mai light rail development project comprises three routes, with a total length of 40.6km. The Red Line is the first slated for construction.

The 11.1km Blue Line is projected to run from Chiang Mai Zoo in the western portion of the city to Don Chan district in the south, while the Green Line spans 13.8km and runs from the city's northeast area south to Chiang Mai airport.

Three other light rail projects in Nakhon Ratchasima, Phitsanulok and Hat Yai are awaiting EIA and PPP studies.

According to Mr Thanakorn, two high-speed rail projects with a combined 473km in length and a value of 404 billion baht are now under construction. They are the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed railway (253km) and the high-speed railway linking three airports (220km).

One project awaiting cabinet approval is a 355km high-speed rail line worth 252 billion baht linking Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai.

He said Bangkok has two mass transit projects scheduled to start operation this year: the Pink Line and the Yellow Line. Construction of the Khae Rai-Min Buri section of the 34.5km Pink Line is 82% complete, while the 30.3km monorail Yellow Line (Lat Phrao-Samrong) is at 88% completion as of November last year, said Mr Thanakorn.

Other mass transit projects under construction include the 22.5km Orange Line eastern section (Thailand Cultural Centre-Min Buri), which is 87% complete, he said.

Construction is projected to finish this year, while the 35.9km western Orange Line section spanning from Bang Khun Non to Min Buri is due to open bids for construction next year, said Mr Thanakorn. Both lines are scheduled to kick off in late 2024 or early 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow said the government vows to implement 100 infrastructure projects worth 2 trillion baht in 2022, particularly those in the Eastern Economic Corridor, after investing in 160 development projects worth 1.5 trillion baht over the past six years. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business...ceive-priority

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Prayut: No problem for coalition despite fierce by-elections

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha sees no conflict within the coalition government arising out of Sunday's by-elections in Chumphon and Songkhla provinces, in which the Democrat Party comfortably retained both seats.

Two leading government parties, Palang Pracharath and Democrat, exchanged fierce accusations during the campaign rallies, sparking fears they would not be able to reconcile.

"There should not be any problems. All elections are like this - with rival parties appearing to be in deep conflict. But all parties in the coalition must eventually work together for the people, no matter what.

"Election campaigns are usually very fierce. I would simply congratulate whoever is the winner," Gen Prayut said.

The government already had a heavy workload and there was no room for any conflict, he added. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...e-by-elections

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PM rules out early election

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Thursday he has no plan to reshuffle the cabinet or call snap elections following the ouster of renegade MPs from the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP).

The premier also distanced himself from the party's decision on Wednesday night to expel secretary-general Thamanat Prompow and 20 other MPs loyal to him for causing division in the party.

Gen Prayut said the expulsion was an internal PPRP affair, adding he believed the party was trying to restore a sense of normalcy as much as possible.

"I'm not saying who is good or bad. Let their actions speak for themselves. The people will decide at the next election. I insist that I have no intention to change the cabinet line-up or dissolve the House. The law [on the new election system] isn't ready. Don't mix them up," he said.

When asked if Deputy Prime Minister and PPRP leader Prawit Wongsuwon had any message, he said: "Love and best wishes and mutual respect."

The ouster of Capt Thamanat and 20 others MPs, who have 30 days to find a new party or lose their MP status, came months after Capt Thamanat was sacked from the cabinet for engineering a plot to unseat Gen Prayut in last year's no-confidence debate. Capt Thamanat's move upset party members and has left an open sore in the ruling party ever since.

Meanwhile, eight small coalition parties are considering forming an alliance with Capt Thamanat's faction, media report say. Thai Civilized Party leader Mongkolkit Suksintharanon is among those expected to join.

Suratin Picharn, list MP and leader of the small coalition New Democracy Party (NDP), said some small parties are discussing the possibility of joining hands with Capt Thamanat, but no decision had been made. "Things should become clear next week. I have to wait for him to get a new party first," he said.

Khathathep Techadechruangkul, list MP and leader of the small coalition Puea Chart Thai Party, denied reports that his party would join Capt Thamanat's group, saying five parties are sticking with the coalition and will continue to support Gen Prayut.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam admitted the government faces uncertainty but said dissolving the House and calling a snap election is not a solution. Without Capt Thamanat's group, the coalition government is left with a slim majority of 254 votes and this could pose a challenge when key legislation including the budget bill are up for deliberation.

PPRP deputy leader Paiboon Nititawan said on Thursday Capt Thamanat's group called for party restructuring that was found to be unacceptable by the party executive committee. The committee felt their position would affect the party's unity and stability and decided to expel them. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...early-election

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Thai PM Prayut to visit Saudi Arabia next week (today)

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha begins a visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, to strengthen bilateral relations with one of the Middle East’s most important players, according to a high level source at Government House.

The two-day visit will mark a new milestone in Thai-Saudi relations, which were established in 1957, as both countries have agreed to move forward in their bilateral relationship.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai visited Saudi Arabia in January 2020, marking the first visit by a Thai foreign minister in 30 years. The aim was to normalise the long stalled relationship.

Saudi Arabia is a member of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), the cooperative framework for countries in the Asian region, which was set up by Thailand in 2005 to promote closer economic cooperation among Asian economies, which also includes major economies in the Middle East. The ACD headquarters is located in Kuwait City.

During the ACD summit in Bangkok in 2016, Prayut held talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir and both sides decided to repair their relationship.

During the oil boom in the 1970’s, several hundred Thai workers held jobs there. Saudi Arabia was one of the most popular destinations for them. At the moment, Thai workers represent only a small number of foreign workers from Southeast Asia.

Relations between the two kingdoms have been further strengthened by the visit to Saudi Arabia in January 1984 of a Thai delegation, led by Thai Deputy Foreign Minister Prapas Limpabhandhu and high-ranking officials from the Ministries of Interior, Commerce and Agriculture and Cooperatives, as well as representatives from the Thai Parliament and the private sector.

Thailand and Saudi Arabia have always shared similar views on major regional and international issues, especially those of vital importance to international peace and security. Both countries are working closely and supporting each other’s position in the United Nations and at other international fora.

Saudi Arabia is among the Middle Eastern countries providing scholarships, enabling Thai Muslims from Southern Thailand to pursue higher education. https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-pm...bia-next-week/

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Saudi trip 'breakthrough'

Experts believe Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's visit to Saudi Arabia heralds a major breakthrough in efforts to restore diplomatic ties between the two countries, which have been strained for more than 30 years.

The visit is also expected to boost economic ties, especially via the renewed export of labourers to Saudi Arabia.

Prime Minister Prayut will be in Saudi Arabia today for an official two-day visit which will end tomorrow in order to strengthen relations.

Gen Prayut was invited by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman, also Saudi Arabia's deputy prime minister and minister of defence, according to a Thai government source.

This is the first official government visit in 30 years, said the source.

Saudi Arabia decided to downgrade diplomatic ties with Thailand and adopt a number of measures after the murder of Saudi diplomats and the disappearance of a Saudi businessman in Bangkok following the Saudi gems theft case in 1989.

These included replacing the head of its diplomatic mission with a charge d'affaires, prohibiting Saudi Arabian nationals from travelling to Thailand and stopping Thai workers from being employed in the Middle Eastern nation. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...p-breakthrough

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Thailand, Saudi Arabia agree to restore full diplomatic ties

CAIRO: Thailand and Saudi Arabia agreed on Tuesday to exchange ambassadors in the first high-level meeting between the two countries since a row over a jewellery theft nearly three decades ago led the Gulf state to downgrade ties.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and visiting Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha agreed on the appointment of ambassadors "in the near future" and to strengthen economic and trade relations, said a joint statement on Saudi state media.

Saudi Arabian Airlines announced in a Twitter post on Tuesday that it would restart direct flights to Thailand in May.

Saudi Arabia downgraded relations with Bangkok after a diplomatic row over a theft in 1989 of around $20 million of jewels by Kriengkrai Techamong, a Thai janitor working in the palace of a Saudi prince, in what became known as the "Blue Diamond Affair".

A year after the theft, three Saudi diplomats in Thailand were killed in three separate assassinations in a single night.

The statement said Gen Prayut expressed "sincere regret over the tragic events in Thailand between 1989 and 1990" and said his government was ready to "raise cases to the competent authorities in the event of new, relevant evidence".

The theft of the jewels remains one of Thailand's biggest unsolved mysteries and was followed by a bloody trail of destruction that saw some of Thailand's top police generals implicated.

A large number of the gems, including the rare blue diamond, are yet to be recovered.

In 2014, The Criminal Court dismissed a case against five men, including a senior police officer, charged with murdering Saudi businessman Mohammad al-Ruwaili, who disappeared one month after witnessing one of the shootings of the Saudi diplomats.

Thailand has been eager to normalise ties with oil-rich Saudi Arabia after the spat that has cost billions of dollars in two-way trade and tourism revenues and the loss of jobs for tens of thousands of Thai migrant workers. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...iplomatic-ties

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Prayut’s Saudi trip a boon for Thai workers, export industry

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s visit to Saudi Arabi will be beneficial for Thai trade and investment, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana quoted the premier as saying.

He said improved bilateral relations will also offer more export opportunities, especially since Saudi Arabia is one of the largest economies in the Middle East.

According to the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Thai exports to Saudi Arabia in 2021 accounted for about 45 billion baht or just 0.6 per cent of the country’s total exports.

If the proportion of trade with Saudi Arabia can be pushed up to 2.2 per cent, like it was before relations soured over the 1989 “blue diamond affair”, then Thailand’s export revenue can rise by 150 billion baht.

Improved ties will also boost opportunities for Thai businesses in the automotive and auto parts sector, clean energy industry, food and agricultural products, machinery, electrical equipment, building materials and medical sector to name a few.

Apart from export opportunities, improved ties will also allow skilled and non-skilled workers to return to Saudi Arabia. Before 1989, there were more than 300,000 Thai workers in Saudi Arabia, who sent home up to 9 billion baht yearly.

The Foreign Ministry also expects more Saudis to travel to Thailand and generate at least 5 billion baht per year. Saudis have high spending power and are being targeted for the health and wellness sector.

Deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre has set up guidelines on how people and businesses in the South can benefit from improved relations.

A seminar titled “Opportunities and Potentials of the Southern Border Provinces after Thailand-Saudi Ties have been Restored” will be held in mid-February to collect opinions and listen to suggestions from religious leaders, local leaders, civil servants, Thai workers heading for Saudi Arabia and more than 500 people who have worked in the Middle East.

Information gathered at the forum will be compiled to develop new policies for bilateral ties and will also be presented at an Islamic conference scheduled for March. https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40011699

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PM lauds agencies as Thailand moves up to 26th place in Covid resilience rankings

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed satisfaction at Thailand being ranked 26th out of 53 countries in Bloomberg’s Covid Resilience Ranking in January, up from 44th place in the previous year, Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Tuesday.

The Covid Resilience Ranking is a monthly overview of where the coronavirus is being handled most effectively while causing the least social and economic impact. 
The ranking evaluates 12 data indicators, including reopening process, infection and mortality status, virus containment, healthcare quality, vaccination coverage, and quality of life and human development during the pandemic.

“In January 2022, Thailand has received a score of 63.7, which is the highest since April 2021. This puts us in the top half of 53 countries with the biggest economies in the world for the first time at 26th place, 18 places higher than where we were last year,” he said.

“PM Prayut was happy with the ranking, and thanked all related agencies for their hard work and dedication in disease control that have resulted in low infection and mortality rate from Covid-19, while the economic recovery is getting on track.”

Prayut also thanked people for their cooperation by following measures announced by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration.

Bloomberg attributed Thailand’s increasing score to low infections and death rate, increased vaccination rate, and the government’s easing up of Covid-19 restrictions, especially allowing foreign visitors to enter without having to quarantine under the "Test and Go" programme, which will resume on Tuesday (February 1). The programme had been suspended since mid-December to modify some criteria to suit the current situation.

“The government continues to monitor the situation closely and will adjust the Covid strategy in both the short- and long-term to make sure that we can live with Covid-19 with safety while the economic development can still move forward,” said Thanakorn.

The 53 countries on the list, in the order of their ranking: 1. UAE, 2. Saudi Arabia, 3. Finland, 4. Turkey, 5. Singapore, 6. Chile, 7. Iran, 8. Taiwan, 9. South Korea, 10. Ireland, 11. Norway, 12. United Kingdom, 13. Spain, 14. Canada, 15. New Zealand, 16. Austria, 17. Japan, 18. China, 19. Colombia, 20. Nigeria, 21. Portugal, 22. Switzerland, 23. United States, 24. Iraq, 25. Germany, 26. Thailand, 27. Malaysia, 28. Czech Republic, 29. Bangladesh, 30. Belgium, 31. Netherlands, 32. Denmark, 33. Hong Kong, 34. India, 35. Egypt, 36. France, 37. Israel, 38. Pakistan, 39. Mexico, 40. Brazil, 41. Sweden, 42. Peru, 43. Greece, 44. Indonesia, 45. South Africa, 46. Italy, 47. Australia, 48. Poland, 49. Argentina, 50. Russia, 51. Romania, 52. Vietnam, 53. Philippines. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011794

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PM orders cheaper ATK Covid tests, govt can issue 20m kits per month

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered the rollout of low-cost antigen test kits (ATK) so people can use them more easily as evidence of Covid-19 infection.

Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), relayed Gen Prayut's orders adding that the lower-priced ATKs are to be made available through government hospitals and drug stores.

Dr Taweesilp said the government has the ability to distribute 20 million ATKs per month.

Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana cited Gen Prayut saying that the death toll from the Omicron variant has remained low and beds and medical supplies are sufficient for all patients.

But Dr Taweesilp said that infections are not stable and are likely to rise, so he called on people to maintain proper sanitation measures in relation to Covid.

Clusters of the new variant have been found in restaurants, entertainment venues, hospitals and schools in Suphan Buri, Udon Thani, Bangkok, Chonburi, Nonthaburi, Lop Buri, Buriram, Phetchaburi, Surin and Mukdahan.

Gen Supot Malaniyom, head of CCSA operations, said Gen Prayut has designated the Ministry of Interior, Education Ministry, Public Health Ministry and BMA to develop sanitation plans for schools.

Gen Supot also said that the Education Ministry will improve health measures at a school in Ratchaburi after a cluster took place there.

Meanwhile, provinces under target for having people get their first vaccination shot are Narathiwat, Pattani, Mae Hong Son, Tak, Lop Buri and Ratchaburi.

Lower-than-targeted vaccinations of vulnerable groups were found in Nakhon Pathom, Pattani, Nakhon Sawan, Sa Kaeo and Nonthaburi.

The 10 provinces with the lowest rate of two shots are Mae Hong Son, Narathiwat, Pattani, Tak, Yala, Kanchanaburi, Lop Buri, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lam Phu and Sakon Nakhon. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...kits-per-month

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Find ways to alleviate people’s suffering, PM tells advisory board

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday called on the advisory board to discuss measures that could relieve the people's suffering amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

He asked people to save energy due to the global energy crisis caused by rising oil prices, which had increased production and transportation costs.

"I cannot ask anyone to stop hiking prices. As long as the price continues to rise, the government has to seek more cash because demand is endless," he said. The government has launched several measures to tackle the Covid-19 crisis and is receiving compliments from many countries, he said.

Prayut added, however, that he could not be happy until the situation is resolved. He also thanked citizens and officials for resolving various issues.

He said the country should be free from conflicts so that he and the government could concentrate on unfinished work.

"Many people may ask what the government has done for so many years. They forget about the structural reforms, setting up of new working methods and applying guidelines from abroad," he said.

He urged people in every sector to work for the national interest, so that they could get maximum benefits.

Prayut said he has urged related agencies to inspect warehouses and tackle the issue of rising pork prices, and expected the situation to improve soon.

"We are monitoring in every aspect. If we had not prepared the national strategy five years ago, the country would have faced more trouble," he said.

He said he had to oversee the implementation of the annual budget for fiscal year 2023 as it would affect the people and the nation, adding that he would continue to do his best as the prime minister. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011947

[S Landreth]

PM Prayut vows not to cling to power

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday said he will serve in the role as long as he is allowed to by law, adding that the next general election will be held after the two organic laws related to elections clear parliament.

Asked by reporters about him having served as prime minister for almost eight years, Gen Prayut said that it was all about the law.

"I will stay on as long as the law allows. I am bound by the law, and cannot do anything at will," the prime minister said.

"I have no intention of keeping the post of prime minister for myself forever. Don't worry that I will cling on to power. I have had no vested interests during the past seven or eight years," Gen Prayut said.

However, when asked if he will serve as prime minister for another term, Gen Prayut remained coy, suggesting that: "It depends on the situation in the future."

Commenting on the frequent absence of MPs that has resulted in the lack of a quorum and collapse of a number of parliamentary meetings, Gen Prayut urged members of the House to push through two key election laws -- the Political Parties Act and the Election of MPs Act -- without delay.

"No progress will be made if the sessions continue to collapse like this. If you want the election, you must pass the two organic laws, which in turn requires you to attend parliament sessions. The sessions must not collapse,'' Gen Prayut said.

The amendments to the two organic laws are intended to reflect constitutional changes in the election system. The push to restore the two-ballot electoral system was royally endorsed and published in the Royal Gazette on Nov 21.

Under the changes, the number of constituency MPs would be increased from 350 to 400 while the number of list MPs would decrease from 150 to 100.

Two ballots will be used in future polls, one for choosing a constituency MP and the other a list MP, marking a departure from the single-ballot method used in the 2019 general election.

To include the changes in the charter, the two organic laws governing the election of MPs and political parties will have to be amended.

The process of amendment is ongoing.

Chinnaworn Boonyakiat, a Democrat Party MP for Nakhon Si Thammarat who serves as a deputy chief government whip, said that a public hearing on the proposed amendments concluded on Thursday.

The public hearing was organised by the Election Commission as required by the constitution.

The bills will be forwarded to the parliament president who will put them on the agenda, with a parliament meeting expected in the last week of this month to deliberate the bills, Mr Chinnaworn said.

He suggested that there would be no lack of quorum at this meeting as senators will also be in attendance.

According to the parliamentary calendar, the opposition parties will hold a motionless debate to scrutinise the government on Feb 17-18, while a parliamentary meeting will be held late this month to consider whether to accept the drafts of the two organic laws in the first reading.

Parliament will go into recess on Feb 28 and then reconvene in May for a four-month session, during which the opposition is expected to table its final no-confidence motion against the government before the end of its tenure in March next year.

Under the constitution, once the motion is accepted, the prime minister cannot dissolve the House.

Parliament will also deliberate and vote on the two bills in the second and third readings between May and July.

If the bills are passed by parliament, they will then be forwarded for review by independent organisations.

If any of the agencies have any doubts about the constitutionality and feasibility of the drafts, parliament must review the draft and address them within 30 days.

Afterwards, the prime minister will submit the drafts for royal endorsement, with the process expected to be wrapped up in July. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...cling-to-power