April 28, 2020
Thai Enquirer Summary
Political News
Although everyone is interested in what businesses will open or not after the lockdown is over on April 30th the bigger story of the day is that members of the Phalang Pracharat Party (PPRP) have come out to accept that there is a rift in the party and even the man at the center of this issue – Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana, came out to accept the fact that there have been members of the management committee of the party who have come out to tell him that it may be time for a reshuffle.
At the center of all this is Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, the party’s chief strategist, came out to deny reports of a pending Cabinet reshuffle, especially at the Finance Minister.
Gen Prawit’s response came following rumours of a leadership change in the PPRP have been circulated by some Thai media.
Gen Prawit also denied reports that he had told Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana to step down as the PPRP leader, insisting that the report was untrue, adding that all of the government’s attention was focused on curbing Covid-19 transmissions.
Mr Uttama himself denied rumours of his resignation but admitted that he heard from some party executives that someone has told them to resign.
Despite Gen Prawit, Mr Somkid and Mr Uttama’s rejection, a conversation made via the party’s Line group chat between Suchart Chomklin, chairman of the party’s MPs and Chon Buri MPs, and another MP indicated a power struggle has been brewing inside the PPRP.
Mr Suchart messaged to other fellow MPs that he would try to help them because the party leader and his secretary general have made no attempt. Another MP responded to his message that because 2 of them are political newbies. Mr Suchart replied, “I can’t take this any longer because they don’t even know their job”.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak gave the same response, saying that it is not the time to discuss changes in the PPRP as all the focus should be on handling the Covid-19 crisis.
The conversation was then interrupted by news about Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit’s order to MPs of the Sam Mitre Group to hand out 10 million face masks to the public by post. The conversation was resumed with some MP called Mr Suchart Minister Suchart. Mr Suchart then told all fellow MPs to be patients. He is now hatching a plan for their benefits.
Another report has come out that Gen Prawit told Mr Uttama during the opening ceremony of Phalang Pracharat’s new headquarters on April 23 to resign but Mr Uttama neither accepted nor rejected Gen Prawit’s call.
It is said that the party’s senior figures gave Mr Uttama 1 week to decide or they will replace half of the party executives, which is 18 out of 34 executives in total, to pave the way for a new executive board. The 34 executives are divided into 3 main factions; 16 who are with Mr Uttama, 11 with Gen Prawit and 7 others who take no sides.
Another report said during the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSR)’s April 27 meeting chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Gen Prayut said he has no plan to reshuffle the cabinet before glancing at Mr Somkid.
Earlier today (Tuesday) Energy Minister and PPRP’s secretary-general – Sonthirat Sontijrawong, came out to give an interview on a TV station that
I have not been called or been told about resigning from the position of the secretary-general of the party
This is not the right time to talk about these things as this is not the situation to talk about these issues
Once the virus issue is over then we can talk about these things
The world after COVID is going to be a difficult one and we all have to work together to get through this situation
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSR) agreed yesterday (April 27) to extend the state of emergency which is due to expire on April 30 for 1 more month, CCSR’s spokesman Dr Taweesin Visanuython announced. The CCSR spokesman said a majority of public, more than 70%, agreed with the CCSR’s move to extend the state of emergency and the night curfew, citing a survey conducted by the National Security Council (NSC).
Measures currently in place include a nationwide 22:00 hrs-4:00 hrs curfew, the closure of malls, and restaurants being restricted to takeaway and home delivery services. A ban on incoming international commercial passenger flights was extended on Monday through to the end of May.
However, with a state of emergency being extended through to the end of May, the CCSR said it is mulling the option of relaxing some restrictions for certain businesses like hair salons, barbershops, wet markets, flea markets, open-air restaurants with spacious open areas and department stores from May 4.
The unlocking will be in phases o Phase 1 would be either on May 3rd (Sunday) or May 4th (Monday) The opening will include what can be done and what can’t be done such as 1- meter social distancing, measuring temperature, etc.
Things that will open would be
Fresh market Restaurants and food areas without aircon Barbers/saloons and pet grooming shops Sports centers (parks etc)
2nd opening is on May 17th
Department stories and only certain segments of the department stores Sports centers such as golf courses etc
Government whips rejected the Opposition’s proposal for a special House session to debate on the government’s spending plan on aid money on people affected by Covid-19 mitigation policies.
Government chief whip Wirat Rattanaset said with the House being scheduled to convene on May 22, he sees no urgency for the House to convene a special session while the government is speeding up measures to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. He told the House must stay united to support the government.
Economic News
The Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit has decided to not propose the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to the Cabinet for consideration today (April 28) amid objections from many parties. Mr Jurin said his decision is due to concerns about some issues and the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak despite that the proposal was made under the resolution of the Bureau of International Economic Policy led by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.
One of the key reasons is the protection of new plant species and government procurement.
Thailand’s GDP and investment will rise by 0.25% and 0.49%, respectively if decides to stay out of CPTPP.
The plan for Thailand to join the CPTPP came under fire from the government’s own minister and insider like Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister
Mananya Thaiset, Alongkorn Ponlaboot, adviser to the Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, as well as Kao Klai Party [Move Forward] Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat.
The Thai Chamber of Commerce voiced support for the government’s extension of the emergency decree for another month.
Kalin Sarasin, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said his agreed with the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSR)’s decision to extend the nationwide lockdown for another month. The private sector has suggested that business should be assessed and split into four levels depending on the risk, namely white, green, yellow and red. They also suggested that 50% of employees should be allowed to return to office while the rest should continue working from home.
Other business leaders came out to support the government’s decision but have requested easing business restrictions to restart the economy as new infection numbers continue to subside.
Voicing his agreement on the lockdown extension, Supant Mongkolsuthree, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), said the FTI wants the government to consider more measures to cope with the spread of the disease under the emergency decree.
Kriangkrai Tiannukul, vice-chairman of FTI, said the group wants the government to allow some businesses to open in the tourism and services sectors, warning that prolonged closures will drastically impact the country’s economic health.
Moody’s Investors Service has downgraded the outlook for 10 Thai banks from positive to stable as the coronavirus crisis hurt their asset quality and profitability.
The 10 affected banks are Bangkok Bank, Bank of Ayudhya, CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT), Export-Import Bank of Thailand, GHB Bank, Kasikornbank, Krungthai Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, TMB Bank and United Overseas Bank Thai.
The rapid and widening spread of the coronavirus, deteriorating global economic outlook, volatile oil prices and asset price declines are creating a severe and extensive credit shock across many sectors, regions and markets.
Moody’s expects that the operating environment for the Thai banks will deteriorate in the next 12-18 months due to disruptions from the virus outbreak.
The government expects to sign a 290 billion baht agreement with BBS Joint Venture next month for the development of the airport and aviation city, Eastern Economic Committee (EEC) Secretary-General Kanit Sangsubhan said.
The subcommittee handling infrastructure development projects at the EEC chaired by Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana announced yesterday (April 27)
decision to choose the BBS consortium to win the bid to build the 290-billion- baht Eastern Airport City Project at U-tapao.
The aviation city is among 5 megaprojects under the government’s infrastructure development in the flagship EEC.
The country’s retail market is likely to see a sharp drop in the 1st quarter as Coronavirus- related lockdowns, widespread drought and shrinking tourist arrivals have dealt a severe blow to the industry.
Total retail sales are projected to contract by 30% in the 1st quarter this year, with 10 of billions of baht in estimated losses, said Phaibul Kanokvatanawan, group chief executive at The Mall Group.
Mr Phaibul warned of tougher years to come for retailers, coupled with rising unemployment, a sharp fall in foreign tourists and tumbling tourism.
D.T.C. Industries Plc (DTCI), the manufacturer of “Lancer Spiral” ballpoint pens, announced temporary closure of its business on falling orders and logistic problems due to the COVID-19 crisis.
The company notified the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) about its temporary shutdown yesterday (April 27) until further notice which will take effect from April 24 onwards.
To make matters worse, oil continued its decline as both the WTI and Brent prices dipped overnight although Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 both rose just over 1%
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General News
It is likely that all 4 public holidays in May will be postponed until further notice due to the Covid-19 concerns as the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration is set to propose the postponement to the Cabinet for approval today (April 28).
The 4 public holidays are: the Labour Day on May 1; the Coronation Day on May 4; the Visakha Bucha Day on May 6; and the Pheut Mongkol or Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day on May 11. The Public Health Ministry proposed the postponement because the four public holidays, if observed, would make a long holiday.
A long holiday usually means people moving out of the city thus spreading the virus further into the provinces.
The Civil Aviation Authority says it is banning all international commercial flights in and out of Thailand until May 31st
A woman tried to commit a suicide outside the Finance Ministry building yesterday (April 27) after her application for the 5,000-baht cash handout was turned down by the Ministry.
The woman identified as Anyakarn Booprasert, 59 swallowed rat poison after she was denied 5,000 in government aid which had been promised to “leave no one behind”. Ms Anyakarn had been shouting “no one cares about me” outside a ministry entrance before opening a bottle of rat poison into her mouth. She was then taken to a hospital for treatment.
In response, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, secretary to the Finance Minister, told the media that the ministry had investigated her case and found that Ms Anyakarn who was unemployed is eligible for the cash subsidy. He said the money would be transferred into her bank account today (April 28).
Several dozen suicides have been linked to the COVID-19 crisis, with health officials saying that the national mental health hotline has been flooded by calls for help.
Money being pushed into the system as 1.1 million people are to be given the 5,000 baht
The farmers are also set to be given funds
The SME loans also to be dished out
Thailand reported 9 new coronavirus cases, a record low of single-digit numbers, yesterday (April 27) with 1 more death, raising the total cases to 2,931 and the death toll to 52.
It is the first time since the outbreak occurred that Bangkok reported no new local infections in the past 24 hours, said Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) in the daily briefing.
The new death is a 64-year-old woman, who had Anamia and had close contact with a previous Covid-19 patient in Phuket.
New infections in the daily count comprised 3 cases linked to previous patients in Yala, Suphan Buri and Phuket and 4 cases were found in Yala where the authorities are aggressively testing the population. Another 2 cases were ill while being under state quarantine on their arrivals from the U.S.
Global COVID-19 cases are more than 3 million, with a third of infections in U.S. Global deaths are at least 208,131 while US deaths were at least 55,906.
Political News Headlines in Thai Media
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will extend the State of Emergency act put in place to curtail the spread of Covid-19 by another month, the government said on Monday.
o Link- https://www.thaienquirer.com/12345/thai-government-to-extend-state-of- emergency-ease-lockdown-measures/
The COVID-19 situation in Thailand is now entering the phase where lockdown restrictions can be eased, but social distancing and the wearing of face masks are still essential, said Professor Dr. Prasit Wattanapa, Dean of the Faculty of Medicines at Siriraj Hospital and a member of the CCSA’s medical advisory panel.
o Link- https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-now-ready-for-cautious-easing-of- lockdown-restrictions-dr-prasit/
Pita Limjaroenrat is the leader of Thailand’s Move Foward Party. As head of Thailand’s progressive party, Pita represents the hopes and dreams of Thailand’s students and youth. But his domestic violence is a big question that he needs to answer to the public.
o Link- https://www.thaienquirer.com/12305/thai-progressives-say-that-pita- limajaroenrat-must-answer-questions-about-his-history-of-domestic-abuse/
For this week’s Big Interview, we caught up with Move Forward Party Leader Pita Limjaroenrat to talk about the issues facing the country and his party.
o Link- https://www.thaienquirer.com/12302/the-big-interview-pita-limjaroenrat-joins- us-to-move-forward-covid-19-and-coalition-governments/
A political party is urging the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) to appeal last year's ruling in a money-laundering case linked with the Krungthai Bank (KTB) loan scandal, in which Panthongtae Shinawatra, son of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was acquitted.
o Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/1908805/panthongtae-acquittal- appeal-urged
Opposition demands for the convening of a special parliamentary meeting, to debate the Thai government’s three executive decrees, related to the acquisition of massive loans to cushion the economic impacts of COVID-19, have been rejected by the governing coalition parties.
o Link- https://www.thaipbsworld.com/government-whips-reject-opposition-call-for- debate-on-executive-decrees/
The Election Commission (EC) has decided to take criminal action against an election candidate for the Prachachat Party for violating the Election Act.
o Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1908795/ec-takes-aim-at- prachachat-bid
Gen Prawit Wongsuwon remains mum on whether he will replace Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana as leader of the core coalition Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) as speculated by some Thai media.
o Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1908650/prawit-tight-lipped- on-becoming-pprp-leader
The police chief of Ubon Ratchathani has been transferred after allegedly refusing to comply with health screening procedures when his flight landed at the provincial airport.
o Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1908615/ubon-police-chief- accused-of-rudely-refusing-airport-health-check
Economic News Headlines in Thai Media
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit has decided to withdraw a proposal to the cabinet today for Thailand to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a source told the Bangkok Post.
o Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1908700/cabinet-split-over- trade-pact
Nok Air has come under increasing pressure over the weekend as online photos revealed no social distancing on their flights. The carrier was the only airline continuing to operate in April as the rest of the country shut down to limit the coronavirus outbreak.
o Link- https://www.thaienquirer.com/12317/nok-air-under-pressure-after-pictures- emerge-showing-crowded-planes/
The private sector proposed its plan to reopen to the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Monday, as the government is in discussion to relax its nationwide lockdown.
o Link- https://www.thaienquirer.com/12340/private-sectors-send-in-proposals-to- reopen-while-high-risk-businesses-will-stay-closed-indefinitely/
Alcohol vendors asked Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha on Monday to allow for takeaway and delivery options instead of a complete ban on alcohol sales.
o Link- https://www.thaienquirer.com/12365/anutin-denies-request-by-vendors-to- partially-open-alcohol-sales/
The Labour Ministry will halt the entry of foreign labourers indefinitely as part of efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19, following a recent report of 42 infections among illegal migrant workers in Songkhla.
o Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1908790/migrant-infections- spike-prompts-foreign-labour-halt
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) yesterday decided to extend the ban on all incoming flights for another month over coronavirus concerns.
o Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1908690/aviation-agency- extends-inbound-flight-ban-a-month
The operator of the BTS Skytrain has announced the Green Line extension between Kasetsart University and Wat Phra Sri Mahathat will officially open to the public on June 3, according to Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang.
o Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1908730/green-line-extension- to-open-on-june-3
The cabinet will discuss today a proposal to give 5,000 baht in cash to each farming household for three months to ease the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the agricultural sector.
o Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1908735/cabinet-to-mull-cash- freebie-for-farmers
Thai Airways International will press on with a project to build a 11-billion maintenance facility east of Bangkok after partner Airbus dropped out due to the coronavirus outbreak, a senior official said on Monday.
o Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1908665/thai-to-press-ahead- with-b11bn-maintenance-facility
The country's media ad spending is estimated to drop 15% to 77 billion baht this year as the coronavirus outbreak causes brands to tighten their budgets amid a weak economy, says researcher Media Intelligence (MI). o Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1908835/spending-set-to-drop-by-15-
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index closed at 1,267.41 today (April 27), up 8.63 points or 0.69 per cent.
o Link- http://nationthailand.com/business/30386861?utm_source=category&utm_medium=i nternal_referral
Issues to be watched out for
April, 2020 – The Ministry of Finance is set to review GDP growth target due to a host of negative factors.
April 30, 2020 – The Supreme Court is scheduled to give a verdict in the case against 5 leaders of the United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) over the siege of late Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda’s residence in 2007.
May 7, 2020 – the Government Savings Bank (GSB) and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) each plan to extend 20 billion baht in 10 billion baht emergency loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
May 8, 2020 – The Bank of Thailand (BoT) will begin extending soft loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
May 22, 2020 – The House is set to reconvene.
May 26, 2020 – Prosecutors has delayed a decision on charges against Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, former secretary-general of the now-defunct Future Forward Party, for alleged contempt of court after he criticized the Constitutional Court’s decision to dissolve the Thai Raksa Chart Party.
July 2020 – The Expressway of Thailand (EXAT)’s planned opening schedule of the new Motorway Route 7 Section from Pattaya to Map Ta Phut.
October, 2020 – The bidding for construction and operation for the 140-billion-baht Orange Line western extension linking the Thailand Cultural Centre with Bang Khun Non.
October, 2020 – The Thailand Grand Prix was rescheduled after being postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Key Data
SET Index 1,267.41 +8.63
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 April 27, 2020
Buying, Selling or Transfer of shares by Owners/Management
Stock Code Volume Value Action
BM 1,900 1.47 Purchase Acceptance of BEAUTY 168,238,000 - Transfer BEAUTY 168,238,000 - Transfer CTW 10,000 4.8 Purchase ECL 500,000 0.13 Sale KUMWEL 162,900 0.83 Sale Acceptance of MOONG 400,000 - Transfer MOONG 200,000 - Transfer MOONG 300,000 - Transfer MOONG 400,000 - Transfer PRIME 110,100 0.24 Purchase SUPER 100,000,000 0.5 Sale SUPER 100,000,000 0.5 Purchase THG 4,900,000 17.8 Purchase UVAN 9,300 3.74 Purchase KUN 18,600 0.9 Purchase
XD, XE or XM or other notifications
For list of Companies that have dividend payment and AGM meeting schedules click on http://www.set.or.th/set/calendarofevents.do
Trading Breakdown on the Stock Exchange of Thailand
Daily as of 27 Apr 2020 Unit: M.Baht Investor Type Buy Sell Net Value % Value % Value % Local Institutions 3,927.99 7.92 3,859.65 7.78 68.34 - Proprietary 4,477.29 9.03 4,602.33 9.28 -125.04 - Trading Foreign Investors 17,449.55 35.19 18,118.62 36.54 -669.07 - Local Individuals 23,729.22 47.86 23,003.44 46.39 725.78 - Monthly Cumulative between 1 - 27 Apr 2020 Unit: M.Baht Investor Type Buy Sell Net Value % Value % Value % Local Institutions 135,464.99 11.02 116,536.15 9.48 18,928.84 - Proprietary 99,640.39 8.1 96,242.93 7.83 3,397.46 - Trading Foreign Investors 397,319.27 32.31 441,868.60 35.93 -44,549.33 - Local Individuals 597,248.34 48.57 575,025.32 46.76 22,223.03 - Yearly Cumulative since 1 Jan - 27 Apr 2020 Unit: M.Baht Investor Type Buy Sell Net Value % Value % Value % Local Institutions 661,349.70 12.22 616,347.45 11.39 45,002.25 - Proprietary 574,879.71 10.63 578,832.27 10.7 -3,952.56 - Trading Foreign Investors 1,966,514.51 36.35 2,126,418.74 39.3 - - 159,904.24 Local Individuals 2,207,388.59 40.8 2,088,534.04 38.6 118,854.55 -
Total Trading Value 49,584.05 Million Baht.
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
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