PPRP Coalition ‘Imminent’: Chuan’s selection as house speaker points towards make-up of next govt. Democrat Party list MP Chuan Leekpai was voted House Speaker yesterday, signalling that the Democrats and Bhumjaithai will join the camp led by the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) to form a coalition government with deals for cabinet seats already having been reached, according to a PPRP source. Bangkok Post
BEC looks to revenue beyond TV : Media giant wants online revenue contribution to double this year. BEC World aims to become the top provider of content and entertainment, in terms of rating and revenue, by expanding its online operations in the next three to four years, said Ariya Banomyong, the new president and director of BEC World Pcl. The Nation
Cabinet to give nod to draft rail deal : The cabinet is set to approve a draft joint venture contract for the 225-billion-baht high-speed train development project linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and Utapao airports at its meeting today. Bangkok Post
ICAO approved : Thailand steers clear of red-flag status from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), after the country passes all the aviation watchdog’s safety standard evaluations. Bangkok Post
Myanmar to boost indoor network coverage : With more people moving to major cities for better opportunities, Myanmar is planning to improve the quality of its indoor network coverage as part of preparing for the fifth generation of wireless technology (5G), officials say. The Nation
Path open for PPRP coalition : Dems offered three ministerial positions . The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has agreed to let the Democrat Party take the three ministerial positions it demands, clearing the way for a coalition government to be formed successfully, a Democrat source said yesterday. Bangkok Post
Competitive edge on rise : Thailand has moved up five spots to assume 25th place in this year’s World Competitiveness Rankings, which rated 63 economies for their economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure development.
Phalang Pracharat takes time out : Democrat party ‘uncomfortable’ with junta chief having final say over cabinet posts . Phalang Pracharat Party politicians will revisit Cabinet portfolio offers, after key potential partner parties expressed discomfort at the involvement of the junta chief in deciding ministry posts. The Nation
Govt debt ratio hike ‘won’t hurt monetary, fiscal discipline’ : The government’s move to raise its offbudget debt commitment as a proportion of the national budget from 5% to 8% will not have any effect on monetary or fiscal discipline, according to an adviser to the Public Debt Management Office. Bangkok Post
Govt takes concrete steps to stop overpricing at private hospitals : Private hospitals will no longer be allowed to hit patients with huge bills after authorities introduced clear legal measures yesterday to curb hefty prices. The Nation
