Coalition-leader elects new chief as old guard ousted : The Palang Pracharath Party yesterday elected Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon as its new leader in an uncontested race which uprooted people close to the previous leadership from its executive board as was widely anticipated. Bangkok Post
On guard against contagion : Thai banks are keeping their powder dry as the coronavirus pandemic’s fallout ripples through the global economy and stirs uncertainty. Thailand’s banking sector has been disrupted yet again, but this time it’s not a sophisticated new technology creating turbulence. Rather, it’s a microscopic virus that induces fear of immense collateral damage that could shake the country’s financial pillars to its core. Bangkok Post
Doors to open to six groups of foreigners : Six groups of foreigners will be allowed into Thailand with some who plan to stay for long periods having to self-quarantine at their own expense, said Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Bangkok Post
Nightlife makes return : Bars, soapy massages kick off from tomorrow. All night entertainment venues, including soapy massage parlours, will open their doors again tomorrow as restrictions imposed to curb Covid-19 are further eased in the final phase. Bangkok Post
August targeted for beach holidays : Five locations may see pilot projects. Leisure travellers may be allowed to enjoy beach locations again in August, as the government is working with designated destinations to accommodate tourists under the travel bubble scheme, says the Tourism and Sport Ministry. Bangkok Post
Govt bets on local tourism : Two packages worth B22.4bn approved. The cabinet yesterday approved two stimulus packages worth 22.4 billion baht to revitalise domestic tourism which has been left reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic. Bangkok Post
HK law a sword over heads, says China : The new Hong Kong security law will be a “sword” hanging over the heads of those who endanger national security, with Beijing and city authorities working together to enforce it, China said yesterday. Bangkok Post
Central bank allays NPL concerns : Capital buffer can tolerate bad loans. The banking industry’s bad loans are seen climbing higher for the remaining period of the year, but the central bank is giving assurances that commercial banks’ capital buffer is strong enough to tolerate rising non-performing loans (NPLs) if the economy shrinks 8.1% this year. Bangkok Post
World Bank sees return to prior growth by 2022 : The World Bank flagged a warning that 8.3 million workers in Thailand could lose jobs or income from the coronavirus pandemic, but the Thai economy is estimated to bounce back to pre-pandemic level in the next two years as the country eases its coronavirus lockdown. Bangkok Post
PM defends weapons budget : Focus more on the economy: Pheu Thai. Prime Minister Prayut Chano-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 yesterday’s first reading in parliament. Bangkok Post
