June 2020 : No local transmission of Covid-19 for 36 consecutive days No Covid-19 local transmission for 36 consecutive days Night curfew lifted since June 14 Emergency decree extended-Lockdown eases into phase 5 Activities allow as phase 4 stared on June 15 Emergency decree extended southernmost provinces Parliament passed 3 decrees totaled baht 1.9 trillion Draft bill on budget transferring approved in principle 6 groups of foreigners allowed to enter Thailand International flights permit to Thailand since July 1 14 citizens allows to enter EU State quarantine accommodations to increases to 9,000 units Health volunteers allowance increased 500 baht per person 7 million farmers received remediation cash Baht 10 billion budget allocated to sugar cane farmers Debt memorandum for 400,000 farmers Hotel fee Bt.40/room/year waived for one year Poll revealed Thais have minimal saving to survive Covid-19 Foreign workers permit extended to July 31 Land and buildings tax reduced 90% due to Covid-19 Cabinet approved 3 packages to stimulate domestic tourism Cabinet approved 4 projects on Covid-19 affected Cabinet approved draft anti-torture bill Travel Bubble plan to promote inbound tourism New Normal advised for post Covid-19 New Normal measures applies to all national parks An extraordinary committee appointed to study CPTPP Palang Pracharat Party elected new administrative committee CC to rule on Thamanas jailed case Army reform plan approved by cabinet No alcohol drinks allows on public water transport-peer A Move Forward Party disclosed ‘Common School” plan “CARE” political group launched Democrat stands the most members political party Warfare arms sieged - related to political movement EC endorsed ‘Kla Political Party’ Supreme Court upheld jail terms to 4 Red Shirt cores No Covid-19 local transmission for 36 consecutive days On 30 June, the Covid-19 center revealed there was no Covid-19 local transmission in Thailand for 36 consecutive days, all new cases were from those coming from abroad and they are staying in the state quarantines. The total cases on 30 June 2020 were 3,171 and new cases were 2. Totaled recovered was 3,056 cases, 57 were in hospitals, and totaled death were 58. There were 10,407,855 confirmed cases globally, and totaled deaths were 508,077. Brazil was the most affected country in Latin America and second from USA, with 30.077 new cases within the past 24 hours. Totaled confirmed cases in Brazil were 1,344,143 with 552 new deaths, making 57,622 total deaths. Night curfew lifted since June 14 On June 14, the night curfew was lifted countrywide but Covid-19 prevention measures are still imposed. People are advised to wear face masks and socially distancing when leaving their residences. More importantly, they are requested to check in-checkout at every public venue, either via mobile phone’s application ‘Thai Chana’ or giving phone numbers and names. State of Emergency continued until July 31 On June 30, the cabinet approved the extension of the emergency decree from July 1 until 31 as proposed by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. However many restrictions were relaxing according to the fifth phase measures such as: Educational institutions are opening on July 1. Department stores, shopping/community malls/centers opening with some restrictions. Convenience stores can opening 24 hours. Entertaining businesses opening with some restrictions. Activities allowed for phase 4 relaxation On June 12, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration announced on June 15 the phase 4 relaxations would be effective and these activities would be allowed: Education and training in schools, universities, international schools, etc. schools of maximum students of 120, according to criteria to be announced by the Education Ministry or relevant agencies. Economic and lifestyle activities in meeting, training, seminar, exhibition, trade fair, banqueting, show, theatre, performance, cinema, child caring, elderly caring, healthcare and wellness, science center, cultural center and movie production of max 150 staffs and 50 viewers. Alcohol consumption in restaurants, food parks, hotels, without promotion activity, and excluding bars, pubs, karaoke. Exercises and healthcare, including spas and massages, but excluding massage parlors. Group exercises and sports in open areas and public parks. Water parks, playgrounds excluding some playing devices of much contact surface such as ball homes, wind tunnels. Sport arenas and outdoor exercises excluding bull fighting, rooster fighting and fish fighting places. Cross-provincial public transport. However, there are details in doing activities, such as density, opening hours, and mask wearing etc. Emergency decree in southernmost provinces extended On June 1, the state of emergency in some districts in the three provinces; Pattani, Yala and Narathiwas, was extended for another three months or until September 19, 2020. This is the 60th extension since imposed. House of Reps passed 3 loan decrees, totaled 1.9 trillion baht On May 31, the House of Representatives voted to pass three emergency decrees allowing the government to seek loans totaled 1.9 trillion baht to stimulate economy effect from Covid-19. They were: The decree to authorize the Finance Ministry to borrow about 1 trillion baht to fund the government economic and social rehabilitation to provide support to people adversely affected by the virus outbreak, passed with 274 to 207 abstain. The decree to authorize the Bank of Thailand to provide baht 500 billion soft loans to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) hit by the Covid-19 fallout, passed with 275 to 1 and 205 abstain. 3. The decree to support bond market liquidity with baht 400 billion via the Corporate Bond Stabilization Fund (BSF) , established by the Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand, passed with 274 to 195 with 12 abstain and 1 no vote. Later on June 2, the House of Senate voted with 242 to nil and 4 abstain to pass the three decrees. Budget transfer draft bill approved- extraordinary committee appointed On June 4, the House of Representatives voted 264 to 4 with 185 abstain and 1 no vote to pass the Budget Transfer draft bill on its first reading and appointed a 49 members extraordinary committee to study the bill within 7 days. The bill’s principle is to the 2020 transfer central and reserved for emergency budget, totaled baht 96 billion, to cover expenditures for Covid-19 remediation and some will be used in emergency according to drought and disaster. 6 groups of foreigners allowed to enter Thailand On 29 June, the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced additional 6 groups of foreigners are allowed to enter Thailand. They are: Foreigner spouses and children of work permit holders. Foreigners with residency rights in Thailand. Foreigners married to Thais. Foreigners and their carers seeking medical treatment in Thailand (except for Covid-19). International students and their guardians. Short stay business travelers and guests of the government from japan, South Korea, Singapore, China and Hong Kong- as per special arrangements made with these countries. The cabinet also consider criteria on accepting government’s guest; small group of maximum 10 , short stay, having negative result Covid-19 tests, health and security liaisons provided by host agency. The Interior Ministry ordered additional 9 emigration posts opening, formerly 28 in 22 provinces. The ministry asked for public cooperation in reporting on illegal smuggling through natural passages due to only in June, 2,498 people had entered the country via these passages. Some of them had Covid-19. International flights permit to Thailand The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced a notification on the conditions for permitting aircrafts to fly over, fly into or out, and take off or land, in the Kingdom of Thailand, as follow: State or Military aircraft. Emergency landing flights. Technical landing flights without disembarkation Humanitarian aid, medical and relief flights. Repatriation flights. Cargo flights. Passengers from aircraft allowed are: Thai nationals Persons with exemption or persons being considered, permitted or invited by the Prime Minister, or the head of responsible persons accountable for resolving state of emergency issues to enter the Kingdom, as necessary. Such consideration, permission or invitation may be subject to specified conditions and time limits. Non-Thai nationals who are a spouse, parents, or children of a Thai national. Non-Thai nationals who hold a valid certificate of residence, or permission to take up residence in the Kingdom Non-Thai nationals who hold a valid work permit or are allowed to work in the Kingdom, including their spouse or children. Carriers of necessary goods, subject to immediate return after completion. Crew members who are required to travel into the Kingdom on a mission, and have a specified date and time for return. Non-Thai nationals who are students of educational institutions approved by Thai authorities, including the parents or guardians of the students. Non-Thai nationals who are in need of medical treatment in Thailand, and their attendants. However, this shall not include medical treatment for COVID–19. Individuals in diplomatic missions, consular affairs, international organizations, government representatives, foreign government agencies working in Thailand, or individual in other international agencies as permitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including their spouse, parents, or children. Non-Thai nationals who are permitted to enter the Kingdom under a special arrangement with a foreign country. Aircraft and passengers or persons entering the Kingdom under No.2 must comply with the conditions, time limits and rules of the authorized persons under the Thai immigration law, communicable diseases law, air navigation law, and the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situation in force, for prevention of the disease and the organization of the number of persons entering Thailand in accordance with the screening capability of the competent officers or the communicable disease control officers, and the arrangement of quarantine facilities. 14 citizens allows to enter EU On June 29, the European Union allows citizens from 14 ‘safe’ countries to enter its borders. They are Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rawanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay. The US, the UK and Brazil are still exempt from travel to the country. State quarantine accommodations to increase to 9,000 units On June 6, the spokesperson of the Defense Ministry disclosed the Ministry and the Public Health Ministry are working to in increase capacity of state quarantine accommodations to 9,000 units to meet demands of Thais wanting to come home due to the effect of Covid-19 pandemic. Daily allowance shall be raised to maximum 500. All incomer will be put in state quarantine for 14 days and they should have medical certificate of negative test before travelling. During quarantine, another two tests will be made on the 5th and 12th days. Anyone with positive test will be sent to hospitals. Baht 500 allowance increased to healthcare volunteers Regarding to the Public Health Ministry, baht 45 billion to be allocate to strengthen public health system, healthcare volunteers’ to increase their monthly allowance with baht 500 each, starting from March to September 2020. 7 million farmers received remediation cash On 4 June, the Bank of Agricultural and Cooperatives had transferred a totaled of baht 35,518 million to 7,103,721 farmers countrywide. They are those registered on May 15, 2020. Those who registered afterwards will receive a lump sum of baht 10,000 by August 15, 2020 and anyone failed to receive can appeal before August 15, 2020. 4 banks to responsible on farmers’ debts On June 7, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek deputy spokesperson to the Office of the prime minister said the government has transferred a total of baht 35 billion to 7.1 million farmers. Referring to the debt memorandum, negotiations are on discussing on capital payment and interest rates with 4 state banks; the Bank of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Government Housing Bank, the Government saving Bank, and the SMEs Bank. Baht 10 billion allocated to help sugar cane farmers On June 9, the cabinet acknowledged the allocation of budget for sugar cane farmers, already approved on April 21, 2020. The budget are divided into 2 categories. The first, baht 65 billion, giving at baht 85 per ton and maximum 5,000 ton per person, to farmers delivering products to sugar mills. The rest baht 35 billion, at baht 92 per ton, to every fresh crop delivering to the mills, according to anti-PM2.5 measures to prevent the burning of sugar cane. Hotels annual fee baht 40 per room waived for one year On June 9, the cabinet approved the proposal by the Interior Ministry, to waive the hotel fee baht 40 per room from July 1 2020 to June 30 2021, as a relief to hoteliers affected by Covid-19. The hotel sector is among those hard hit by the pandemic, paralyzed by lockdowns and travel bans all over the world. Thailand recorded zero foreign tourists in April after it closed borders and banned international passenger flights. In April last year, there were about 3.2 million foreign tourists who spent about 146 billion baht, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The measure would cost 31.3 million baht in state revenue. Poll reveals Thais have minimal saving On June 4, Mr. Detrat Sookkamnert, former lecturer at Kasetsart University Faculty of Economics disclosed a survey on “ Means to set up social security system to cope with impact from Covid-19”, collected from 1,998 samplers countrywide between 14-34 May 2020. It was found that: Before Covid-19; 70% were permanently employed, only 10% were jobless. 45% could meet end meets, 25% more spending than earning, 24% more earning than spending, 6% no income. 35% more asset than liability, 27% more liability than asset, 21% no debt, 16% liability without asset. 36% having saving to last 3 months, 20% having saving to last 6 months, 19% having saving to last 1 month, 7% saving to last 1 year, 18% never self-assessment. During Covid-19 pandemic: 51% sale/income decreased, 28% redundancy or business closed, 26% business closed or partially closed, 14% unemployed, 10% operation disrupted, 10% no effect. 27% said income decreased by 75% , 27% income decreased 50-74%, 18% income decreased 25-49%, 11% income decreased 10-24%, 6% income decreased 10%, 11% income similar ( no more no less), 1% income increased. 51% have more expenses ( 16% increased 10-24%, 14% increased 50%, 12% increased 25-50%, 9% increased less than 10%), 30% same expenses, 19% less expenses ( 9% less 10-50%, 7% less 10%, 3% less 50%) For full detail please access: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14RylUM7GUjUdnV706202NcBVxhVGjjA5/view?fbclid=IwAR0CH9HnkXCi8y-ZAe73dpHcoUveZj_DKOAP57eY8KEVarZ0Bu4saBn1dPo Foreign workers allowed until July 31 On June 2, the cabinet approved the allowance of foreign workers; Cambodian, Lao and Myanmar, to temporarily stay and work in Thailand for another month, or until July 31,2020. This is to minimize the risk if Covid-19 due to without the permission they will become illegal. Without these workers, there could be a shortage of workforce to support economic revitalization after the pandemic. Land-Building tax reduces 90% On June 2, the cabinet resolved to issue a decree on a reduction of land and building taxes for 90%, of the current tax bill, for one year for the 2020 taxing period, and also extended the annual payment from April 2020 to August 2020. This is to relief taxpayers’ burden due to the effect of Covid-19. Since the tax reduction can result in local budget, each authority shall find appropriate measures to solve problems. Cabinet approved 3 tourism stimulating packages On June 16, the cabinet resolved to endorse measures to stimulate tourism in the country, “Thais Tour Thailand”, to be applied from July 2020 to October 2020. There would be 3 packages, of total cost baht 22 billion, as follow: “ Teiw Pun Sook” scheme addressing low cost airlines and hired vehicles, by subsidizing 40% of fares or rents, but not exceeding than baht 1,000. Participated low cost airlines shall limit their round trip fares to baht 2,500 per passenger. “Let’s Travel” scheme aims to stimulate domestic tourism by Thais, a subsidy of 40% for hotel room cost per night, at a maximum of baht 3,000 per night, for 5 nights or not exceeding than baht 15,000. People using electronic currency will get an additional of baht 600 per night at a maximum of 5 nights or baht 3,000 for other activities during the trip. However, this allowance cannot be cash back. Unused money would be retrieve back to the package. “Kamlangchai” scheme allowing 1.2 million medical staffs and healthcare volunteers in sub-districts will get a subsidy of baht 2,000 for a package tour of 1 night 2 days, bought from tour agents On June 16, the cabinet approved another 4 remediation packages as follow: The 1,164,222 holders of state welfare cards failed to get any remediation, will receive a monthly allowance baht 1,000 for three months, May-July 2020, through their money wallet. The 302,160 people failed to register in the “No One Left Behind” program, did not get any remediation, allowance or subsidy from Finance, Agriculture and Cooperatives, and Social Development and Human Security ministries, and did not being categorized as social security program insured person, will get loans, of total budget baht 906, as considered by the scrutiny committee, within one month. The vulnerable group, totaled 6,781,881 people, as proposed by the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, shall get remediation allowance of baht 1,000 per month for three months, from May to July 2020, adding to their normal allowances. They are 1.) New born to 6 years old children, totaled 1,394,756, from low income families, 2.) Over 60 year old people, totaled 4,056,596, 3.) Disable people, totaled 1,330,592. Anticipated budget is baht 20.3 billion. 137,093 farmers inaccessible to basic infrastructure assistant, being affected by Covid-19 and certified by state agents that not belong to any remediation program and approximately 120,000 farmers unable to register with state agent by May 15, will get remediation allowance as decided by the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry. Cabinet approved draft bill on anti-torture On June 23, the cabinet approved a draft bill on anti-torture and forced disappearances with principles that there is no expiry date for abduction cases, which remain open as long as the person is missing. The law shall allow family members to file lawsuits on behalf of missing relatives. Penalties under both laws are prison terms of one to 15 years, and fines of baht 200,000-400,000. Responsible agency will be the Rights and Liberties Department of the Justice Ministry. The draft law was read in 4 online public hearing in 4 regions between 4-31 December 2019 and would be forwarded to the Council of State before submit to the parliament. Planning for “Travel Bubble”- pairing countries for tourism On 23 June, Deputy PM and Public Health Minister Anutin Chanveerakul said the Travel Bubble Plan is progressing as the ministry is discussing with many countries. Arrangements must be regulated, including restrictions on free travel. Country, activity and personal risks must be taken into account. Travelers should come from areas and territories deemed free of the disease before arriving in Thailand. While in the kingdom, the travelers should also stay at pre-approved accommodation. New Normal after Covid-19 controlled On June 17, PM Prayut Chan-ocha remarked on the New Normal measures to be applied nationwide after Cocid-19 is controlled that we still have to follow precautious rules- wearing face mask, washing hands frequently, social distancing and avoid crowded places. Careless action could lead to the second round of virus spread. He also asked every societal sector to unite for planning the future of Thailand. Regarding to public agencies, more public participation will be used through primary hearing, not via press reports or social media as currently practicing. Secondly, public agents must be assessed by real stakeholders to increase efficiency. Comments are welcome and must be forwarded to decision-makers. Thirdly, the government must work actively and integratory in respond to the swiftly changing world. The cabinet must follow up all tasks. National parks go new normal Since July 1, all national parks will be open to public with New Normal criteria such as: Limitation on daily numbers of tourists to enter by pre-registration 70%, and 30% on-site registration 30%. Pre-registration via QueQ application; choose park, date, time and numbers of entrees. They are required to give phone numbers and will get entry codes. Present entry codes and paying entrance fee and checking in when entering the park. Follow safety rules: temperature check, wearing face masks, washing hands with alcohol. Following advice on restriction areas in the park. Check out via Thai Chana Application when exiting. Parliament extraordinary committee to study CPTPP On June 10, the House of Representatives convened an urgent meeting to discuss on the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) agreement if Thailand would participate and appointed a 49 extraordinary committee to study the details within one month. Palang Pracharat Party gets new executive members Referring to the resignation of 18 executive members of the Palang Pracharat Party (PPP), effective on June 1, the law stipulates all 34 members’ status terminated and the party must organize a new election. On June 27, PPP convened a general meeting to elect a new party leader and new executive members. Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan was solely nominated to the leader and he received 516 supporting votes. Following were Mr. Anucha Nakasai secretariat, 485 votes, Mrs. Narumon Pinyosinwat treasurer, 516 votes and Mr. Boonsing Warinrak registrar, 494 votes. The party also amended the number of its executives to between 11 and 29 and empower the leader to appoint another 9 executive members to serve as its deputy. Moreover, a director will be appointed and the party leaders also empower to remove his deputy and director or change their functions, too. It was noted that most of the previous new executive members were re-elected except 8 people attached to the ‘4 Kuman (Boys) group, former party leader Uttama Saowanayon Finance Minister, Sondhirat Sondhijirawong Energy Minister, Suwit Maesinsee Higher Education Minister and Korbsak Putrakoon deputy secretary-general to the prime minister for political issue. On June 21 , DUSIT Poll revealed its study done online between 15-19 June from 1,108 samplings on “ The Changes in PPP”. Results are as follw: Towards the reorganization in PPP 62.16% is a fighting for power. 57.22% due to internal problems. 56.12% is a political game. 27.79% creates turbulence to the country. 25.78% taking turn for power. 25.59% paving way to cabinet reshuffle. 18.65% for administrative reorganization. Is it the right time? 72.20% yes, due to no outcome, ineffecientcy, etc. 27.80% No, cause not proper time, waste of time, will have similar problems, etc. Who suit for the new party leader? 54.26% Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan. 14.36% Mr. Suriya Joongrungruengkit. 13.83% Mr. Wiratch Rattanaseth. 9.57% Mr. Putthipong Punnakan. 7.98% Mr. Paiboon Nithitawan. Will there be any change for Thailand? 54.15% no, will be same as before. 25.99% is getting worse. 19.86% will be better. CC to rule on Thamanas’s jail term On June 17, the Constitutional Court accepted a petition, launched through the House speaker, by 51 members of the House, asking the court to rule on the qualification of MP Capt. Thamanas Prompao, accordingly to Section 101 (6), Section 98 (10, Section 17 paragraph one (4) with Section 160 (6) and 98 (10) of the constitution. Whereas the court accepted to rule, the court did not resolve to terminate Mr. Thamanas functions as MP or minister reasoning there is not enough evidence, therefore, Mr. Thamanas can continue his duty in regards to Section 82 paragraph 2 of the constitution. This is a result from Mr. Thamanas’s 6-year jail term, reduced to 4 years and extradited, convicted by the Australian court on guilty of drug smuggling in 1995. Military reform- reduction on ranks and personals On June 9, the cabinet acknowledged the draft decree on military official regulation with principles on the appointment, salaries, disciplinary and resign or every element regarding to the military officers which conforms with the reform plan. No alcohol drinking on water public transport On June 19, the Harbour Department decree on banning alcohol consumption in public peers and transport was effective. Penalty will be according to the Alcohol Control Act B.E. 2551. Progressive Movement launched ‘Common School’ program On June 14, the Progressive Movement group launched its “Common School” program, a training course for societal changes. Training will be provided online via YouTube and Podcast, starting on June 14, 2020 at 18:00 hour. Secretariat Piyabutr Sangkanokkul, also the curriculum director, stated main mission is to campaign for progressive thinking to achieve political change and empowering the people to real supreme power. Future activities including workshop and training on politics and democracy, public lecture and campaign, online academic subjects to all, youth development camp, publication, handbook and campaign. CARE group’s launching On June 13, the CARE group disclosed its starting core leaders; Pumtham Vejayachai, Prommin Lertsuriyadej, Ms. Lakana Panwichai, Ms. Weeraporn Nithiprapa, Mr. Duangrit Bunnak, Mr. Prai Rattapongpaisan and Surapong Suebwonglee. All of them were attached to Thaksin Shinawatra political sect. Previously there was a rumor that a new political party is being formed and shall detach from political group leads by Sudarat keyurapan, former the Phue Thai and dissolved , Thai Rak Thai parties. Democrat, most members political party On June 25, the Election Commission Office disclosed among all registered 74 political parties and total 1,173,589 members, Democrat party has the most members, 157,021. Following is Phue Thai party, 70,491. Pumjaithai party, 59,274. Palang Pracharat party, 45,473. Seriruamthai party, 45,466. Kao Klai party, 12,648. Chat Thai Pattana party, 20,089. Phue Chart party, 20,652. Chart Pattana party, 15,911. Etc. War arms sieged-could connect to political movement On June 23, the police deputy spokesperson Pol. Col. Krisana Patpongchareon disclosed the police petro border unit and army officers has sieged war arms; explosive, machine guns, rifles, etc. along the boundary and under investigation of whom and connection they are. On June 25, Police Chief Pol. Gen. Chakthip Chaichinda confirmed the seizure and said he was confident on the intelligent report. EC endorsed Kla Party On June 30, the Election Commission Office endorsed the establishment of Kla Party, led by Korn Chatikavanij and Attawit Suwanpakdee. Supreme Court upheld jail terms for Red Shirt leaders On June 26, the Supreme Court upheld jail terms, convicted by the Appeal Court, on 4 Red Shirt leaders; Mr. Veerakan Musikapong, Mr. Nattawut Sai-kau, Mr. Wiputalaeng Patanapumtai, and Mr. Waeng Torjirakarn, on their guilty of incited protestors, physically harmed and obstructed officers. The four were convicted to a 4-year jail term without probation. On July 22, 2007, a group of protestors gathered in front of former privy Gen. Prem Thinsulanond’s residence, demanded his resignation. On confrontation with police, Mr. Noparut hit a policeman Pol. Capt. Taweesak Namchanjiam and broke his arm. He was sentenced to 2 years 8 months jail term. On 16 September 2015, the First Court sentenced Mr. Noparut to a jail term and acquitted the other four defendants. The official appealed and the Appealed Court ruled them all guilty and jail terms. The Supreme Court found the four defendants guilty of incited violence regardless to the officers ordered all to disband and upheld the Appeal Court.