Thaksin Shinawatra, the de facto leader of Pheu Thai, is adopting a more cautious approach amid ongoing legal threats that could endanger his daughter Paetongtarn's role as prime minister, dissolve his party's ruling coalition, and even risk his own return to jail.
Sources reveal that Thaksin, who previously exuded confidence and dared critics to sue, has become more alert to covert moves by his opponents, carefully navigating power struggles within Thailand's political landscape.
With his party, his daughter, and himself entangled in multiple lawsuits since his recent return from self-imposed exile, Thaksin is now committed to protecting his political standing.
Political activists have filed cases alleging Thaksin's covert influence over Pheu Thai, including coalition formation and policy-making. In particular, accusations focus on Thaksin's orchestrating of the coalition and policy control from behind the scenes, possibly in violation of Thailand's anti-corruption laws.
Additionally, the Election Commission, Thailand's Constitutional Court, and National Anti-Corruption Commission may weigh in on whether Thaksin manipulated his medical condition to avoid prison time following his recent sentencing. His alleged backroom dealings to oust reformist Move Forward as a condition of his return are also under scrutiny.
Despite the mounting legal and political pressures, Thaksin appears determined to maintain Pheu Thai's grip on power until the legislative term ends in 2027.
Sources suggest he is aiming to avoid dissolving parliament, as an early election would likely favour the People's Party, a reformation of the banned Move Forward, reported Thai Newsroom.
Thaksin is reportedly focused on keeping his coalition intact, despite fraught alliances with parties like Bhumjaithai and Ruam Thai Sang Chart, both of whom may work against him when advantageous.
Whoever wins the US presidential election on November 5, Thailand is prepared to engage with the new president. As a treaty ally and the first Asian country to recognize the US over two centuries ago, Thailand's relationship with America has stood the test of time.
This enduring partnership has weathered many challenges, establishing a strong and pragmatic bond between the two countries.
If Kamala Harris wins the presidency, the US will likely continue its current foreign policy in Southeast Asia, focusing on strengthening alliances and partnerships.
Harris would likely maintain commitments to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), an initiative introduced to foster economic collaboration in response to the gap left by the Trump administration's withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
Through the IPEF, the US would aim to bolster trade, investment, and economic integration with regional allies, a strategy Harris is expected to support.
Should Donald Trump emerge victorious, Thailand is equally prepared. During Trump's previous term (2016–2020), US -Thai relations remained stable, largely thanks to Trump's security team, which had substantial knowledge of Thailand and the surrounding region.
Trump's administration focused on reducing trade deficits, and Thailand responded by pledging to increase investment in the US and purchase more American goods.
Since then, both Thai-US. investment and trade have grown significantly.
Regarding China, both Harris and Trump are likely to take a firm stance. Under Biden, US policy toward China has aimed to curb Chinese influence in key areas, especially advanced technology and imports.
Trump has indicated he would impose even steeper tariffs on Chinese products, though this could ultimately backfire on American consumers.
Harris would likely face similar domestic pressure to protect the local economy, suggesting that US-China relations will remain competitive and cautious.
Thailand's relations with the US and China will follow a similar pattern to the rest of the region.
No ASEAN member will choose to align fully with either superpower. Both are important sources of security and trade for the region.
Regional countries are striving to diversify their relationships, seeking new partners, markets, and a balance of power.
Thailand will continue its strategic alliance with the US in the Indo-Pacific region regardless of who wins.
However, the depth and character of this relationship may vary based on leadership in both nations. Under Trump, US -Thai ties strengthened even while Thailand was under military rule, while Biden's approach has emphasized collaboration with democracies. Moving forward, these dynamics may shape how Thailand and the US interact.
In the coming years, US - Thai relations will likely adjust to the changing geopolitical landscape as global power shifts toward multipolarity.
For more than 40 years, Thailand has served as a key partner in US military cooperation, hosting the annual Cobra Gold exercises that promote regional security and interoperability.
However, as American power projection declines, these military exercises may evolve in scope and focus.
Across Southeast Asia, the US may increasingly look to allies such as Japan and Australia to help shoulder regional security responsibilities.
For Thailand, this means an ongoing but perhaps more balanced partnership as both countries adapt to new regional realities.
No more boarding passes: facial recognition to start in 6 Thai airports
Passengers are seen queuing up at the check-in counter at Thailand's Phuket International Airport on Oct 15. (Photo: Achadthaya Chuenniran)
An automated biometric identification system using facial recognitiontechnology will be implemented in six Thai airports later this year to let passengers show their physical ID only once.
The system will be ready for domestic passengers on Nov 1 and for international passengers on Dec 1, according to operated by the Airport Authority of Thailand director Kirati Kitmanawat.
To use the system, passengers will be required to allow access to their identification information when checking in at the counter or self-service check-in at the airports.
The system will collect passengers' biometric information and travel itineraries electronically, allowing air travellers to go from the baggage drop to the boarding gate without showing passports and boarding passes. Each registration is for only one journey.
The six airports that will use the system are Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Mae Fah Luang/Chiang Rai International Airport, Phuket International Airport and Hat Yai International Airport.
Passenger numbers using the airports in September and October have risen almost 20% from the same period last year, and are expected to be still higher next year, Mr Kirati said.
Thailand is on tenterhooks with speculation swirling about a potential move by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to dissolve the House of Representatives.
A member of the Democrat Party has predicted this event may occur within the next 90 days, presumably to preempt an impending decision by the Constitutional Court.
The court is set to rule on a lawsuit concerning Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn's father and the influential figure behind Pheu Thai, one of the ruling parties.
This claim came to public notice through the insights shared by Mongkolkit Suksintharanon, a former maverick MP now aligned with the Democrat Party.
He took to Facebook to voice his prediction, suggesting that a fresh election announcement might precede any court-mandated dissolution of Pheu Thai and other parties. Mongkolkit assessed the likelihood of this scenario at over 70%.
This political tremor stems from a legal complaint led by activist lawyer Thirayut Suwankesorn, directed at Thaksin and Pheu Thai. The charges involve allegations of Thaksin's undue influence over the party, primarily orchestrated through his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn.
The lawsuit contends that Thaksin managed a secretive convergence of coalition leaders at his residence, shortly after the Constitutional Court's dismissal of Thailand's former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
Such a move from Paetongtarn could complicate an already bewildering political landscape, with new parties potentially entering the fray under unfamiliar banners, potentially confusing the electorate.
The urgency now lies with the Office of the Attorney-General, bound by the court's order to process this lawsuit within the designated 15-day timeframe, adding a ticking clock to the unfolding political drama, reported Thai Newsroom.
Vehicles wait at a traffic light at the Asok intersection in Bangkok on Oct 19. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)
The Transport Ministry's proposal to introduce congestion charges on motorists using busy roads in Bangkok has reignited intense debate.
This initiative aims to tackle traffic woes by encouraging drivers to leave their cars at home and use public transport. The fees will help fund a 20-baht flat-rate fare for the city's electric trains, making them more affordable and accessible. The ministry plans to spend six to 12 months studying the proposal's feasibility.
The Bangkok Post spoke to the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), experts in urban planning and consumer rights, police, and road users to explore whether the measure can ease traffic snarl-ups as hoped, and whether the capital's mass transit system is sufficiently developed to support the shift.
Data for study
The OTP's director-general, Panya Chupanich, said a pre-feasibility study was conducted from 2019 to 2022 in collaboration with the German development agency GIZ.
With support from the UK Pact (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions), a consultant is being selected to continue the study. The consultant will be named in December, and a full study is expected to be completed within two years.
Mr Panya said the study is designated for inner city areas covering 107 square kilometres, including parts of Klong Toey, Phaya Thai, Dusit, Din Daeng and Sathon.
The study will evaluate if imposing a fee, estimated at 45-50 baht, can reduce the number of private vehicles and identify the most likely to benefit. Cameras will be installed in designated zones to record licence plate numbers.
He also provided the daily traffic volumes of private cars at six major intersections: 83,368 at the Sathon-Narathiwat intersection, 68,473 at Pratunam, 62,453 at Pathumwan, 62,453 at Silom-Narathiwat, 60,112 at Phetchaburi-Thong Lor; and 56,235 at Ratchaprasong.
Mr Panya said congestion fees have been imposed in several cities worldwide, including London, where they were initially criticised before becoming widely accepted. Milan has introduced measures to control the number of cars and combat air pollution.
"We'll first target the areas accessed by the electric train system so they have alternatives. The revenue will also support feeder services, such as buses and song thaews, not just electric trains," he said.
Mr Panya said those living in the designated areas may receive discounts or not have to pay the congestion fees.
Learning from success
Assoc Prof Panit Pujinda, head of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning of Chulalongkorn University, said the measure is in place in major cities worldwide, where modest fees are charged, and the objectives are clear: easing traffic congestion and tackling pollution.
New York City has studied this approach and is preparing to implement it. The aim is to collect revenue to improve the city's century-old subway system.
Singapore, meanwhile, intends to tackle traffic gridlock by setting clear traffic flow targets. Data is collected for assessment every six months, and if traffic flow stays within the target range, the current fee rate will be maintained.
He said the Transport Ministry's objective differs from that of other countries because it aims to use congestion charging mainly to subsidise mass transit fares, not to reduce traffic congestion or air pollution, which are secondary benefits.
However, he pointed out this approach might not be practical because Thai commuters face the "first-mile and last-mile issue". As a result, the time and money people spend are not solely on the electric train system.
"They use motorcycle taxis or taxis to get from home to access public transport. The government should spend the congestion fees on developing the feeder system and make it cheaper," he said.
Assoc Prof Panit said congestion fees are often used as a last resort in many countries, implemented after other measures have been tried and failed, such as collecting windfall taxes or raising money from commercial development around train stations.
He suggested the government take it step by step, first promoting commercial development around train stations and collecting windfall taxes from those who benefit from this development.
If this generates insufficient funds to subsidise the 20-baht flat rate fares, the congestion charges should then be considered and allocated toward improving the feeder systems as well, he said.
Importance of feeders
Saree Aongsomwang, secretary-general of the Thailand Consumer Council (TCC), said the government should first improve bus services so they can better serve as the primary feeder for the electric train system.
Public bus services are insufficient, she said, adding funds worth 34 billion baht earmarked for the second phase of the expressway should be allocated to support bus services.
She said bus routes should be redesigned to connect with the electric train systems, and passenger vans and song thaews can also be used to support the feeder network.
Ms Saree also stressed the need to develop an urban plan alongside a comprehensive public transport system.
"Bangkok should spend the revenue from vehicle registration taxes to fund free bus services. More than 50% of people might leave their cars at home and use the rail system if this materialises," she said.
Regarding the government's plan to buy back electric train systems, she said the government should examine financial and maintenance records to assess costs and ensure transparency in the buyback process.
"Otherwise, the public may perceive the government is using their tax money to help those operators who are running at a loss," she said.
Ms Saree said the government must show how its actions contribute to addressing the climate change issues that have wreaked havoc in various regions. This will raise awareness and encourage people to reduce their car use.
She said that last year, around 10 million people fell ill due to PM 2.5 ultrafine dust pollution, costing the government approximately 7 billion baht for healthcare. "This cycle will repeat itself yearly [unless meaningful actions are taken]," she said.
'Motorists willing to pay'
Pol Col Jirakrit Charonpat, deputy commander of the Traffic Division, said congestion fees will likely not deter people from using cars if they remain the most convenient option for commuting.
Mass transit systems are often overcrowded during rush hours, and the weather plays a key role in people's decision to use public transport, especially when it involves walking in hot and humid conditions, he said.
Pol Col Jirakrit said it remains unclear how the fees will be collected and what impact they will have on residents and motorists who regularly travel through those areas.
What works in other countries may not work here due to various factors. However, he said traffic police are ready to help implement the government policy, and if public transport services are improved, more people will choose public transport over driving.
Voices of motorists
Chor Sua-klin, a 45-year-old taxi driver, said the measure is unlikely to make a difference because there will always be those willing to pay if they believe it is worth it.
He disagreed with the measure because it would affect his job. He believes passengers would use taxi services less frequently if required to pay a congestion fee.
A more effective approach might be to limit the age of vehicles allowed in inner-city areas. Older cars contribute to traffic jams when they break down, and this method would also reduce the number of cars entering the city.
Worawit Prungpaopan, a 42-year-old office worker, agreed there are those willing to pay for convenience.
"It isn't convenient to walk on the footpaths in this weather or to use public transport, which still does not cover all areas," he said.
However, he said he was sceptical about whether the congestion fees would improve public transport services.
Ploypapas Siwatjirakit, a 45-year-old business owner, said the introduction of congestion fees will increase business costs, which will inevitably hit consumers if these costs rise.
Ms Ploypapas said the city's public transport systems need improvement, whether in terms of routes, efficiency of services or safety. Even the electric train systems can't accommodate passengers during rush hours.
"The public needs to prepare if this measure is to be implemented. If we follow the example from developed countries, we must also consider the cost of living and the educational backgrounds of our people," she said.
Panya: Feasibility studies ongoing
Panit: Charges common in big cities around the world
Saree: Public transport must be improved first
Jirakrit: Congestion charge unlikely to deter drivers
Thailand's baht is expected to depreciate further amid continuing capital outflows leading up to the US presidential election next month. Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research) forecasts that if Republican candidate Donald Trump secures victory, the baht could potentially trade below 34.50 against the dollar.
The baht recently fell to 33.84 against the dollar, marking its lowest level in over six weeks. This comes as other regional currencies also weakened, impacted by stronger US dollar performance.
Kanjana Chockpisansin, K-Research's head of research for banking and financial sectors, explained that outflows from Thailand's stock and bond markets are occurring, bolstered by the dollar's strength due to rising US bond yields. The US Federal Reserve has indicated a gradual interest rate cut, further supporting the dollar.
On Wednesday, US 10-year Treasury yields peaked at 4.26%, the highest since late July, fueled by concerns over bond market pressures linked to a contentious November election.
"If Mr. Trump wins, the potential increase in government spending or borrowing could complicate US inflation reduction efforts, impacting the Fed's rate cut path," noted Kanjana. Such dynamics bolster the dollar, affecting Asian currencies like the yuan.
Despite these factors, K-Research continues to foresee a 0.25% reduction in US rates at each remaining Fed meeting this year, in line with Kasikorn Bank's stance.
Meanwhile, Thailand's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is likely to hold domestic policy rates at its December meeting following a recent 25-basis-point reduction. "The MPC decisions are more likely to reflect Thailand's own economic conditions rather than mirroring Fed actions," Kanjana added.
Kavee Chukitkasem from Pi Securities observed ongoing fund withdrawals from the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) amid election uncertainties and institutional investors viewing the SET's current price-to-earnings ratio as expensive, reported Bangkok Post.
"Election uncertainties are steering investors away from riskier assets toward safer holdings like the dollar and gold. Nonetheless, historically, stocks tend to recover post-election, regardless of the outcome," Kavee concluded.
On October 24th, 2024, international news reports confirmed that 13 countries, including four ASEAN members—Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand—have joined BRICS as official partner nations, but not yet full members.
The official BRICS social media account on 'X' announced the partnerships on Thursday, listing Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand alongside Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Turkey, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
BRICS leaders view these additions as a step towards enhancing global South cooperation and trade, especially with a collective population exceeding 3.2 billion and a combined economic value of $28.5 trillion, accounting for 28% of the global economy. Established to counterbalance Western economic influence, the BRICS bloc has now extended its partnerships to include new emerging economies with rapid growth.
Political risk analyst Halmi Azri pointed out that ASEAN's partnership with BRICS offers broader trade opportunities and strengthens relations with China amid rising global instability, including the Ukraine and Middle Eastern conflicts.
Halmi noted that the ASEAN partners could become influential advocates for regional issues within BRICS, proposing collaborative developments and joint solutions across Asia.
Furthermore, Dr. Oh Ei Sun, a research fellow in Singapore, added that while ASEAN's ties with BRICS may increase China's influence in the region, ASEAN cohesion is expected to remain unaffected.
The step of becoming partners is seen by many analysts as a move forward towards eventual full membership to BRICS.
Arriving passengers queue for immigration counters at Suvarnabhumi airport. Somchai Poomlard
Collection of the 300-baht travel tax may start with air passengers in the first phase, with the system needing at least six months before starting, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry.
The ministry is revising details of the programme and will submit it for cabinet approval in January, said Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong.
Even though this project was approved by the previous government led by Prayut Chan-o-cha in February 2023, it now requires a consensus from the new cabinet as the administration has changed since the general election.
Mr Sorawong said it is possible collection will start with air passengers, though the tax scheme will need six months after cabinet approval to prepare the system before getting started.
Once the system settles, the second phase covering overland travel will follow, he said.
According to the ministry, air travellers account for 70% of foreign arrivals to Thailand.
The transaction system has been prepared and is powered by Krungthai Bank.
Tourists can pay via a website or an app that is being developed for the next phase, said Mr Sorawong.
Payment would be similar to South Korea's K-ETA registration system, which requires foreign travellers to register and make an online payment before entering the country.
Once the government approves this project, the ministry will start a procurement process to recruit software developers and insurance companies to offer insurance policies for foreign tourists, he said.
The insurance premium for tourists is capped at no more than 60 baht per person, out of 300 baht collected.
The duration of protection is 30 days, as 87% of tourists have an average length of stay of no more than a month, with compensation remaining the same as previous Thai tourist policies, at 1 million baht in the event of death from an accident, and 500,000 baht in case of injury.
Mr Sorawong said the ministry might propose adjustment of the fee collection to 300 baht for all ports of entry to prevent accusations of discrimination, as the previous government set the land and sea arrival rate at only 150 baht.
According to the ministry's study, people who frequently cross borders for trade purposes will not be affected as they can use a border pass to be exempt from the
The baht has been gradually depreciating since last night, moving within a range of 33.40–33.53. This follows the baht's significant weakening the day before, breaking through a resistance level of 33.45 per USD.
BANGKOK, Thailand – A market strategist at Krungthai GLOBAL MARKETS, Poon Panichpibool, revealed on October 22 that the Thai baht opened this morning at 33.52 per USD, weakening from the previous day's close of 33.44. The baht has been gradually depreciating since last night, moving within a range of 33.40–33.53. This follows the baht's significant weakening the day before, breaking through a resistance level of 33.45 per USD.
The depreciation is primarily driven by the strengthening of the US dollar, fueled by market players adjusting their expectations about the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the market now sees only a 38% chance of a rate cut in December, lowering expectations for a cut in November as well.
Moreover, the US dollar has gained support as investors position themselves in anticipation of uncertainty surrounding the US presidential election, where recent assessments suggest that Donald Trump has a chance of winning. Additionally, the yen has weakened against the dollar, surpassing the 150-yen mark, driven by the widening gap between 10-year US and Japanese bond yields.
Beyond the strong US dollar, the baht faces additional pressure from commodity transactions, particularly in gold and crude oil, as prices for these assets fell last night. However, the baht's depreciation was slowed near the 33.50 resistance level by some dollar selling from exporters and market players holding short THB positions, anticipating further baht weakness.
Looking ahead, there are few major economic reports today, so the market will focus on central bank policy signals, particularly from the Federal Reserve, Bank of England (BOE), and European Central Bank (ECB). Any changes in market sentiment regarding interest rates from these central banks could impact the dollar and major currencies like the pound (GBP) and euro (EUR).
Investors are also watching for corporate earnings reports, monitoring geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and following the US presidential election developments.
In terms of the baht's outlook, while it is likely to continue weakening, the drop may be limited as some market participants could sell dollars if the baht moves beyond the 33.50 resistance level. A rebound in gold prices due to election uncertainties or Middle East tensions could also slow the baht's depreciation. However, the combination of a stronger dollar, rising US 10-year bond yields, and cautious global financial markets could lead foreign investors to continue selling Thai assets, adding further pressure on the baht.
If the baht breaks through the 33.50 level, it could test the next resistance zone at 33.65 per USD. On the support side, the baht may find a floor around 33.30-33.40, with significant support at 33.00 per USD, although a baht rebound is unlikely in the near term.
Det är jämförelsesajten Zmarta som står för granskningen av prislistorna på Arlanda. De har gått igenom vad butiker, kaféer, restauranger och snabbköp tar för vatten, läsk, öl, vin, mousserande, bryggkaffe samt latte – före och efter säkerhetskontrollen.
Först och främst är prispåslaget vad gäller vatten och läsk på Arlandas snabbköp närmare 25 procent, jämfört med samma butikskedjor i Stockholms innerstad. Jämfört med dryckespriserna i vanliga livsmedelsbutiker i centrala Stockholm är påslaget cirka 150 procent.
Efter säkerhetskontrollen ligger snittpriset på en 50-centilitersflaska mineralvatten på 34 kronor på snabbköpen och 38 kronor på restaurangerna.
Dyrast är restaurang Uncorked där en flaska kostar 43 kronor. Billigast är Tax Free-shoppen som säljer samma flaska för 25 kronor. De är båda hur som helst dyrare än i en livsmedelsaffär inne i Stockholm, där ligger priset på cirka 13 kronor.
Prisskillnaden på jämförbara alkoholhaltiga drycker inom Arlanda kan vara så stor som 110 procent. Mest plånboksvänligt är det före säkerhetskontrollen. På Itameh Sushi serveras flygplatsens billigaste glas vin för 75 kronor.
Arlandas billigaste mousserande och stor stark går att handla intill, på Pong och Mezefabriken. Här kostar ett glas cava 85 kronor och en fatöl 76 kronor.
Dyrast före säkerhetskontrollen är Sky Horizon. Här kostar en stor stark 129 kronor och ett glas vin 139 kronor. Ett glas mousserande är dyrast på Ritazza, 135 kronor för en liten flaska (20 cl).
På andra sidan säkerhetskontrollen är snittpriserna något högre. Hawaii Poké är billigast i tre kategorier: ett glas vitt eller mousserande kostar 99 kr och en stor stark 98 kronor. Jureskogs har lägst priser för ett glas rött vin, 107 kronor.
Det dyraste vinet står WayCup, Uncorced samt Upstairs & Bar för. På samtliga tre kostar ett glas rött vin 139 kronor. WayCup säljer också det dyraste glaset mousserande: 179 kronor för en liten flaska (20 cl).
En kopp bryggkaffe är billigast på McDonalds, 20 kronor. Dyrast är det på Ritazza och Sky Horizon, 45 kronor. Alla tre ligger före säkerhetskontrollen. McDonalds har också billigast kaffe latte för 27 kronor. Gateau är dyrast, 63 kronor.
