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☆ Former Canadian soldier extradited to Thailand over gang killing
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"The deceased is connected with the United Nation Gang and was linked to the murder of one of the leaders of another gang, called the Red Scorpion, in Canada," Jirabhop said. The extradition involved a Thai air force flight after commercial airlines declined requests for transport over safety concerns, Thai police said. "We have ensure that there is security in Thailand and uphold our reputation that this country is safe to live in," she said. An Alberta court approved the extradition of Dupre last December. Reporting by Juarawee Kittisilpa and Napat Wesshasartar; Writing by Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by Mike HarrisonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ BWF extends ban on 'spin serve' until after Paris Olympics
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

May 29 (Reuters) - The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has extended the ban on the new "spin serve" until after next year's Paris Olympics and Paralympics, it said on Monday. The BWF this month temporarily banned the serve, which involves a player spinning the shuttle before launching it, after it proved to be tough to return or completely unplayable. "After consultation with the badminton community, BWF Council believed it best to forbid the 'spin serve' for another 15 months so as to not impact the Olympic and Paralympic qualifying periods and the Games themselves," the BWF said. The BWF secretary general Thomas Lund said the governing body "welcomed innovation in badminton" but added that "more evidence was needed on the potential effects" of the serve before introducing it. Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Southeast Asia’s worst-performing stock market is UBS’s ‘top pick’
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of Move Forward Party, attends a press conference of the Thai pro-democracy parties in Bangkok. While the benchmark SET index initially rose when the results came through, but eventually gave up those early gains. In fact, Thai stocks are the worst performers in Southeast Asia this year, but Tay says Thailand is his "top pick" in the region. Thailand's SET index is down 9.22% this year, the biggest laggard in the broader Asia Pacific region. The Move Forward party has called for reforms to the monarchy, including changing its defamation law.

SINGAPORE, May 17 (Reuters) - The dollar rose on Wednesday, benefiting from its status as a safe-haven amid the risk of a U.S. debt default and as traders trimmed bets on imminent Federal Reserve rate cuts following solid consumer spending data in the United States. Against a basket of peers, including the euro, yen and sterling, the dollar index rose 0.3% to 102.96, to its highest since early April. Expectations for U.S. interest rate cuts any time soon were dampened by the solid increase in April consumer spending, and by comments from Fed officials. "A rate hike is possible this year, though the hurdle is high." The New Zealand dollar was broadly steady at $0.6232, with investors looking ahead to a 25 bp interest rate hike next week and perhaps one more after that.

☆ US dollar retreats from five-week high as debt ceiling stalemate weighs
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

In afternoon trading, the dollar index , which measures the greenback's value against six major currencies, fell 0.3% to 102.40. Earlier in the session, the dollar touched a five-week high of 102.75. Analysts have said many factors could be behind the dollar's recent strength, including concerns about U.S. inflation and safe-haven buying driven by fears about the debt ceiling standoff and global economic growth, as well as more hawkish rhetoric from Fed officials. Against the yen, the dollar was up 0.3% at 136.06, while sterling was 0.7% higher at $1.2527, rebounding after last week's 1.5% fall. It earlier jumped to 19.7 for the first time since March 10, when the dollar hit a record high of 19.8 on a volatile trading day.

The greenback took an early dive after data showed the New York Federal Reserve's Empire State manufacturing index plunged to -31.8 this month from a reading of 10.8 in April. "The things that have weighed on the dollar recently have not gone away, such as the debt ceiling, even though there has been some progress made." In late morning trading the dollar index , which measures the greenback's value against six major peers, fell 0.2% to 102.48. Analysts have said many factors could be behind the dollar's recent strength, including concerns about U.S. inflation and safe-haven buying driven by fears about the debt ceiling standoff and global economic growth. It earlier jumped to 19.7 for the first time since March 10, when it hit a record high of 19.8 on a volatile trading day.

SINGAPORE, May 15 (Reuters) - The U.S. dollar fell slightly from a five-week high on Monday after a period of strength that has confused analysts. The euro was up 0.27% against the dollar on Monday at $1.088, rebounding after falling 1.54% the previous week. That helped send the dollar index , which measures the greenback against six major peers, down 0.19% to 102.49. Alvin Tan, head of Asia FX strategy at RBC Capital Markets, said a pick-up in U.S. bond yields over the last two days had supported the currency. "If you remove the uncertainty around the debt ceiling situation, the sentiment has been turning bearish against the dollar," said Khoon Goh, head of Asia research at ANZ.

☆ Dollar rises to 5-week high on inflation worries; lira falls
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Kevin Buckland | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Worries over a debt-ceiling standoff on raising the U.S. government's $31.4 trillion borrowing limit also lent some support to the safe-haven dollar. "Now that the Fed is sort of out of the way, inflation in the U.S. has come in softer than expected. The Japanese currency dipped as low as 136.27 per dollar, and was last about 0.3% lower at 136.17 per dollar. The dollar was last up 0.28% at 19.635 Turkish lira after earlier jumping to 19.70 for the first time since March 10. The U.S. currency sank 0.72% to 33.735 baht in onshore Thai trading, and earlier dipped as much as 0.92%.

☆ Asian shares inch up as investors brace for China data, Fed speakers
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Stella Qiu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The guarded optimism is set to extend to Europe when markets open, with pan-region Euro Stoxx 50 futures up 0.2%. Both S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures were mostly flat. China is due to report monthly industrial production, retail sales and fixed asset investment data on Tuesday. "However, with China's data throwing up a few concerns of late - we've seen poor import, PPI, and loan data - China's growth is very much at the heart of market moves," said Weston. U.S. crude futures fell 0.6% to $69.61 per barrel, while Brent crude futures were down 0.6% to $73.68 per barrel.

☆ Asian shares on edge for China data, Fed speakers
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Stella Qiu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

On Monday, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) wobbled between losses and gains and was last up 0.1%. China is due to report monthly industrial production, retail sales and fixed asset investment data on Tuesday. Very much on investors' mind was the uncertainty about lifting the U.S. debt ceiling and the return of bank worries. The yield on benchmark 10-year notes was little changed at 3.4588%, after rising 6 basis points on Friday, and two-year yields eased 2 basis points to 3.9830%, having also jumped 10 basis points in the previous session. U.S. crude futures eased 0.5% to $69.71 per barrel, while Brent crude futures were down 0.6% to $73.74 per barrel.

☆ Dollar hits 5-week high on inflation worries; lira drops, baht soars
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Kevin Buckland | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"But the still-high inflation and tight labour market also imply a high bar to rate cuts in the near term too." The U.S. dollar is oversold and the dollar index should move toward CBA's end-June target of 104 this week, Capurso said. The Japanese currency dipped at low as 136.03 per dollar before last trading flat at 135.80. The dollar was last up 0.31% at 19.64 Turkish lira after earlier jumping to 19.70 for the first time since March 10. The U.S. currency sank 0.65% to 33.76 baht in onshore Thai trading, and earlier dipped as much as 0.92%.

☆ Asian shares braced for China data, Fed speakers
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Stella Qiu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Investors are keenly awaiting China's central bank rate decision on Monday. Market watchers polled by Reuters expect the medium-term policy rate to be left unchanged despite disappointing data last week that fuelled concerns about a global slowdown. The country is due to report monthly industrial production, retail sales and fixed asset investment data on Tuesday. Very much on investors' mind was the uncertainty about lifting the U.S. debt ceiling and the return of bank worries. Oil prices were trying to find a footing after tumbling nearly 2% last week on demand concerns.

Investors are awaiting more tangible outcomes of Sunday's general election, after preliminary results showed the country's pro-democracy parties secured a strong majority. A calculation by Reuters based on data from the country' Election Commission suggests the anti-military Move Forward party, led by Thai businessman Pita Limjaroenrat, would win the most seats, followed by the Pheu Thai party. If confirmed, this would represent a resounding rejection of pro-military parties led by former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, ending nine years of pro-military rule. The Pheu Thai party has put forward Paetongtarn Shinawatra — the daughter of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra — as its candidate for prime minister, while Reuters reported that Limjaroenrat also has "set his sights set on being prime minister." First quarter GDPSeparately, Thailand's gross domestic product for the first quarter grew 2.7%% year-on-year, beating expectations of a 2.3% rise.

The NESDC kept its 2023 GDP growth forecast unchanged at between 2.7% and 3.7%. It also kept its forecast for 2023 foreign tourist arrivals at 28 million. Thailand beat its tourism target in 2022 with 11.15 million foreign visitors. Pre-pandemic 2019 saw a record of nearly 40 million foreign tourists, who spent 1.91 trillion baht ($56 billion). The NESDC also kept its 2023 forecasts for goods exports to drop 1.6% and headline inflation to be between 2.5% and 3.5%.

☆ The Thai market may get a delayed post-election 'bounce,' Credit Suisse says
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailThe Thai market may get a delayed post-election 'bounce,' Credit Suisse saysDan Fineman of Credit Suisse says the Thai market has historically underperformed ahead of elections but outperformed after elections.

☆ The Thai market is quite cautious despite opposition's 'big victory,' analyst says
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailThe Thai market is quite cautious despite opposition's 'big victory,' analyst saysKasem Prunratanamala of CGS-CIMB Securities (Thailand) says the market is uncertain about whether the Move Forward Party can form a new government, and explains why Thai politics "is not that straightforward."

☆ Thailand elections: Opposition parties won a landslide in elections but forming a government is not guaranteed
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Helen Regan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Pheu Thai, the main opposition party that has been a populist force in Thailand for 20 years, came second. “This is an unmistakable frontal rebuke, a rejection of Thailand’s military authoritarian past. Move Forward’s predecessor the Future Forward Party won the third most seats in the 2019 election. In the short term, that decision ended the threat from the Future Forward Party. But some also went on to create the Move Forward party that swept to victory in the popular vote on Sunday.

☆ Indian rupee to see more losses on dollar spike and higher U.S. yields
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Nimesh Vora | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MUMBAI, May 15 (Reuters) - The Indian rupee is expected to weaken on Monday, adding to last week's losses, tracking a rally on the dollar index and higher U.S. yields on worries surrounding U.S. inflation. The dollar index climbed 0.6% on Friday to reach its highest level in a month and the two-year U.S. yield was back to nearly 4%. Renewed worries over the inflation outlook in the U.S. pushed yields higher and supported demand for the dollar. "Their assessments of whether recent labour market and inflation data support pausing in June or not will be scrutinised," ANZ said in a note. India's inflation data was "supportive" of the rupee in the medium term, the trader said.

☆ Southeast Asia hit with record-breaking heat and heavy air pollution
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Emma Newburger | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Several cities in Southeast Asia experienced sweltering temperatures over the weekend, with some areas hitting new all-time highs as global climate change intensifies both heat waves and air pollution in the region. Luang Prabang, a city in Laos, saw a record-high temperature of 110.3 degrees Fahrenheit (43.5 degrees Celsius) Saturday, according to the Thai Meteorological Department. Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, also experienced a record-high temperature of 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius) over the weekend. Singapore hit 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) Saturday, matching its all-time record, which was recorded 40 years ago, the National Environment Agency said. Southeast Asia is one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, which has fueled more frequent and severe heat waves and worsened the region's air pollution.

May 16 (Reuters) - A look at the day ahead in Asian markets from Jamie McGeever. If the April snapshots of retail sales, urban investment and industrial production come in weaker than expected - and consensus forecasts are for solid rebounds from the month before - the China bears and doomsters will be in the ascendancy. Broader market sentiment may be reasonably well supported after Wall Street eked out modest gains on Monday despite alarming slump in a key index of U.S. factory activity and another day of deadlock in the U.S. debt ceiling negotiations. Here are three key developments that could provide more direction to markets on Tuesday:- Australia consumer sentiment (May)- China investment, retail sales, industrial output (April)- Euro zone GDP (Q1, flash estimate)By Jamie McGeever; Editing by Lisa ShumakerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.

☆ A Crucial Question in Thailand’s Election: Can You Criticize the King?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-12 | by ( Sui-Lee Wee | Muktita Suhartono | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

When Thais go to the polls on Sunday, they will be voting in a closely fought election that is seen, in part, as a referendum on whether it is illegal to criticize the Thai monarchy. Thailand has one of the world’s strictest laws against defaming or insulting the king and other members of the royal family. The protests represented two sides of an impassioned struggle to determine the role of the crown in modern Thailand. The election could determine whether the Southeast Asian nation of 72 million will revive its once-vibrant democracy or slide further toward authoritarian rule, with royalists firmly in power. He and his supporters argue that amending the law could lead to abolishing the monarchy altogether, and have vowed to defend the royal family.

☆ These maps show how far China's freight railways are stretching across Asia
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Evelyn Cheng | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

BEIJING — In the last two years, China has announced the opening of new freight train lines, while cross-border railways have become a feature in President Xi Jinping's meetings with regional leaders. Here's a look at where the rail lines are being built across the Asian continent. In the last six months, China also opened freight train lines to Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, according to state media. Those freight lines are in addition to China's relatively older rail network through central Asia — connecting Yiwu in eastern China to London. While it's difficult to verify how operational all the rail lines are, official reports offer a glimpse at how China's Belt and Road ambitions are panning out.

☆ US Women's Open: Nine-year-old Brazilian Bella Simoes becomes youngest ever to attempt qualification
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Jack Bantock | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

At nine years old, the Brazilian is the youngest player ever to attempt qualification to the tournament, set to tee off at California’s acclaimed Pebble Beach course for the first time in its 78-year history in July. Follow along @FSGA ➡️ https://t.co/622czXdhXk pic.twitter.com/4aYolLLL21 — U.S. Women's Open (USGA) (@uswomensopen) May 9, 2023Yet that should come as no surprise given Simões’ already-impressive résumé. Aged 14 in 2004, she bested many of the world's top men's players' and major winners at the Sony Open (pictured) despite narrowly missing the cut. The Brazilian shot 23-over par, as two players – Lindy Duncan and Brooke Matthews – secured automatic qualification with scores of 10-under and 8-under respectively. Kimberly Williams, a 60-year-old pro from Bethesda, Maryland, was the oldest player to attempt qualification this year, according to the USGA.

The sole breadwinner of a family of five is about 8 million baht ($236,000) in debt and has no cash savings. In February, it said that household debt levels should be brought down from 86.9% of GDP at the end of 2022 to below 80% to help reduce financial risks. Political parties' extravagant election promises could increase the macro-economic risks posed by debt, analysts say. "There was no warning," said Achin Chunglog, president of a nationwide group of volunteers that helps people struggling with debt. In the rural hinterland, 90% of farm households have outstanding loans, according to a March study that described a "vicious cycle of debt".

BANGKOK, May 8 (Reuters) - Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) has stopped sales and deliveries of its Yaris Ativ in Thailand, senior officials said on Monday, after its affiliate Daihatsu rigged part of the door in side-collision safety tests. Toyota was working with the Thai government to resume sales of the model, which has been produced in Toyota's Gateway plant in Chachoengsao province, and further investigation was underway. "If development had been carried out under appropriate conditions, this kind of problem would of course not have happened," Maeda said. Daihatsu has said that some 76,000 of those vehicles were Yaris Ativs mainly bound for Thailand, Mexico and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Toyota President Koji Sato, who took over the top job from Toyoda on April 1, was not at the press conference.

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