Pro-military party wins most votes in Thai election

The EC released the total number of votes for each party yesterday, earlier than previously expected.
The poll agency previously announced results after 95% of votes were counted and said that the remaining 5% would not be revealed until May 9.
With all of the ballots now counted, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has won the popular vote, with 8.4 million compared to 7.9 million for Pheu Thai, with a 74.7% voter turnout.
The results represented 100 per cent of the ballots counted but would remain unofficial until final results are announced on May 9, after the coronation ceremony of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
According to the EC, these figures were from a full vote count which have not yet been endorsed.
The data showed an increase of around 500,000 votes for both the PPRP and Pheu Thai on the 95% count, which stood at 7.9 million and 7.4 million respectively.
The four parties with the most votes are: Palang Pracharath (8.4 million), Pheu Thai (7.9 million), Future Forward (6.2 million), Democrats (3.9 million), and Bhumjaithai (3.7 million).

Economics
Thailand extends the 7,000 baht “Rao Chana” scheme to 33.5 million Thais
The Ministry of Finance said that the new proposal will increase the number of people eligible for the “Rao Chana” relief package to 33.5 million while raising the budget to 3 billion baht.

The Ministry of Finance, said today that the new proposal will increase the number of people eligible for the “Rao Chana” relief package to 33.5 million while raising the budget to 3 billion baht.
Lifestyle
Bangkok falls 19 places to 49th most expensive location worldwide
Locations reliant on international tourism have seen their rental markets hit especially hard during the pandemic, resulting in some major drops in the rankings. Bangkok has fallen 19 places to 49th, while Hanoi saw a similar drop of 12 places to 81st.

The decline of Bangkok reflects the severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the rental market in the tourism-reliant Thai economy, according to ECA’s latest survey.
Economics
Thai fruit exports to FTA markets up 107 percent
China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Australia and Chile are top importers of Thai fruits, especially fresh durian, mangosteen, longan and mango. Thai exporters are able to benefit from FTA privileges.

BANGKOK (NNT) – Thailand’s fruit exports continue to increase, despite the sluggish global economy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with key trade partners being countries that have free trade agreements (FTAs) with the kingdom.