Month: March 2020

  • Việt NamCông chúa Tây Ban Nha qua đời do nhiễm COVID-19

    Công chúa Tây Ban Nha qua đời do nhiễm COVID-19

    Công chúa Maria Teresa, 86 tuổi, thuộc hoàng tộc Bourbon-Parma ở Tây Ban Nha là thành viên hoàng gia đầu tiên trên thế giới qua đời vì đại dịch toàn cầu COVID-19. Thông tin này được xác nhận bởi Hoàng tử Sixto Enrique de Bourbon, em trai của Công chúa Maria Teresa, trong một bài đăng công khai trên Facebook…

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  • Crime NewsFormer US gangster arrested after Chon Buri 7-11 robbery

    Former US gangster arrested after Chon Buri 7-11 robbery

    A man with a rather colourful past is now in police custody in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri province. The suspect, a former US gangster, who speaks five languages, allegedly robbed a 7-eleven shop of 5000 baht using a BB gun last week. 37 year old “Roger” Phayungsak Wasuwat, was taken by police to the convenience store branch…

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  • Covid-19 NewsConfirmed Covid-19 infected Government House official

    Confirmed Covid-19 infected Government House official

    Yesterday, Dr Thaweesin Wissanuyothin, the spokesman for the centre announced that “a health official who coordinated between the Covid-19 response centre at Government House and the Public Health Ministry is confirmed to be infected with the virus.” Thaweesin, said that the official was only a coordinator and was not involved in the treatment of people infected with the virus. “The…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand News Today – Monday, March 30

    Thailand News Today – Monday, March 30

    136 more virus cases confirmed in Thailand as outbreak spreads out of Bangkok A spokesman for the country’s newly formed Covid-19 Situation Administration Thailand confirmed 136 new Covid-19 coronavirus cases today. This raises the total number of infections to 1,524. Deaths in the Kingdom remain at 7. As of yesterday, 54% of Covid-19 infections were found outside Bangkok with a…

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  • Covid-19 NewsPattaya all but deserted due to virus, travel restrictions

    Pattaya all but deserted due to virus, travel restrictions

    For years, Pattaya has struggled to shed its seedy image as a haven of sex tourism, which started in the 1970s when it became a rest and relaxation spot for US soldiers during the Vietnam War. It’s continued to develop into a much more diverse city with world standard attractions offsetting the seedier bars and walking streets. Now it faces…

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  • Covid-19 NewsCoca-Cola to suspend advertising, divert cash to fight Covid-19

    Coca-Cola to suspend advertising, divert cash to fight Covid-19

    Today Coca-Cola Thailand announced on its official Facebook page “cocacolaTH” that they will suspend all digital and TV advertising campaigns of all the brands under its umbrella in Thailand and divert all the money to support the fight against Covid-19. “We realise that the current situation is difficult for everyone, therefore we will continue to work hard to make sure…

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  • World NewsChiang Mai chokes as fires rage in the north of Thailand

    Chiang Mai chokes as fires rage in the north of Thailand

    Northern Thailand is choking under a toxic shroud and it’s not getting any better. Air pollution across the upper North remains “at critical levels,” in many areas, including some of the main population centres. Authorities are monitoring almost 400 active hotspots in Chiang Mai alone yesterday. The air quality didn’t improve this morning, with IQAir recording “very unhealthy” air quality…

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  • Covid-19 NewsCoronavirus UPDATE – first deaths in New Zealand, Sri Lanka. Singapore cancels citizen’s passport.

    Coronavirus UPDATE – first deaths in New Zealand, Sri Lanka. Singapore cancels citizen’s passport.

    Covid-19 cases around the world have now reached 723,732. A week ago (March 23) there was 378,000 cases in the world. There have been exactly 34,000 deaths recorded globally (as of 2.30pm Monday Thai time) with over 151,000 people recovered. The USA leads the world count with 142,735 cases followed by Italy with 97,689 cases and 10,799 deaths. Here are…

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  • Covid-19 NewsSenior health official says dire infection forecasts “very unlikely”

    Senior health official says dire infection forecasts “very unlikely”

    Doctors from various departments, ministries and universities are making grim predictions about the Covid-19 coronavirus infection rate in Thailand, some saying that by mid-April cases in Thailand will reach 350,000, with about 7,000 fatalities. Responding to some of the most dire forecasts, a senior doctor at the Ministry of Public Health’s Disease Control Department is dismissing these scenarios as “very…

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  • Covid-19 News2020 fiscal budget emergency fund running dry – Budget Bureau

    2020 fiscal budget emergency fund running dry – Budget Bureau

    “The emergency fund of 96 billion baht from the fiscal 2020 budget has been nearly used up,” according to Dechapiwat na Songkhla, the director of Thailand’s Budget Bureau. Dechapiwat explains that the budget includes… 18 billion baht to help people who are affected by Covid-19 and drought, 45 billion baht for cash handouts, and… 2 billion baht as compensation of interest…

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  • Covid-19 NewsRed hazardous waste bins spring up in Bangkok for used masks, tissue

    Red hazardous waste bins spring up in Bangkok for used masks, tissue

    Used face masks and tissue paper are now classified as hazardous waste during this Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak, at least in Bangkok. The city’s governor Aswin Kwanmuang is urging people to dispose of used face masks properly, using the new red bins which are designated for hazardous waste. “Used face masks must be put in a plastic bag fastened with a string…

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  • Covid-19 NewsPhuket airport to ban flights April 10-30 over virus fears

    Phuket airport to ban flights April 10-30 over virus fears

    The southern island province of Phuket has sealed its borders by land and sea, and yesterday provincial governor Phakkhaphong Thawiphat announced that air transport to Phuket will also shut down beginning April 10 until at least April 30 in order to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus. “Shutting down the air transport route requires seven days notification in advance…

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  • Covid-19 News136 more virus cases confirmed in Thailand as outbreak spreads out of Bangkok

    136 more virus cases confirmed in Thailand as outbreak spreads out of Bangkok

    A spokesman for the country’s newly formed Covid-19 Situation Administration Thailand confirmed 136 new Covid-19 coronavirus cases today, raising the total number of infections to 1,524. Deaths in the Kingdom remain at 7. Infections in Thailand are likely to keep rising, and in a reversal of the earlier trend, recent new cases have been reported more in the countryside than…

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  • Covid-19 NewsPhuket reports 9 new coronavirus cases

    Phuket reports 9 new coronavirus cases

    9 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus have been reported in the southern island province of Phuket, bringing the total to 62 cases. Most of the new cases originated in the Patong district, again, and many in the area of the Bangla Road red light district. Details of the new cases… Case 54: A 35 year old Canadian man working at…

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  • Covid-19 NewsFruit exporters urge Thai growers to maintain sanitary standards

    Fruit exporters urge Thai growers to maintain sanitary standards

    “Despite the Covid-19 crisis having a large negative impact on the economy, exports of fresh fruit from Thailand are still operational as demand from China continues, fruit exporters have urged Thai growers to ensure higher sanitary standards to protect the industry from the effects of the pandemic.” This from the president of Thai Fresh Fruit Traders and Exporters Association, Paiboon…

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  • Covid-19 News14 million Thai’s crash online registration for 5,000 baht cash handout

    14 million Thai’s crash online registration for 5,000 baht cash handout

    It is estimated that 14 million Thai citizens have registered for the government’s stimulus measure for a ‘cash hand-out,’ crashing the website entirely. The number of people rushing to register was 4 times greater than the government’s initial predictions. The director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office, Lavaron Sangsnit, says… “On Sunday as of 11.30 am, the number of people who…

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  • Covid-19 NewsMinister: Don’t worry about energy supply while working from home

    Minister: Don’t worry about energy supply while working from home

    Energy Minister Sonthirat Sonthijirawong reassured the public on Saturday that even though many are now working from home to promote social distancing and stem the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus, his ministry will ensure an adequate electricity supply. “I have ordered all related agencies, especially the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, to monitor power usage closely and evaluate the situation…

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  • Việt NamCập nhật COVID-19 tại Việt Nam (Sáng 30/3): Tổng số ca nhiễm nCoV lên 194 người

    Cập nhật COVID-19 tại Việt Nam (Sáng 30/3): Tổng số ca nhiễm nCoV lên 194 người

    Sáng nay (30/3), Bộ Y tế ghi nhận thêm 7 ca dương tính COVID-19, đều thuộc công ty Trường Sinh, đơn vị cung cấp dịch vụ cho Bệnh viện Bạch Mai. Bệnh nhân 189: Nữ, 46 tuổi, địa chỉ tại Tân Quang, Nông Cống, Thanh Hóa. Nhân viên thuộc bộ phận chuyển phát nước sôi của Công ty TNHH Trường…

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  • Covid-19 NewsCoronavirus infections rise among Thai health workers

    Coronavirus infections rise among Thai health workers

    Infections of the Covid-19 coronavirus among doctors, nurses and other staff on the front-line of the battle against the disease are causing concerns. Yesterday the Thai Health Department announced 143 new infections bringing the total in Thailand to 1,388 since the outbreak began in January. The number of newly infected health department personnel was 8. Doctors, nurses and other staff…

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  • Covid-19 NewsWear a mask and avoid crowds – Phuket Governor

    Wear a mask and avoid crowds – Phuket Governor

    A announcement from the Phuket Governor is asking people, now almost marooned on the island since midnight last night, to take extra precautions to slow the spread of the Covid-10 coronavirus around Phuket. Probably the main message to take from this new announcement is that you are expected to wear a face mask any time you are in public spaces…

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  • Covid-19 NewsCoronavirus rumour prompts prison riot, some prisoners escape

    Coronavirus rumour prompts prison riot, some prisoners escape

    Rumours of a Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak in a prison in the lower northeastern province of Buri Ram sparked a riot. The riot erupted at the central prison after about 100 determined prisoners broke furniture and smashed windows and set a fire over rumours of a Covid-19 outbreak in the prison yesterday. A number of prisoners escaped but 7 have been…

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  • Covid-19 NewsFortress Phuket. The island closes off Sarasin Bridge and boating traffic, except supplies

    Fortress Phuket. The island closes off Sarasin Bridge and boating traffic, except supplies

    Phuketians, you are marooned on a tropical island. Well, almost… Today the Phuket Governor has rolled out another level of lockdowns for the southern island. The new rules come into force tonight at midnight (00.01am March 30) and will run until the end of April, or until announced otherwise. There are a few exceptions as noted in the official declaration…

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  • Việt NamTình hình Covid-19 Thế giới (29/3): Hơn 30.000 người chết vì nCoV toàn cầu

    Tình hình Covid-19 Thế giới (29/3): Hơn 30.000 người chết vì nCoV toàn cầu

    Đến ngày hôm nay (29/3), Thế giới ghi nhận hơn 30.000 ca tử vong vì Covid-19 trong tổng số hơn 662.000 ca nhiễm, đặc biệt tăng nhanh ở châu Âu và Mỹ. Thông số chung toàn cầu: 30.671 người tử vong (châu Âu chiếm 2/3); Ý chiếm 1/3 tổng số ca tử vong toàn cầu với 10.023 trường hợp; Số…

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  • Covid-19 NewsGambling wife arrested after husband calls police in Nakhon Ratchasima

    Gambling wife arrested after husband calls police in Nakhon Ratchasima

    Thailand’s recently declared state of emergency has meant the temporary closure of many businesses, leaving a lot of people with a lot of time on their hands. One woman in the northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province grew bored and decided to invite some friends around for a bit of light home gambling playing cards. But her husband was afraid she might…

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  • Covid-19 NewsNearly 300 Thais stranded at the southern border, paperwork issues

    Nearly 300 Thais stranded at the southern border, paperwork issues

    Around 300 Thais trying to return to Thailand are stranded at the Wang Kelian immigration checkpoint in northern Malaysia’s Perlis State. On the other side is Thailand’s Wang Prachan checkpoint in Satun’s Khuan Don district. They’ve been denied entry after failing to comply with the strict new regulations set by the Thai authorities. Thailand and Malaysia have closed their checkpoints…

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  • Covid-19 NewsBeaches in Phuket closed until further notice

    Beaches in Phuket closed until further notice

    The world famous beaches of the southern resort island of Phuket are now closed indefinitely in another effort by provincial officials to fight the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus. Governor Phakkhaphong Thawiphat, who is also heading up the Phuket Communicable Disease Committee, made the announcement yesterday. The closures extend to zoos and all venues offering animal shows for tourists. Bangla…

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  • Việt NamHà Nội: Bị phạt 200.000 đồng vì… không đeo khẩu trang

    Hà Nội: Bị phạt 200.000 đồng vì… không đeo khẩu trang

    Một phụ nữ trú phường Hàng Trống, quận Hoàn Kiếm bị xử phạt hành chính 200.000 đồng do không đeo khẩu trang ở nơi công cộng. Ngày 27/3, Công an phường Hàng Trống khi phát hiện người phụ nữ không tuân thủ quy định về phòng chống Covid- 19 đã mời về trụ sở làm việc. Tiếp đó, Ban chỉ…

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  • Covid-19 NewsThailand confirms 143 new coronavirus cases, 1 more death

    Thailand confirms 143 new coronavirus cases, 1 more death

    Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and its Department of Disease control announced 143 new confirmed cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus at their daily press briefing today in Bangkok (March 29), up from yesterday’s 109 new cases. There has been 1 additional death, bringing the national Covid-19 toll to 7. The latest figures brought the total cases to 1,388 across 57…

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  • Covid-19 News6 new coronavirus cases in Phuket

    6 new coronavirus cases in Phuket

    Phuket island officials have reported 6 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus as of today (Sunday, March 29), bringing the total to 53 on the southern island. The details as known at time of publication are… Case 48: A 42 year old Thai woman, a gift shop owner in Patong. Case 49: A 32 year old Ukrainian woman who runs…

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  • Covid-19 NewsHandful of Thais catch last flight back to Thailand from Singapore

    Handful of Thais catch last flight back to Thailand from Singapore

    Flights are thin on the ground now and very few regional carriers are still in the air. Singapore Airlines Flight 972 was the last scheduled service to Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Passengers, only a few dozen, mostly Thais fleeing back home to ride out the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, flew out of Singapore’s Changi Airport yesterday. Airlines worldwide are cutting flights and grounding…

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  • Covid-19 NewsDrug party raided in Chiang Rai for defying public gathering ban

    Drug party raided in Chiang Rai for defying public gathering ban

    Authorities are cracking down and enforcing the ban on on public gatherings under the the state of emergency declared to fight the Covid-19 coronavirus epidemic last week. 22 people were arrested at a drug party in Chiang Rai yesterday for “gathering in defiance of the Emergency Decree”. 10 men and 12 women between the ages of 20 and 30 were nabbed…

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  • Covid-19 NewsPower to the people – Energy Ministry promises adequate supply of electricity

    Power to the people – Energy Ministry promises adequate supply of electricity

    Thailand’s Energy Ministry says that there will be adequate electricity supply to fuel the demands of people staying and working from home. Millions are cooped up in their homes, raising the domestic electricity supply usage. But many businesses have closed up, easing up some of the demands on total supply. Energy Minister Sonthirat Sonthijirawong says there should be enough power…

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  • Việt NamCập nhật COVID-19 tại Việt Nam (Sáng 29/3): Tổng số ca nhiễm nCoV lên 179 người

    Cập nhật COVID-19 tại Việt Nam (Sáng 29/3): Tổng số ca nhiễm nCoV lên 179 người

    6h sáng nay (29/3), Bộ Y tế xác nhận có thêm 5 trường hợp dương tính với COVID-19 mới, trong đó 4/5 ca liên quan tới Bệnh viện Bạch Mai. Như vậy liên quan đến Bệnh viện Bạch Mai đến nay ghi nhận 16 ca nhiễm COVID-19. Các bệnh nhân từ 175 đến 178 đều làm việc tại công ty Trường…

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  • Covid-19 NewsNearly 20 million try to register, crashing Thai government’s payout website

    Nearly 20 million try to register, crashing Thai government’s payout website

    Four major Thai banks closed their branches this weekend, partly in anticipation of a surge of applicants for the governments recently announce 5000 baht handout scheme for “informal” workers affected by the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. According to Krungthai Bank, nearly 20 million people tried to log in and register on the government’s payout website, which opened last night, significantly higher…

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  • Covid-19 NewsWith coronavirus cases rising, a Bangkok hospital puts out the call for more masks

    With coronavirus cases rising, a Bangkok hospital puts out the call for more masks

    Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok is running out of N95 facemasks for it personnel, and the director Suttipong Wacharasindhud has made a public plea for more. At a time when Covid-19 coronavirus cases are rising daily, he says the hospital has enough masks to last only another two weeks. “Due to the shortage of masks over the past three months, the…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsNorthern Thailand’s air pollution reaches hazardous levels

    Northern Thailand’s air pollution reaches hazardous levels

    Air quality in the north of Thailand is actually ‘hazardous’ today, as bushfires in Chiang Mai’s Doi Suthep-Pui National Park have caused air quality to become nearly 20 times higher than Thailand’s already lax “safe” limit of ’50’. PM2.5, (dust particulate matter with diameter of 2.5 microns or lower), rose to 925 micrograms per cubic metre in some locations yesterday.…

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  • Covid-19 NewsThailand’s Covid-19 snippets (Sunday)

    Thailand’s Covid-19 snippets (Sunday)

    • The last service out of Singapore’s Changi Airport to Bangkok left yesterday with just over 20 passengers – mostly Thai citizens trying to get home. After Thailand’s emergency decree was announced on Thursday, it banned all but its own citizens from flying into the country with strict, almost impossible, requirements of special papers, called ‘fit to fly’ documents. Almost all passengers…

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