Month: April 2020
- World News
US President halts funding for WHO – VIDEO
At over 600,000 cases, the US has more Covid-19 infections than any other country. Now, the US President Donald Trump has now announced a cut in US funding for the World Health Organisation, the UN agency tasked with fighting the outbreak worldwide. In a press briefing at the White House Rose Garden yesterday, he said he had instructed his administration to…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Thai Covid 19 “Super Spreader” song goes… VIRAL
“Don’t just think of fun, or you’ll suffer from Covid If you can’t recover, you could die!” After witnessing the successful Vietnamese public service song and #EndCov campaigns educating the Vietnamese population to wash their hands and take action in the battle against the Coronavirus, the Thai government has doubled down and weaponised the power of Issan music to create…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Computer says no. Finance ministry refuses two-thirds of stimulus applicants.
Only 9 million Thais have been considered eligible in the latest package rolled out by the Finance Ministry. About 27 million registered for the emergency aid program to provide 5,000 baht per month for at least three month. Now the two-thirds who were initially refused the package after initial computer screening are asking why and fronting up to the Finance Ministry…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
The road back to ‘normal’ – when can we get back to work?
OPINION At one stage we didn’t know a new coronavirus was about to emerge. Then we started hearing stories out of China about a mysterious pneumonia-like disease in the first week of 2020. Then we started seeing a surge of cases, outside China, and wondered if it would affect us and the way we live. Then it did. Now we’re…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand News Today – Tuesday, April 14
Thailand Covid-19 cases rise to 34 (Tuesday), 1 more death Health officials today confirmed 34 new Covid-19 cases from around the country, bringing the total to 2,613. There was one additional death, a Bangkok bus driver, raising the country’s death toll to 41. Today’s number is higher than the 28 recorded yesterday, and comes after five straight days of declines…
Read More » - Environment News
Thailand facing double whammy – Covid-19 and worsening seasonal drought
The Office of the National Water Resources says up to 6,255 villages in 24 provinces have already been declared as drought-affected areas, while national dams and reservoirs are only at an average of 49% capacity (only 26% of that water is usable.) It has been predicted that the drought could last until at least July. Deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwon says…
Read More » - Bangkok News
A golden moment for Thailand’s gold sellers
The streets of Bangkok’s Chinatown today have been paved with gold… sellers. Today, dozens of Bangkok citizens lined up outside Yaowarat Road gold shops, creating chaos as they tried to sell off their gold ornaments and gold bars after the price gold rose by 550 baht per baht of gold (15.244 grams.) It is reported that this is the highest…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
AoT, already struggling, deny investing in faltering Thai Airways
“We’ve got enough problems of our own.” Airports of Thailand is denying claims that it is interested in acquiring a stake in the financially floundering flag carrier Thai Airways, saying that they too are struggling with the sharp drop in revenue after airlines and airport shutdowns related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Thai Airways, once considered one of Asia’s most luxurious…
Read More » - World News
Singapore issues permanent ban for breaking curfew
Twenty four work pass holders had their work permits cancelled and are now permanently banned from working in Singapore for breaking Covid 19 “circuit breaker” rules. The foreign workers were caught eating, drinking and socialising in groups near Tuas View Square in Singapore’s western region. The Ministry of Manpower stepped up inspections of dormitories to ensure safe distancing measures are…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Mass-testing vs contact tracing in Thailand
Yesterday, the Thai government announced that contact tracing (identification of high risk personnel) is the most valid and effective method for battling the Covid-19 outbreak around the country. The spokesperson, and now familiar frontman, of the Centre of Covid-19 Situation Administration Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin has also revealed that “this is partly because Thailand has limited resources and can not afford…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Thailand Covid-19 cases rise to 34 (Tuesday), 1 more death
Thai health officials today confirmed 34 new Covid-19 cases from around the country, bringing the total to 2,613 since the beginning of the outbreak. There was one additional death, a Bangkok bus driver, raising the country’s death toll to 41. Today’s number is higher than the 28 recorded yesterday, and comes after five straight days of declines since the 111 recorded…
Read More » - Environment News
Bangkok temple develops hygienic face mask from recycled plastics
During the nationwide closure of temples and festivities during the Songkran holiday this week, some are taking the opportunity to improve hygienic practices. To help protect members of the temple and the community from contracting Coronavirus, the Abbot from Chak Daeng temple, on the banks of the Chao Phraya just south of Bangkok, has been busy crafting recycled plastics into face…
Read More » - Thai Life
Up to 100,000 Thais at risk from alcohol-related ‘withdrawals’ during national ban
Yesterday experts announced that up to 100,000 Thais who have become seriously dependent on alcohol are at risk during the nationwide booze ban. The ban on alcohol sales was imposed in order to minimise large gatherings and also to curb coronavirus related infection risks, especially during the traditional Songkran celebrations. According to the director of Centre for Alcohol Studies at…
Read More » - Crime News
Drunken man incinerates ATM after running out of alcohol
Last night around 10pm a drunk man, apparently desperate to get more alcohol, became angry and aggressive, whereupon he decided to incinerate an ATM machine hoping that it was going to explode and rain cash, or alcohol, in Rayong, south east of Bangkok. General Montree Yimyam along with officials from the Rotong Police Station, arrested the man, later revealed as…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Phuket Covid-19 cases jump to 10, all in Bang Tao
Health officials in Phuket today reported 10 new Covid-19 cases, the first time the number has risen back into the double digits since 10 cases were reported on April 5. 13 cases were reported on April 3. Specifically all the new cases stem from the beachside community of Bang Tao. Phuket has virtually sealed itself off, with all roads, ports, and…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
A mushroom cloud hangs over Pattaya
There is perhaps no better motivator for children than peer pressure and the threat of public humiliation. Yesterday in Pattaya, many local schoolboys woke up to their quiet Songkran, unable to play in the traditional festivities, sporting their new home-made hairstyle meant to shame them into self isolation called the “Mushoom Cloud.” Pattaya hairdresser Prasit Laokodee masterminded the idea to…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
South Asia risks becoming the next epicentre for Covid-19 pandemic
The World Bank has announced that South Asia is advancing towards its worst economic performance in 40 years. With decades of progressing in the battle against poverty, now the nations are facing problems that could bring poverty back to the front doorsteps of South Asia countries – India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. India, Pakistan, Afghanistan…
Read More » - World News
Fire in Kanchanaburi sends foul smoke over Burmese border
Yesterday, a large area of the province of Kanchanaburi was engulfed in stinking toxic smoke after a garbage fire ripped through a 3-rai (51,667 squared metres) garbage dump in the district of Sangkhlaburi, right on the Burmese border. The garbage tip is located next to a sugarcane farmer’s village. 2 fire trucks were sent by Kanchanaburi officials to extinguish the…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Up to 10 million Thais out of work in next three months – CCSA
As many as 10 million Thais could be out of work in the next few months if the current Covid-19 epidemic drags on. Supant Mongkolsuthee, the president of the Federation of Thai IndustriesGovernment, says the Thai government needs to provide timely support for businesses. As head of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration’s working committee, tasked with overseeing small and…
Read More » - Thailand News
Bodies of two teen girls found in Kwae Noy river, Kanchanaburi
The bodies of two teen girls who went missing in the Kwae Noy river last Friday in the western province of Kanchanaburi, were discovered yesterday morning. Friday, three teenage students from Ban Kao Withaya School in Kanchanaburi went for a swim in the Kwae Noy river. The girls were quickly overpowered by the strong current and washed downriver. An onlooker…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
300 more “little ghosts” returning from South Korea
Health officials announced today that 300 more Thai citizens, dubbed “phee noi” or “little ghosts” in Thai, will be repatriated from South Korea over the next two days. 135 immigration detainees, accompanied by South Korean health officials, will depart tomorrow on a Jeju Air chartered flight from South Korea at 5pm Thai time. The flight will arrive at BKK at…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand News Today – Monday, April 13
New virus cases nationwide fall to 28 Health officials confirmed 28 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus in the country today as the trend continues down. Today’s total brings the reported country total to 2,579 since the outbreak began in January. There were also 2 additional deaths announced today, bringing the national tally to 40. Today’s new infections are fewer…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Covid-19 causes ‘Koi’ to contemplate an abortion
The Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand, under the Patronage of HRH the Princess Mother, marks their 50th anniversary tomorrow, but today more than ever, Thai women are being forced to ask the difficult question of how to manage an unplanned pregnancy during the Covid-19 global pandemic. As government policies to contain the Covid-19 virus continue to devastate Thailand’s economy, some…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Scientist and corporations desperately fight to find a reliable vaccine for Covid-19
Researchers are working against time to develop a novel coronavirus vaccine after the virus has killed over 110,000 people throughout the world and infected over 1.8 million people. Countries like China, Italy, Spain the UK and US have been worst affected by the Covid-19 virus. But experts warn of the chance of a new wave of outbreaks (and it’s still…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
UPDATE: Thai Returnee from Indonesia commits suicide on last day of quarantine
A 51 year old Muslim man from Thailand’s deep south was set to be released from quarantine today but tragically jumped to his death from the 8th floor of a state hospital in Samut Prakan this morning. Police arrived at the scene in Bang Ya Phraek around 2.30am this morning where they found the body of a man in a pool…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Thailand’s developers struggle with ‘guaranteed returns’ in Covid-19 property crisis
by Bill Barnett of c9hotelworks.com There is one key underlying fundamental for hotel branded residences returns, and the truism that best sums it up is that returns are a function of hotel trading performance and marketplace. In Asia, the largest branded residences market is Thailand. According to C9 Hotelworks market research, the country represents 29% of regional supply with key…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
New virus cases nationwide fall to 28 (Monday)
Health officials confirmed 28 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus in the country today, bringing the total to 2,579 since the outbreak began in January. There were 2 additional deaths announced today, bringing the national tally to 40. Today’s new infections are fewer than yesterday’s 33, marking the fifth consecutive day of declines since a spike to 111 on April…
Read More » - Crime News
Chon Buri police raid late night ‘ladyboy’ cam show, arrest dozens – VIDEO
The show must go on! But not at the moment. Police in Chon Buri province southeast of Bangkok, acting on a tip, arrested dozens of people in a raid on an underground “cam show” at a Pattaya area luxury home at about 12:30 am yesterday. The raid was led by local police units along with a transnational crime unit and…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
China fears ‘second wave’ after six week high in new cases
China has reported the highest increase in new coronavirus cases, the highest in nearly six weeks sparking fears of a second wave of infections. 108 new cases were reported Sunday, marking the highest number of cases since a peek of 143 cases in early March. Yesterday, The National Health Commission in China confirmed 98 of the 108 new cases were “imported”…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Thailand cannot lower its guard in the battle against Covid-19
Yesterday, Dr. Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration says, “despite the declining numbers of the Covid-19 infections, the Kingdom cannot lower its guard because our neighbouring countries are still at high risk.” “The decreased number of new infections is good news for the traditional Thai New Year (Songkran), though high numbers of new cases recorded in…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Phuket’s new Covid-19 cases fall to 2 (Monday)
Phuket has confirmed 2 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus today (Monday), half of yesterday’s 4 cases and equal to Saturday’s, as the numbers continue a downward trend. Phuket has virtually sealed itself off, with all roads, ports. As of Friday even the airport officially closed. The governor announced an alcohol ban on Friday night as well, effective until further…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
New national curfew exceptions
PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has issued exceptions to the nationwide curfew mandate for some groups and job sectors. The order gives exemption to government authorities, including civil servants on duty by order of state agencies. Also exempt are the first responders such as healthcare personnel who must be available at all hours. This also extends to emergency patients and transport of…
Read More » - Northern Thailand News
4 teenagers violate the order not to celebrate Songkran outside
Under the emergency decree that has been announced by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, it has been confirmed that Songkran (the traditional Thai new year festival) is officially postponed this year to lessen the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak. However, 4 teenagers defying the emergency decree was arrested in Roi Et province, far north-eastern Thailand, after live broadcasting their water wars. The…
Read More » - Thailand News
Education minister does U-turn on ‘tablets for students’ plan
The government has done a swift U-turn on last week’s plans to purchase tablets (iPads and the like, not medicines) for Thailand’s students for home learning during the Covid-19 crisis. The Thai Education Minister Nataphol Teepsuwan says his ministry will now focus on maximising existing resources and “not invest money buying new equipment unnecessarily”. “We will ask for digital TV…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Fortress Phuket: The island ‘on hold’ as it contains Covid-19
Starting today, Phuket goes into a stringent ‘lockdown’ phase which will restrict travel between all sub-districts and districts around the island. An alcohol ban is also in place until further notice. That started on Saturday, April 11. The new restriction are now in play until April 26. During this time, unless you have exceptional medical or emergency circumstances, or government…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
660,000 people in Thailand under watch as potential “high-risk” Covid-19 infections
660,000 people around Thailand have been identified as at “high-risk of contracting or spreading Covid-19. The director-general of the Health Service Support Department, Dr. Tharet Krasnairawiwong, says that over the past 2 months more than 11.8 million households around Thailand have been visited, identifying potential risk clusters and people who may have come into contact with the coronavirus. “This group of…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Additional safety measures for Thai prisons
With curfew violations continuing to escalate, and memories of prison riots from fears of Coronavirus, the Department of Corrections stated they have further increased measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and reduce the fears of inmates. The measures, according to an announcement by the PR Department, will consist of isolating new prisoners for 14 days, cancelling the professional training…
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