Month: May 2021
- Covid-19 News
Covid UPDATE: 2,112 new infections and 15 Covid-related deaths
There has been 2,112 new Covid-19 infections announced for Wednesday, according to the Thai health ministry. 15 people have also been reported as dying from Covid-related symptoms in the past 24 hours. 30,222 people are still under state care and observation in hospitals or field hospitals. 1,886 were discharged from care yesterday. 10.042 patients are listed as in serious condition and 343 are…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Vaccines reserved for Thais, not expats – Public Health Ministry
Sorry, you’ll just have to wait. The Ministry of Public Health has muddied the waters further about foreigners or expats being able to access Covid vaccines in Thailand. Ministry spokesperson Rungrueng Kitphati has rolled back some of the comments that have already been made about the matter and the real world situation where some expats already registering for the next…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
6 of Thailand’s top tourist zones WILL start opening for quarantine-free travel in July – TAT
Full steam ahead. The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s insists that the sandbox re-opening plans for 6 of Thailand’s most economically sensitive tourist magnets will start on July 1… July 2021. Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Koh Samui, Pattaya and Chiang Mai will, according to the TAT, be open to foreign tourists who have received 2 doses of Covid-19 vaccine (or 1…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand News Today | Hotel industry in tatters, Burmese rebels destroy army helicopter | May 4
Today’s Covid stats at the end of the program. A Burmese rebel group is claiming to have downed an Army helicopter in the Kachin province in the far north of the country, poll of the Thai hotel industry shows that 47% of those surveyed only have enough liquidity to sustain less than 3 months of business, Public Health Minister, Anutin,…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Australian Embassy snubs Aussie expats but Australia donates 68 million baht for Thailand’s vaccine efforts
The Australian Embassy in Thailand has responded to requests by Australians living in the Land Of Smiles that there will be no assistance for expats or other Australian citizens to be vaccinated in Thailand. Given the snail-pace response of the Thai Government and the age of some of the expats retired in the Kingdom, it was an important request. But…
Read More » - Phuket News
What will be the most expensive real estate on MONOPOLY: Phuket Edition?
Phromthep Cape… Phuket Old Town… Patong Beach… These are just a few of the landmarks in Phuket that have now been short-listed since it was announced that Phuket will be getting its own edition of MONOPOLY. The top squares of the the locally-themed game board will soon be handed over to Phuket’s most prominent places. With so much around Phuket…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
27 people die from Covid-related illness 1,763 new infections in Thailand
The CCSA has reported 27 deaths and 1,763 new Covid infections over the past 24 hours. Over the past 10 days the daily reports have hovered around the 1,500 – 2,000 mark with the death rate trending upwards. 1,009 patients remain in a serious condition. 311 patients are currently on ventilators with Covid-related symptoms. In other related news… • The Safari…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Chon Buri reports a decline in daily Covid-19 infections – Tuesday, 91
Chon Buri province, which includes Pattaya, is seeing a general decline in the amount of daily Covid-19 infections today. 91 were reported today. Yesterday, the number of infections reported in the province was 153. The total amount of infections in the province since the third wave began at the start of April, sits at 2,855, with 1,611 still in medical…
Read More » - Tourism News
Survey finds nearly half of Thai hotels can stay afloat for less than 3 months
A recent poll of the Thai hotel industry shows that 47% of those surveyed only have enough liquidity to sustain less than 3 months of business. The Bank of Thailand has published its confidence index of hotel business operators for April 2021 and the findings make for grim reading. According to a Nation Thailand report, a total of 188 hotels…
Read More » - World News
Burmese rebel group claim to have downed military helicopter – VIDEO
Al Jazeera is reporting that a Burmese rebel group is claiming to have downed a military helicopter in Kachin province. The Kachin Independence Army says it shot down the aircraft in response to military air strikes in the province. Myanmar has been rocked by violence and political unrest since a February 1 military coup that deposed of the democratically-elected government…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Virologist urges government to carry out mass vaccination within 3 months
Prominent Thai virologist Dr. Yong Poovorawan is calling on the government to carry out mass vaccination of the population within 3 months, after a study showed that 1 dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine boosts immunity by more than 96%. Dr. Yong has been a persistent critic of the Thai government’s handling of the Covid outbreaks in the country. Posting on…
Read More » - World News
Bill and Melinda Gates to divorce after 27 years of marriage
Philanthropist and entrepreneur Bill Gates has announced that he and his wife of 27 years, Melinda, are to divorce. The world’s 4th wealthiest person posted a joint statement from the pair on his Twitter account yesterday, according to an NPR report. Bill Gates is reported to be worth more than US$130 billion dollars, having made his fortune with the Microsoft…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Phuket adds ‘soft’ curfew but sets up checkpoints to enforce
Phuket is now added to the list of provinces in Thailand that have introduced “soft” curfews – strongly worded requests for residents to stay home during specific hours. Phuket residents are being asked to stay at home between 10pm and 4am daily. The announcement is now in force. Checkpoints are being set up to advise and warn people who don’t cooperate.…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Covid UPDATE: 27 deaths, 1,763 new infections
This morning the health ministry has reported 27 deaths and 1,763 Covid infections reported in the past 24 hours. Over the past 10 days the daily reports have hovered around the 1,500 – 2,000 mark with the death rate trending upwards. 1,009 patients remain in a serious condition. 311 patients are currently on ventilators with Covid-related symptoms. The Mor Prom app…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Vaccination to be accelerated following outbreak in Bangkok’s Klong Toey district
The government is accelerating vaccine administration among shantytown dwellers in Bangkok’s Klong Toey district following an outbreak of Covid-19. Thousands of people live in very close quarters within the slums and travel across the city and to neighbouring provinces for work. The cluster of infections has sparked fear the virus could spread further and overwhelm the healthcare system. Bangkok governor…
Read More » - World News
Singapore now demands state 14 day quarantine for all travellers out of Thailand
Things were starting to ease up for travellers around SE Asia, and travel bubbles were being discussed at high levels. But with some localised surges in new Covid infections around the region the shutters are coming back down again. The Singapore Ministry of Health has announced that all travellers coming from Thailand, including Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long term…
Read More » - Hot News
“Let’s Move Abroad” Thai Facebook group exploding with potential defectors
A new Facebook group called “Let’s Move Abroad” is getting some online traction as Thais log in to share ideas and tips on studying and working abroad. The group sprung up just 2 days ago, amidst the current political backdrop that has seen increasing disapproval of the Thai government’s Covid-19 response. Over 524, 500 members have posted questions and anecdotes…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand News Today | 31 Covid-related deaths, more flight restrictions | May 3
The daily 24 hour infection report has jumped to back over the 2,000 mark, Disease prevention measures are being tightened for passengers taking to the skies after several cases of Covid-19 were found on flights from Bangkok to Phuket, Angry supporters of the pro-democracy movement gathered outside Bangkok’s Criminal Court yesterday, A new Suan Dusit Poll shows that Thai people…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Chalong, Phuket hospital closes as staff quarantine after seeing Covid patient
Chalong Hospital in Phuket is closing after seeing an outpatient test positive for Covid-19. The hospital is now undergoing disinfection while its staff has been ordered to undergo quarantine. The 74 year old patient visited the hospital last Wednesday for dizziness and was sent home. 2 days later the woman returned with complaints of dizziness again and diarrhea. The next…
Read More » - Technology News
Global chip shortage: automakers to sex toys now feeling the pinch
A global chip shortage has affected almost every kind of business from automakers to sex toy makers. The shortage came about late last year when automakers thought demand would dwindle due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But, they were wrong. And, other manufacturers took note of the automakers’ large semiconductor orders and decided to ramp up their own. Home appliances, servers,…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Chachoengsao villagers say homeless man’s mysterious death could be from Covid
Chachoengsao province villagers suspect a homeless man’s death may be due to Covid-19. Chachoengsao is just to the east of Bangkok. The man died under a pavilion by the road with relatives saying he chose to be homeless. They also say he had existing health problems but was not high-risk and hadn’t been in contact with anyone infected. But somehow,…
Read More » - Hot News
Thai authorities set up centre to investigate fake news surrounding Covid-19
Thai authorities are setting up a centre to investigate fake news surrounding Covid-19. The Department of Special Investigation says such misguidances could hamper the government’s efforts in containing the current pandemic. The task force to combat so-called “false information” started last Saturday and is headed by deputy director-general Supat Thamthanarak. The move falls in line with Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin’s…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Covid UPDATE: 31 people die, 2,041 new infections, provincial totals
Today the daily 24 hour infection report for Covid-19 has jumped to back over the 2,000 mark with 2,041 new cases reported by the Thai health ministry. 31 people have died from Covid-related illness as well, a new high. Yesterday the death toll for a single day was 21. The CCSA report that most of today’s reported deaths were from…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Thai government mulling more relief packages in light of Covid-19 third wave
Thailand’s government is mulling more relief packages to help counteract the country’s third wave of Covid-19. PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has told all economic agencies to fast-track their assessments of how the third wave has impacted the economy, a requirement that must be completed before new relief packages can be detailed. Once the packages have been created, the Centre for Covid-19…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
Koh Lan proposes closing to tourists for 15 days from May 5
Koh Lan, off Pattaya, may be closed to tourists for 15 days, starting May 5. The island resort is waiting for the vote to be officially approved but 845 residents and business operators voted on the island’s closing. 420 voted for it to be closed to tourists for at least 15 days, while 306 voted for a complete closing to…
Read More » - Northern Thailand News
Buri Ram sees 2 villages go into lockdown after 8 Covid-19 infections
Thailand’s northeastern, or Isaan, province of Buri Ram, is seeing 2 villages ordered to go into lockdown after 8 Covid-19 infections have threatened the community. The provincial communicable disease committee is ordering the villages of Ban Sao-e and Ban Nong Phai, located on Moo 2 and Moo 12, respectively, to lockdown from 6pm on May 2. The villages have around…
Read More » - Pattaya News
Chon Buri sees 153 new infections of Covid-19, 1 death
Chon Buri province, home to Pattaya, reported 153 new Covid-19 infections today, along with 1 death. The results from the Department of Public Health are thought to be due to a large increase in pro-active testing. The new infections today make a total of 2,764 infections in the province since the latest wave of Covid hit at the start of…
Read More » - Covid-19 News
8 hospitals across Thailand forced to close after healthcare workers contract Covid-19
8 Thai hospitals are temporarily closed after patients hid the fact that they were infected with Covid-19 and passed the virus on to hospital staff. Other staff members have had to self-isolate. According to Thai PBS World, the 8 affected hospitals are as follows: Chiang Rai Mae Sai Hospital, closed until May 16. 88 medical staff quarantined. Nakhon Sawan Chumsaeng…
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Flying rules tightened after Covid-19 infections found on Phuket flights
Disease prevention measures are being tightened for air passengers after several cases of Covid-19 were found on flights from Bangkok to Phuket. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has issued new guidance for airlines and passengers, after passengers on 7 flights, operated by 3 different airlines, subsequently tested positive for the virus. Phuket’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration has ordered…
Read More » - Thailand Protest News
Protesters rally at Criminal Court after detainees’ bail request denied again
Angry supporters of the pro-democracy movement gathered outside Bangkok’s Criminal Court yesterday, after bail requests for detained activists were rejected for the ninth time. Those who had their bail applications refused include Parit Chiwarak, aka, “Penguin”, who has been transferred to Ramathibodi Hospital due to his weakened condition. Parit has been on hunger strike for nearly 50 days. The Bangkok…
Read More » - World News
Weekend music festival in Wuhan attracts thousands of fans
A 2-day music festival in the central city of Wuhan has attracted thousands of fans over the weekend. The Wuhan Strawberry Music Festival showcased the talents of popular musicians, as well as less well-known acts, over 3 stages in the city’s Garden Expo park. According to a Reuters report, sister events are also being held in Beijing and other Chinese…
Read More » - World News
First case of Indian Covid-19 variant found in Malaysia
Malaysia’s Health Minister has confirmed that a case of the Indian variant of Covid-19 has been reported in the country. Adham Baba says the highly contagious B.1.617 variant was detected in an Indian national at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The news comes just days after Malaysia banned flights from India. According to a Bangkok Post report, the World Health Organisation…
Read More » - Economy News
Covid-19 again lowers Thai economic growth forecast to 2.3%
Thailand’s economic growth forecast was lowered to 2.3% as the tourism outlook remains bleak as Covid-19’s third wave pummels the country. Back in October 2020, the Finance Ministry’s Fiscal Policy Office had originally predicted a 4.5% growth for Thailand’s GDP, when Covid-19 seemed to be waning in the country. By January, as the second wave hit, projections were reeled in…
Read More » - Food
Cooking food at home more? Most Thais are during Covid-19
Are you an excellent chef? Did Covid-19 force you to learn how to cook food? Or maybe it caused you to pay closer attention to how healthy, how clean, and how well packaged your food is? A new Suan Dusit Poll found that Thai people are eating healthier and eating at home as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The…
Read More » - Hot News
Unidentified metal sphere underwater near Phuket is not a bomb
While the strange object 6 metres underwater off the Phuket island of Koh Aeo is as yet unidentified, officials have determined that it is definitely not a bomb. Much to local relief of the local fishermen who spotted the object and reported it Friday, Thai navy officials determined the object was harmless. The spherical metal object was found underwater about…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thailand expecting 3.5 million Sinovac vaccines by end of May
Another 3.5 million Sinovac Biotech vaccines have been confirmed to be arriving by the end of May, health officials said Friday. With a slow vaccine rollout putting Thailand’s ambitious July 1 reopening plan in jeopardy, the confirmation of another batch of jabs is welcomed news. The head of the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation announced the first million vaccines will arrive in…
Read More » - World News
Burmese protests countrywide call for a “spring revolution”
Calls for a “spring revolution” erupted from thousands of protestors marching across Myanmar today to protest the Burmese military junta. The country has been in turmoil since the Feb 1 coup that overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi’s government and installed military rule. Protests have raged for 4 months despite the Burmese military cracking down on demonstrations, often violently and bloodily,…
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