Month: May 2021

  • Business NewsNo government bailout for Thai Airways

    No government bailout for Thai Airways

    A final meeting for a vote on the Thai Airways debt restructure program is set for this Wednesday after being postponed last week. Meanwhile, a source close to those managing Thai Airways’ debt rehab plan, says the state is not obliged to provide a bailout for the national carrier. The Bangkok Post reports that Chansin Treenuchagron, acting president for Thai…

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  • World NewsEscaped Bengal tiger in America captured after terrorising locals

    Escaped Bengal tiger in America captured after terrorising locals

    An escaped, 9 month old Bengal tiger, that has terrorised the city of Houston in the American state of Texas, has been captured unharmed. The tiger, named India, was being minded by the wife of its owner who is 26 year old Victor Cuevas. The owner was recently seen on social media kissing the tiger before putting it in his…

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  • Covid-19 NewsFourth prison Covid-19 outbreak: 1,725 inmates infected at Thonburi prison

    Fourth prison Covid-19 outbreak: 1,725 inmates infected at Thonburi prison

    Thailand’s Department of Corrections is now tackling Covid-19 outbreaks at 4 prisons. Over the weekend, more than 1,700 Covid-19 infections were detected at the Thonburi Remand Prison, adding to the more than 3,000 infections at the Klong Prem Central Prison, Bangkok Remand Prison and Central Women’s Correctional Institution. Prior to the recent prison Covid-19 clusters, hundreds of inmates at prisons…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsNortheastern Buri Ram mother becomes second to die from lightning in recent weeks

    Northeastern Buri Ram mother becomes second to die from lightning in recent weeks

    A Thai mother in Thailand’s northeastern Buri Ram province, has died after being struck by lightning at a cassava plantation. The 38 year old woman, who went by the name of Jureerat, was working in the plantation with her husband, 6 year old daughter, 2 year old son and a neighbour when it started lightly raining. They all took cover…

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  • Covid-19 NewsWalk-in vaccination centre to open at Bangkok’s Bang Sue railway station

    Walk-in vaccination centre to open at Bangkok’s Bang Sue railway station

    Thailand’s Transport Minister, Saksayam Chidchob, has confirmed that a walk-in vaccination centre will open at Bang Sue railway station in Bangkok, from next month. The centre will serve the capital’s residents and those in the surrounding provinces. The Bangkok Post reports that 13,500 square metres of space is being transformed into a Covid-19 vaccination centre, with the goal of administering…

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  • Covid-19 NewsNo more face masks for speakers at government meetings – PM

    No more face masks for speakers at government meetings – PM

    The PM has signed into law a waiver on the mandatory face mask rule for officials addressing Parliament. However, MPs will still be required to wear face masks, unless they are speaking. The announcement has been published on the Royal Gazette website, making it official. According to a Bangkok Post report, the new waiver also applies to local administration meetings.…

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  • Covid-19 NewsLockdown at Bangkok construction camp as up to 86% of residents test positive

    Lockdown at Bangkok construction camp as up to 86% of residents test positive

    A large construction camp in the Laksi district of Bangkok is to be locked down as a result of a new cluster of Covid-19 infections. The Bangkok Post reports that up to 86% of those living in the camp have tested positive for the virus. It’s understood the camp is owned by Italian- Thai Development Plc, which is involved in…

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  • Thailand NewsMonday Covid UPDATE: 9,635 Covid infections and 25 death

    Monday Covid UPDATE: 9,635 Covid infections and 25 death

    Today’s high infection report stems from more positive infections emerging from Bangkok’s prison system (below). In the past 24 hours Bangkok and Thailand’s provinces have accumulated another 9,635 infections and 25 Covid-related deaths. 6,853 of today’s total is from Bangkok prisons. If you take the new prison cases out of the equation, there has been an additional 2,782 cases for…

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  • Thailand News3 men arrested over Bangkok kidnap attempt

    3 men arrested over Bangkok kidnap attempt

    Thai police have arrested 2 US citizens and a Thai for the alleged kidnap of a Taiwanese businessman for ransom. 5 other arrest warrants are also waiting to be executed over the incident. Police allege a “business conflict” over the purchase of plastic ‘nitrile’ gloves as the motive. The 3 men have been identified as 41 year old Jeremy Hughes…

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  • World NewsPM weighs in after Thai national injured in Gaza explosion

    PM weighs in after Thai national injured in Gaza explosion

    PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has made statements expressing concern and sorrow for the violence in the Gaza Strip as recent explosions have injured a Thai national. Thailand has a quota for agricultural labourers that work on exchange in Israel, with about 250 workers travelling to Israel each week on a charter flight. 3,100 Thai workers are currently already working in Israel.…

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  • Crime NewsPriceless Buddha statue stolen in March found at a bus stop

    Priceless Buddha statue stolen in March found at a bus stop

    In Lop Buri’s Tha Wung district, a rare Buddha statue went on a mysterious and strange trip having been stolen in March and just found at a bus stop nearby. The statue was stolen from a local museum in the Central Thailand province at the beginning of March and was spotted yesterday morning sitting at a bus stop. The statue…

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  • South Thailand NewsNorwegian-flagged ship with 6 Covid-19 infections off Songkla

    Norwegian-flagged ship with 6 Covid-19 infections off Songkla

    A Norwegian-flagged ship is currently floating off the coast of Songkla in the south of Thailand with 6 crew members infected with Covid-19. The offshore support vessel is named the Boa Deep C and is currently anchored near Ko Nu Island and awaiting further instructions. A spokesman for the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre confirmed that the boat has been…

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  • Covid-19 NewsPoll: Work from home popular, reduces Covid-19, helps gov’t

    Poll: Work from home popular, reduces Covid-19, helps gov’t

    As far as strategies to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infections goes, work from home policies may be the most popular, far more liked than masks and lockdowns. In a recent poll by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, 1,533 people in Thailand were asked about their opinions on working from home. The majority of responses were well in favour of it.…

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  • Covid-19 NewsCovid UPDATE: 2,302 new infections and 24 deaths, provincial totals

    Covid UPDATE: 2,302 new infections and 24 deaths, provincial totals

    The CCSA have announced 2,302 new infections and 24 Covid-related deaths over the past 24 hours. There’s now been a total of 101,447 infections and 589 deaths since the start of Thailand’s tally on January 18, 2020. More than 64,000 are registered as ‘recovered’. 35,055 people remain under treatment at public and field hospitals. More news briefs on the Covid situation below.…

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  • Covid-19 NewsThailand’s colour zones change from Monday – some restrictions ease

    Thailand’s colour zones change from Monday – some restrictions ease

    From tomorrow we’ll see the resumption of limited dine-in services in restaurants located in the remaining 4 Dark Red zones of Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan. Restaurants in these 4 provinces will now be able to resume dining on premises, until 9pm. But they can only seat 25% of their full capacity. So, a table for 4 can…

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  • Covid-19 NewsSinovac, AstraZeneca over 97% effective in immune system boost

    Sinovac, AstraZeneca over 97% effective in immune system boost

    A new study highlights the often maligned effectiveness of the Sinovac and AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, showing they are both quite effective in boosting the immune system against the Coronavirus. The Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology of the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University conducted the study that found that one month after the first shot of AstraZeneca, over 97%…

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  • South Thailand NewsBizarre final calls of 2 Southern insurgents killed in standoff

    Bizarre final calls of 2 Southern insurgents killed in standoff

    The bizarre final moments are coming to light of 2 insurgents in the south of Thailand that were killed in a standoff after shooting a member of the Thai paramilitary forces. The pair shot the soldier and then retreated to a shack made of corrugated metal while security forces tried to convince them to surrender. But during that time the…

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  • Bangkok NewsStricter Covid-19 rules for Bangkok area construction sites

    Stricter Covid-19 rules for Bangkok area construction sites

    The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration has set out instructions to large construction companies and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to implement stricter regulations to curb Covid-19 in worker housing facilities. The decree comes after clusters of outbreaks were found at housing facilities at construction sites in the Wattana and Laksi districts. The CCSA spokesmen cited cramped living conditions and a…

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  • HealthIncrease in suicide feared in Thailand as Covid-19 grows

    Increase in suicide feared in Thailand as Covid-19 grows

    Suicides increasing may be the most unfortunate side effect of living through a pandemic. In Thailand, those living in red and dark red zones, and people afflicted with Covid-19, or with close relatives or friends affected, are the most vulnerable to suicide according to the Thai Department of Mental Health. The increased restrictions tend to lead to depression and high…

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  • Phuket News12 Covid-19 violators busted drinking on Patong Beach

    12 Covid-19 violators busted drinking on Patong Beach

    12 violators of Covid-19 restrictions, of Thai and foreign origin, have been arrested and taken into custody by police for gathering and drinking in public on Patong Beach. The Covid-19 measures currently in place in Phuket ban all get-togethers involving alcohol, limiting the number that can drink together to just 2 people. The group were arrested for violating this order…

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  • Covid-19 NewsSunday Covid UPDATE: 2,302 new infections and 24 deaths

    Sunday Covid UPDATE: 2,302 new infections and 24 deaths

    For Sunday the public health department have announced 2,302 new infections and 24 Covid-related deaths over the past 24 hours. There’s now been a total of 101,447 infections and 589 deaths since the start of Thailand’s tally on January 18, 2020. More than 64,000 are registered as ‘recovered’. • Starting Monday, restaurants in Bangkok, Nonthaburi (immediately north of Bangkok), Pathum Thani, and…

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  • Covid-19 NewsCovid-19 mask violators in Phuket forced to exercise

    Covid-19 mask violators in Phuket forced to exercise

    For those who have more pounds on their body than pounds in their pocket, exercise punishment seen in Phuket yesterday for mask violators may or may not be welcome. Officials have walked back the strict 6,000 baht punishment for the first warning against someone not wearing a mask and were spotted forcing those who have gone out without a mask…

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  • Covid-19 News1,000 to 6,000-patient field hospital opened at IMPACT complex

    1,000 to 6,000-patient field hospital opened at IMPACT complex

    IMPACT Muang Thong Thani exhibition centre in Nonthaburi has just opened as a massive field hospital that will be supervised by the Public Health Ministry. PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda were all in attendance for the launch yesterday. Situated in the northern suburb of Bangkok, the huge commercial complex has ample space…

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  • Tourism NewsThai public health and tourism ministers on Phuket to push the July 1 Sandbox reopening

    Thai public health and tourism ministers on Phuket to push the July 1 Sandbox reopening

    Bangkok has sent a couple of ministerial heavyweights to Phuket today to keep pushing the July 1 ‘Sandbox’ bandwagon, insisting that Phuket will open to fully vaccinated tourists from July 1. The Deputy PM and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ,along with the Sports and Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, are doing the island PR tour today delivering a message from…

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  • Covid-19 NewsCovid UPDATE: 3,095 new infections, 17 deaths, provincial totals

    Covid UPDATE: 3,095 new infections, 17 deaths, provincial totals

    The Thai public health ministry has announced 3,095 new cases of Covid-19 along with 17 new deaths from the past 24 hours of provincial totals. 877 of the new infections emerged from Thai prisons again after 3 days of reports with high numbers of cases coming out of key Bangkok prisons. Provincial totals below. • The CCSA has announced adjustments…

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  • Phuket NewsPhuket may ditch light rail and build smart bus system instead

    Phuket may ditch light rail and build smart bus system instead

    A proposal to drop the light rail planned for Phuket and replace it with a smart bus system is under an in-depth review as ordered by Phuket Transport Minister. Advocates for the smart bus – automated driverless buses on city streets – say that the project would bring mass transportation to Phuket Island for 15.2 billion baht cheaper than a…

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  • Covid-19 NewsThailand’s zones change from Monday – easing of Covid restrictions

    Thailand’s zones change from Monday – easing of Covid restrictions

    From tomorrow we’ll see the resumption of limited dine-in services in restaurants located in the remaining 4 Dark Red zones of Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan. Restaurants in these 4 provinces will now be able to resume dining on premises, until 9pm. But they can only seat 25% of their full capacity. So, a table for 4 can…

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  • Crime NewsMan charged with rape of 36 women in Bangkok area

    Man charged with rape of 36 women in Bangkok area

    A serial rapist with complaints from 36 female victims from the end of 2020 until the beginning of this month has officially been charged with rape. Mr Denphum Wattanachotipinyo committed rape, theft, fraud, and deception in the Bangkok area and was arrested Wednesday in Sai Mai. He is 39 years old and is believed to be from Nontha Buri. Thonburi…

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  • Phuket NewsKeeping hopes alive – Feeding the people of Phuket | VIDEO

    Keeping hopes alive – Feeding the people of Phuket | VIDEO

    To make contact with Shaun or his team, go to their Facebook page, follow the progress of the project and contact them if you can help. https://www.facebook.com/5StarMarinePhuket After a year of zero foreign tourism, the Thai island of Phuket is now at a critical juncture. There are hundreds of thousands of people, previously employed or sustained from the tourist industry,…

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  • Northern Thailand NewsBuriram sets deadlines for vaccine sign-up, imposes penalties

    Buriram sets deadlines for vaccine sign-up, imposes penalties

    Buriram is pushing hard to get everyone signed up for Covid-19 vaccination and plan on penalties for any at-risk people who refuse the vaccine. The Issan province in Northeast Thailand bordering Cambodia is now the first province in the country to impose punishments for refusal to vaccinate. The government has been strongly urging everyone living or working in Buriram over…

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  • Covid-19 News506 Covid-19 infections found in Klong Prem Central Prison

    506 Covid-19 infections found in Klong Prem Central Prison

    Yet another Bangkok prison has reported a Coronavirus outbreak, as Klong Prem Central Prison now confirmed 506 Covid-19 infections. The Corrections Department deputy director-general Dr Weerakit Harnpariphan confirmed that this outbreak was discovered through active screening, and a lot more testing still needs to be done. The prison houses a total population of at least 20,000 inmates amongst the many…

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  • Covid-19 NewsEnglish announcement of Phuket policy: no house gatherings

    English announcement of Phuket policy: no house gatherings

    The Public Relations Department of Phuket updated Covid-19 restrictions with an English notice confirming among other things that no house parties or gatherings are allowed in the province. The policy was instated this week and went into effect officially Thursday, posting in English seen below. The new restrictions are in place until at least the end of the month. The…

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  • Thailand NewsThe Boys in Brown go 2-tone khaki – Thailand’s new police uniform on trial

    The Boys in Brown go 2-tone khaki – Thailand’s new police uniform on trial

    Elastic waistband and fitted baseball caps – the new height of Thai constabulary haute couture to grace the streets of Thailand. Some law-enforcement super models are currently strutting the streets parading some of the ‘nouveau’ police uniforms. The boys in brown are morphing into the boys in 2-tone khaki with black accessories and utility accents. The move is towards greater…

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  • Covid-19 NewsSaturday Covid UPDATE: 3,095 new infections, 17 deaths

    Saturday Covid UPDATE: 3,095 new infections, 17 deaths

    The Thai public health ministry has announced 3,095 new cases of Covid-19 along with 17 new deaths from the past 24 hours of provincial totals. 877 of the new infections emerged from Thai prisons again after 3 days of reports with high numbers of cases coming out of key Bangkok prisons. • Diners may be able to eat at Dark…

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  • Covid-19 NewsFamily sues Thai PM, CCSA after Covid-infected relative dies

    Family sues Thai PM, CCSA after Covid-infected relative dies

    The family of a man who died while infected with Covid-19 is demanding the Thai PM, as well as other government officials, pay millions of baht in compensation, citing “negligence” after calls to Covid-19 hotlines went unanswered or were not of help. 35 year old Kunlasub Watthanaphon died on April 23. Kunlasub is said to have contracted the virus from a…

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  • Thailand NewsThailand News Today | 8 clusters in Bangkok, Phuket party organisers charged | May 14

    Thailand News Today | 8 clusters in Bangkok, Phuket party organisers charged | May 14

    Foreigners may face a slight delay in receiving their Covid-19 vaccines, The BMA has now confirmed 8 clusters of Covid infection in the capital, Thai Private Hospital Association is now working to offer a variety of Covid-19 vaccine brands to Thais and Patong police have announced that the managers of the Phuket venues that hosted the Kolour entertainment event swill…

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  • Economy NewsMarket down as good US economy drives interest rate fears

    Market down as good US economy drives interest rate fears

    After US inflation exceeded targets and increased 4%, global stock markets including Thailand plummeted yesterday with fears of rising interest rates. Almost 144 billion baht was traded yesterday with the market at one point diving down 70 points in the late afternoon before recovering to a 23.72 point loss, closing at 1548.13. 2% is a high rate of inflation so…

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