Thailand News Today | Political homes, Adult site bans, Nok Air rehab | November 5

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Young Thais say political divide has caused conflict with their parents

The ongoing political protests have led to a new, raw divide in Thailand with a split between a younger generation demanding democracy and an older generation trying to protect Thailand’s Monarchy.

Student-led protests continue to call for reform of the government, a new constitution, and reform of the country’s monarchy. They’ve spoken up about topics considered “unprecedented” in Thai society. Royalists, generally an older generation, have shot back and held rallies to show their support for the Thai Head of State, demanding the pro-democracy protesters to stop “insulting” the monarchy.

But this new political climate is causing rifts between families with some younger people claiming they’ve been ostracised, kicked out of home, losing their job and even been physically threatened for bringing up the topics or attending the protests.

There’s an excellent story about the phenomena at the thai website thisrupt.co

4 new Covid-19 cases in quarantine, 1 new case detected at Myanmar border

4 new Covid-19 cases were detected in quarantine and 1 new case was detected at a Myanmar border checkpoint.

The total number of confirmed Covid-19 in Thailand has now reached 3,810 cases with 3,623 recoveries and 59 total deaths. 128 people are still receiving medical treatment for the coronavirus here in Thailand.

A 27 year old Burmese truck driver tested positive for the virus at a border checkpoint on October 31. He was immediately deported back to Myanmar.

Cambodian PM tests negative for Covid-19 after meeting with Hungarian foreign minister

68 year old Cambodian PM Hun Sen says he tested negative for Covid-19, but he is self-quarantining for the next 14 days anyway.

On Tuesday, the prime minister met with Hungarian Foreign Minister who tested positive for Covid-19 while in Bangkok.

The Hungarian delegation had a 1 day visit in Phnom Penh on Tuesday before travelling to Bangkok where the foreign minister tested positive for the virus.

Before leaving Hungary and travelling to Cambodia, the delegates had all undergone testing and had medical certificates declaring that they were free from Covid-19.

After the delegation arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport and tested positive he was taken to the Infectious Diseases Institute for treatment.

All appointments, including a session with the Thai PM, were cancelled and they flew back to Hungary on a private jet.

More websites get the Pornhub treatment

The Digital Economy and Society Ministry is on a roll, announcing plans to cut access to a further 209 websites following a block on adult website PornHub.

However, the names of the “misleading” or “offensive” websites which have incurred the ministry’s wrath have not been confirmed.

Earlier this week, a group gathered outside the DES ministry offices to protest against the decision to block access to the popular adult website. The DES responded by insisting the ban was essential to protecting decency and the “good values” of Thailand.

Second Thai airline hit by Covid fallout as Nok Air to prepare rehab plan

The Central Bankruptcy Court has approved Nok Air’s petition to begin a rehabilitation process, as the low-cost airline struggles with losses incurred due to the Covid-19 economic fallout.

Nok Air has accumulated debts of 26 billion baht, with only 23 billion baht in assets. In the first half of 2020, it reported revenue of 3.4 billion baht, a drop of nearly 48% in total revenue compared to the same period last year.

The carrier recorded a net loss of 3.75 billion baht in the first half of this year, up from the 1.18 billion baht loss from the same period in 2019.

While the rehab process is underway, Nok Air has been given a stay on payments and is holding talks with aircraft leasing companies who make up a large chunk of the airlines’ expenses.

Nok Air currently employs 1,500 staff.

Monk wins 18 million baht in lottery, donates money to temple

A monk won 18 million baht in Sunday’s Thai lottery and decided to donate the winnings.

The 67 year old says he didn’t buy the tickets with the hopes of winning. He bought them because a lottery ticket seller came by temple asking for help.

The monk gave 1 million baht to each of his 3 children. He then donated a portion of the winnings to the temple as well as to those who needed money. He saved the rest to help people who may need it in the future.