covid-19

  • Tourism NewsThailand tourism is changed forever

    Thailand tourism is changed forever

    OPINION by Andrew J Wood Last week the Thai government Minister’s speech shows me that tourism will never be allowed to recover to previous levels. The writing is definitely on the wall, windows and front door, that there has been a major policy shift in government thinking by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha’s cabinet. In a deeply worrying development for Thailand’s massive…

  • Covid-19 News576 cases in one day – Latest test results from Samut Sakhon Covid outbreak

    576 cases in one day – Latest test results from Samut Sakhon Covid outbreak

    UPDATE: The number of cases linked to the Samut Sakhon outbreak has risen to 576. Earlier the figure was published as 516 cases. Thailand’s CCSA has announced more than 500 Covid-19 cases among migrant workers at the centre of its seafood industry, on an enormous 1-day rise in a country that had gone into mild panic after just 1 or…

  • Covid-19 News516 cases in one day – Samut Sakhon, Thailand’s new Covid-19 hotspot

    516 cases in one day – Samut Sakhon, Thailand’s new Covid-19 hotspot

    UPDATE: Some publications are announcing Saturday’s daily total in Thailand as 576. We will update the precise number as more information becomes available. Thailand’s CCSA has announced more than 500 Covid-19 cases among migrant workers at the centre of its seafood industry, on an enormous 1-day rise in a country that had gone into mild panic after just 1 or…

  • Covid-19 NewsHealth Ministry to confirm list of “quarantine” golf resorts

    Health Ministry to confirm list of “quarantine” golf resorts

    The director-general of the Department of Health Service Support says officials will name the golf resorts that have been approved as alternative state quarantine facilities next week. Tares Krassanairawiwong says those who enjoy a game of golf will be able to indulge their passion while in quarantine – provided they come from a “low-risk” country, that is. Quarantining golfers are…

  • Thailand NewsThailand News Today | Thais praised for Covid response, Travel Stimulus doomed, Alcohol Ban | Dec 18

    Thailand News Today | Thais praised for Covid response, Travel Stimulus doomed, Alcohol Ban | Dec 18

    Final day of the week and a busy week of news. Please catch up with our other information videos at our YouTube Channel. While you’re there, please subscribe and click the bell for notifications. Thailand’s top epidemiologist warns against shortening quarantine Whilst the CCSA announced yesterday they were going to conduct yet another enquiry into shortening quarantine for arrives in…

  • Economy NewsDeputy PM says pandemic exposed problems in Thai economy, time to improve

    Deputy PM says pandemic exposed problems in Thai economy, time to improve

    As the Covid-19 pandemic hit economies all over the world with business closures and travel bans, issues with Thailand’s economy were exposed, according to Deputy PM Supattanapong Punmeechaow. The country cannot go back to the way it was before the global outbreak, he says. Thailand’s large tourism industry was battered by the lack of foreign visitors. Small and medium businesses…

  • Covid-19 NewsThailand’s top epidemiologist warns against shortening quarantine

    Thailand’s top epidemiologist warns against shortening quarantine

    Thailand’s top epidemiologist has repeatedly warned against opening Thailand back up to tourism. Now that health officials have started a 1-month study to determine if the mandatory quarantine period can be cut down to 10 days, the doctor is once again warning health officials. Thira Woratanarat, from the Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, wrote on his Facebook page saying health…

  • Covid-19 NewsCovid-19 measures strengthened in Samut Sakhon after local case confirmed

    Covid-19 measures strengthened in Samut Sakhon after local case confirmed

    The central province of Samut Sakhon is tightening restrictions following the confirmation of a Covid-19 infection in a local woman with no international travel history. According to a Nation Thailand report, Governor Weerasak Wijitsaengsri says the 67 year old woman runs a seafood business and was tested at a local hospital after exhibiting symptoms. “The patient is a 67 year…

  • Covid-19 NewsWHO praises Thailand’s unity as key to successfully tackling Covid-19

    WHO praises Thailand’s unity as key to successfully tackling Covid-19

    Unity between Thailand’s public and social sectors, healthcare workers, local organisations, and individuals, has been key to tackling Covid-19, according to the World Health Organisation. WHO director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was speaking yesterday at an online address to Thailand’s National Health Commission Office when he made his remarks. According to him, unity between all sectors in the country, coupled with…

  • Tourism NewsThailand to ease travel restrictions for some countries

    Thailand to ease travel restrictions for some countries

    The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration has confirmed the government intends to ease travel restrictions for arrivals from some countries, but the 14 day quarantine remains in place for now. Spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin says the easing of restrictions will be applied to 56 countries, including Australia, the US and France, whose nationals will not require visas to enter Thailand. However,…

  • Thailand NewsEnd-of-quarantine party for 28 Thais who returned from Myanmar

    End-of-quarantine party for 28 Thais who returned from Myanmar

    An end-of-quarantine party was held for 28 Thais who were just released from quarantine after returning to Chiang Rai from Myanmar. Not many details were reported about the event, just that it was a ceremony at a riverside resort with the provincial governor Prajon Prachsakul… Definitely a lot different than the parties just across the border in Tachileik. Many Thai…

  • Thailand NewsThailand News Today | New Year Covid style, Currency manipulation?, SCB scam | Dec 17

    Thailand News Today | New Year Covid style, Currency manipulation?, SCB scam | Dec 17

    Thailand News Today, coming from Phuket for the next few days. Mosquito-borne virus spreads in Pattaya If you’re in Pattaya, light the coils and get out the bug repellant. There’s been a report of an increase in chikungunya fever infections, that’s a mosquito-borne virus, similar to Dengue but can be quite painful and serious in some patients. The city’s mayor…

  • Covid-19 News20 new Covid-19 cases detected in quarantine

    20 new Covid-19 cases detected in quarantine

    20 new Covid-19 cases were detected in quarantine, according to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. Thailand’s total number of confirmed cases is raised to 4,281 with 3,989 recoveries and 60 deaths. 232 people are currently receiving medical treatment for the coronavirus. 5 Thai men, ages 33 to 42, and a 42 year old Indian man travelling from India tested…

  • Covid-19 NewsCovid-19 found on doorknobs at quarantine facility where health workers tested positive

    Covid-19 found on doorknobs at quarantine facility where health workers tested positive

    The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration has confirmed that traces of the virus have been found on doorknobs at an alternative state quarantine facility, where a number of healthcare workers tested positive. CCSA spokesman Taweesin Wissanuyothin has called on cleaning staff in the facility to disinfect door handles and not just floors. Yesterday, Thailand reported 15 new cases in quarantine,…

  • Covid-19 NewsCovid-19 task force to meet today for discussions on New Year festivities

    Covid-19 task force to meet today for discussions on New Year festivities

    The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration meets today to discuss how New Year celebrations will be handled, with the possibility that they may be split into smaller groups. Officials are to consider a suggestion from PM Prayut Chan-o-cha that countdown gatherings be split into zones, with numbers limited. The PM is concerned that large crowds would make it impossible to…

  • Thailand NewsHundreds of tourism operators face fraud charges for allegedly cheating subsidy scheme

    Hundreds of tourism operators face fraud charges for allegedly cheating subsidy scheme

    Hundreds of tourism operators face fraud charges for allegedly cheating the government’s “We Travel Together” subsidy scheme which was intended to help tourism businesses financially hit by the coronavirus pandemic and stimulate travel. Instead of lowering prices to draw in more travellers, some hoteliers and restaurateurs allegedly raised their prices to get more subsidies. The scheme paid 40% of room…

  • Thailand NewsRecover from Covid-19, then go to jail: Illegal returnees could face charges

    Recover from Covid-19, then go to jail: Illegal returnees could face charges

    After they recover from Covid-19, at least 3 Thai women who crossed the border illegally from Myanmar’s Tachileik will face criminal charges, according to Provincial police Region 5 commissioner Prachuap Wongsuk. If found guilty, the returnees could go to jail. The Thai women worked at entertainment venues at the border town, many at the now-infamous 1G1-7 Hotel, a so-called “Covid-19…

  • Thailand NewsThailand News Today | Herbal Covid vaccine, HM answers questions, Thailand goes to moon | Dec 15

    Thailand News Today | Herbal Covid vaccine, HM answers questions, Thailand goes to moon | Dec 15

    Thai Covid-19 experimental vaccine to proceed to human testing from April 2021 A Thai start-up developing a herbal Covid-19 vaccine has reported that they’re making good progress, with the candidate passing the first phase of testing. ใบยาไฟโตฟาร์ม, a Thai firm developing a vaccine from plant leaves, is to sign an agreement to begin production for use in human trials. The…

  • Covid-19 News9 new Covid-19 cases detected in quarantine

    9 new Covid-19 cases detected in quarantine

    9 new Covid-19 cases were detected in quarantine including a 6 month old boy, according to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. Thailand’s total number of confirmed cases is raised to 4,246 with 3,949 recoveries and 60 deaths. 237 people are currently receiving medical treatment for the coronavirus. A 6 month old British boy travelling from the United Kingdom tested…

  • Covid-19 NewsThai Covid-19 experimental vaccine to proceed to human testing from April 2021

    Thai Covid-19 experimental vaccine to proceed to human testing from April 2021

    A Thai start-up developing an experimental Covid-19 vaccine is said to be making good progress, with the candidate passing testing on laboratory animals. Baiya Phytopharm, a Thai firm developing a vaccine from plant leaves, is to sign an agreement to begin production for use in human trials. Thewin Wongwanich, from the State Enterprise Development Planning Subcommittee, says the firm is…

  • World NewsChiang Rai officials insist province is now safe to visit

    Chiang Rai officials insist province is now safe to visit

    Officials in the northern province of Chiang Rai are assuring potential tourists from the rest of the Kingdom that it is safe to visit, saying the Covid-19 situation is under control. Chiang Rai hit the headlines in recent weeks, when a number of Thai nationals entered the province illegally from Myanmar. After bypassing health checks and quarantine, several subsequently tested…

  • Thailand NewsThailand News Today | Bangkok air pollution, 28 Covid cases, Lao dam protest | December 14

    Thailand News Today | Bangkok air pollution, 28 Covid cases, Lao dam protest | December 14

    Bangkok starts the new week with ‘unhealthy’ air quality Waking up in Bangkok today you would have been surprised that the sun had disappeared to be replaced by a grey sky and views across the city limited to less than a kilometre. Across the city the air quality readings for most of the day have been aver the 150 mark…

  • Economy NewsCovid-19 cases could lead to a drop in revenue for New Years, economist says

    Covid-19 cases could lead to a drop in revenue for New Years, economist says

    A rise in local Covid-19 infections could discourage many people from travelling and going out for New Years celebrations, costing Thailand’s tourism industry 14 billion baht to more than 16 billion baht, according to economist Anusorn Tamajai. Recently, 17 Thais tested positive for Covid-19 after returning from the Myanmar border town Tachileik, crossing the border illegally and dodging the mandatory…

  • Covid-19 News27 new Covid-19 cases in quarantine, 1 health worker infected by patient

    27 new Covid-19 cases in quarantine, 1 health worker infected by patient

    1 local Covid-19 transmission was reported today and 27 new Covid-19 cases were detected in quarantine, according to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. It’s the largest daily rise in cases since April. The total number of Covid-19 cases in Thailand is raised to 4,237 with 3,940 recoveries and 60 deaths. 237 people are currently receiving medical treatment for the…

  • World News25 Burmese arrested for allegedly crossing the Thai-Myanmar border illegally

    25 Burmese arrested for allegedly crossing the Thai-Myanmar border illegally

    Military and police patrol arrested 25 Burmese people for allegedly crossing the Thai-Myanmar border illegally to Kanchanaburi’s Muang district. With Covid-19 cases rising by more than 1,000 each day in the neighbouring country, some Thais fear that migrants crossing the border illegally, avoiding the mandatory 14 day quarantine, could potentially spread the virus to people in Thailand. Covid-19 fears were…

  • Covid-19 NewsUS approves Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine

    US approves Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine

    The US has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, a situation that now permits the rollout of the new mRNA coronavirus vaccine. President Donald Trump promised the first immunisations will now take place “in less than 24 hours”, hailing the development. “Through our partnership with FedEx and UPS, we have already begun shipping the vaccine to every state and zip code…

  • World NewsThai border officials capture 14 illegal Burmese migrants at Tak border areas

    Thai border officials capture 14 illegal Burmese migrants at Tak border areas

    The Thai military has captured 14 illegal migrants from Myanmar, in 2 operations in the northern province of Tak yesterday. The first occurred in the district of Mae Sot, when officials arrested 11 Burmese nationals, 1 male and 10 females, who were in the process of crossing the Mei River into Thailand. All 11 have been sent to a Tak…

  • World NewsHealth officials say all Covid patients in Thailand have been accounted for

    Health officials say all Covid patients in Thailand have been accounted for

    The head of Thailand’s Disease Control Department says all Covid-19 cases across 7 provinces where infected returnees from Myanmar travelled, have now been accounted for. Opas Karnkawinpong says Thailand now has a total of 49 cases linked to Thai nationals who crossed illegally from Myanmar, bypassing health checks and quarantine. “So far, 49 cases have been found to be related…

  • World NewsChiang Rai governor leads clean-up operation amid Covid fears

    Chiang Rai governor leads clean-up operation amid Covid fears

    Chiang Rai governor, Prajon Prachsakul, has led a clean-up operation across public areas and tourist attractions such as shopping malls, Chiang Rai Airport, Singha Park and the border checkpoint at Mae Sai. It follows the recent discovery of a number of infected Thai nationals who had illegally crossed from Myanmar, bypassing health checks and quarantine. At least 34 illegal returnees…

  • Transport NewsThai Airways delays resumption of domestic flights due to local Covid-19 cases

    Thai Airways delays resumption of domestic flights due to local Covid-19 cases

    Thai Airways flights to Phuket and Chiang Mai were supposed to start back up on Christmas day, but the recent Covid-19 local transmissions have led the airline to push the relaunch date back. Now the flights from Bangkok will take off on January 1, but if the virus continues to spread, the airline might decide to delay the flights indefinitely.…