Thailand coronavirus

  • Covid-19 NewsExperts warn Thailand not immune to second wave of Covid-19
    Maya TaylorPublished: 12:07, 17 August 2020
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    Experts warn Thailand not immune to second wave of Covid-19

    Despite its seemingly successful suppression of the Covid-19 virus, medical experts say Thailand is not immune to a second wave. Thiravat Hemachudha, director of the Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Disease Health Science Centre, says the country cannot afford to let its guard down, adding that it is too risky to become lax about hygiene measures. “First and foremost, Thais…

  • Covid-19 NewsThailand tops the list of countries safest to visit during Covid-19
    Maya TaylorPublished: 11:19, 17 August 2020
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    Thailand tops the list of countries safest to visit during Covid-19

    A study looking into the world’s safest holiday destinations during the Covid-19 pandemic has placed Thailand in the top spot. Safe it may be, but anyone wishing to visit from overseas will have to wait a while… The study was carried out by German travel start-up, Tourlane, who looked at various criteria, including the notification rates of new Covid-19 cases,…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket officials outline plans for economic recovery
    Maya TaylorPublished: 09:42, 17 August 2020
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    Phuket officials outline plans for economic recovery

    As Thailand’s tourist hot spots struggle under the devastating economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, officials in Phuket are attempting to kick-start tourism in the province. Focusing initially on domestic tourism, deputy governor Pichet Panapong hopes a number of planned events will draw visitors to the southern province. The Phuket Seafood and Gastronomy Festival, which started at the weekend and…

  • Thailand NewsRemaining Songkran holidays set for September, without the water fights
    Maya TaylorPublished: 11:17, 14 August 2020
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    Remaining Songkran holidays set for September, without the water fights

    The Cabinet has approved a proposal from culture minister Itthipol Khunpleum to celebrate the 2 remaining days of Songkran in September. The 3-day Songkran holiday, usually observed in April, was postponed this year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. A replacement public holiday was observed at the end of July and the 2 remaining days will now be marked…

  • Covid-19 NewsCovid restrictions eased further for public transport, schools, sporting events
    Maya TaylorPublished: 10:35, 13 August 2020
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    Covid restrictions eased further for public transport, schools, sporting events

    Covid-19 restrictions on public transport, educational institutions, and sporting events around the country, are being eased further from today. In addition, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration has confirmed that Chinese fruit traders may enter the country for the purpose of exporting fruit. From today, schools can reopen as normal, but officials are leaving the decision up to individual educational…

  • Covid-19 NewsAviation Authority monitoring global Covid situation, no re-opening of Thai skies yet
    Maya TaylorPublished: 12:10, 12 August 2020
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    Aviation Authority monitoring global Covid situation, no re-opening of Thai skies yet

    While the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand gave the green light for more international arrivals to enter the country from July, it says there will be no further re-opening for the time being. However, Director-General Chula Sukmanop says the CAAT will continue monitoring developments, in particular improvements in the Covid-19 situation in other countries. He adds that any decision to…

  • Economy NewsHousehold debt on the rise, as Thailand’s economic index decreases
    Maya TaylorPublished: 11:25, 12 August 2020
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    Household debt on the rise, as Thailand’s economic index decreases

    The fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic continues to be felt around the country as Thailand’s economic index decreases and unemployment and debt continue to rise. Experts predict the country’s economic index will decrease from 37.4 to 36.8 over the coming 3 months. A report by the National News Bureau of Thailand says household debt is on the increase, with consumers…

  • Covid-19 NewsGlobal cases of Covid-19 top 20 million
    Maya TaylorPublished: 12:27, 10 August 2020
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    Global cases of Covid-19 top 20 million

    While Thailand has recorded no new case of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, the pandemic continues to escalate around the world, with global cases of the virus now topping 20 million. The Thai government’s Covid-19 task force says confirmed cases in Thailand stand at 3,351, with 414 of those detected among people in state quarantine. Nation Thailand reports that…

  • Covid-19 NewsSenator questions the admission of US troops during state of emergency
    Maya TaylorPublished: 10:43, 05 August 2020
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    Senator questions the admission of US troops during state of emergency

    A Thai senator is questioning the need for US troops to participate in joint exercises with their Thai counterparts while a state of emergency is still in place in the country. The emergency decree was extended for the third time at the end of July and is now set to expire at the end of this month. Senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn…

  • Tourism NewsPhuket may be chosen as test case in phased re-opening to foreign tourists
    Maya TaylorPublished: 10:16, 03 August 2020
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    Phuket may be chosen as test case in phased re-opening to foreign tourists

    As the Tourism Authority of Thailand considers how the country might safely re-open its borders, the Bangkok Post reports that there are tentative plans afoot to kick off the project with Phuket, possibly in October. The director-general of the Department of Health, Panpimon Wipulakorn, says Phuket’s position as a self-contained island means it would be easier to control any potential…

  • Economy NewsBanks get tough on loan criteria as economic effects of Covid-19 worsen
    Maya TaylorPublished: 11:24, 31 July 2020
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    Banks get tough on loan criteria as economic effects of Covid-19 worsen

    The Covid-19 crisis has had a devastating effect on the global economy and, while it may have been successful in suppressing the virus, Thailand is in no way immune to the economic fallout. A report in Nation Thailand today says the country’s banks are now clamping down on their lending, imposing stricter criteria on borrowing. PHOTO: Nation Thailand The Bank…

  • Covid-19 NewsHealth officials highlight “second wave” risk posed by migrant workers
    Maya TaylorPublished: 11:02, 30 July 2020
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    Health officials highlight “second wave” risk posed by migrant workers

    Following on the Thai government’s announcement that it will grant entry to several other categories of foreigners, the Public Health Ministry is highlighting the risk posed by migrant workers, in particular those entering the country illegally. The government is preparing special “migrant quarantine” facilities to house labourers coming in from neighbouring countries. However, the deputy director-general of the Disease Control…

  • Covid-19 NewsWorldwide Covid-19 Recovery Index puts Thailand at No. 1
    Maya TaylorPublished: 09:49, 30 July 2020
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    Worldwide Covid-19 Recovery Index puts Thailand at No. 1

    Thailand takes the top spot for its recovery efforts against the Covid-19 pandemic, according to data from the Global Covid-19 Index. The Tourism Authority of Thailand Newsroom reports that the Kingdom has been ranked no. 1 out of 184 countries for its seemingly successful suppression of the virus. Thailand scored 82, leading the way in overcoming the coronavirus that has…

  • Covid-19 NewsOfficials declare Rayong “Covid-free”, plan to revive domestic tourism
    Maya TaylorPublished: 10:44, 29 July 2020
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    Officials declare Rayong “Covid-free”, plan to revive domestic tourism

    After the fallout from an Egyptian soldier testing positive for Covid-19 while visiting Rayong, in eastern Thailand, the province is sending out the message that it’s safe to visit once more. Rayong has now gone over 2 weeks with no new case of the virus, with Governor Surasak Charoensirichot confirming over 6,900 residents have tested negative. Chayut Chaitrakulthong, Chairman of…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket seeks to revive tourism with 3 major events planned
    Maya TaylorPublished: 09:53, 29 July 2020
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    Phuket seeks to revive tourism with 3 major events planned

    Phuket is planning a series of promotional events in an effort to revive tourism in the hard-hit province. With tourism accounting for 80% of the economy, Phuket is arguably one of the most highly-impacted areas in the country after the economic fallout of the Covid pandemic struck. The Minister of Commerce, Jurin Laksanawisit, is overseeing the staging of 3 major…

  • Tourism NewsRoom rates drop as Thailand’s hotels feel the Covid pinch
    Maya TaylorPublished: 09:41, 28 July 2020
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    Room rates drop as Thailand’s hotels feel the Covid pinch

    The devastating economic effects of the Covid-19 crisis continue to make themselves felt as hotels are forced to reduce their rates significantly in an effort to lure guests. Speaking to the Bangkok Post, James Kaplan from asset investment and management company, Destination Capital says that, unlike the economic crash of 1997, hotel revenue took a hit at the height of…

  • Covid-19 NewsThai government sets 600 million baht aside for Oxford University Covid vaccine
    Maya TaylorPublished: 10:45, 24 July 2020
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    Thai government sets 600 million baht aside for Oxford University Covid vaccine

    The Thai government is budgeting 600 million baht to purchase supplies of the Covid-19 vaccine currently being worked on at Oxford University in the UK. Trials look promising so far, with the vaccine triggering a strong immune response among volunteers. Production is expected to start before the end of the year. In Thailand, a vaccine being developed at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn…

  • Crime News4 pregnant women among 32 human trafficking victims dumped in forest in southern Thailand
    Maya TaylorPublished: 09:58, 24 July 2020
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    4 pregnant women among 32 human trafficking victims dumped in forest in southern Thailand

    4 pregnant women are among 32 Burmese dumped in a forest in the southern province of Chumphon after being illegally trafficked into Thailand. It’s understood the group had all been working in Malaysia until the Covid-19 crisis erupted and they lost their jobs. Thai Residents reports that they pooled all the money they had to engage a human trafficking gang…

  • Covid-19 NewsPhase 6 of re-opening to see thousands of foreigners granted entry to Thailand
    Maya TaylorPublished: 13:26, 23 July 2020
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    Phase 6 of re-opening to see thousands of foreigners granted entry to Thailand

    A number of additional categories of foreigners will be able to apply to re-enter the Kingdom. These include migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, Elite Visa holders, medical tourists, film crew, convention exhibitors and select business visitors. Anyone that doesn’t fall into one of those groups will remain excluded from the country as the borders remain shut to almost…

  • Covid-19 NewsExtension to visa amnesty to be published in Royal Gazette
    Maya TaylorPublished: 12:38, 23 July 2020
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    Extension to visa amnesty to be published in Royal Gazette

    Foreigners in Thailand can breathe a sigh of relief as government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul confirms the Cabinet has agreed to extend the visa amnesty until September 26. The good news was first announced yesterday , taking the pressure off of thousands of people who faced the prospect of having to leave the country- at a time when only limited international…

  • Economy NewsGovernment to generate thousands of jobs through 3 projects
    Maya TaylorPublished: 11:51, 23 July 2020
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    Government to generate thousands of jobs through 3 projects

    The Thai government has signed off on 3 new projects with the hopes of creating nearly 40,000 jobs. A budget of 4 billion baht has been set aside for the new projects. The latest development comes following Cabinet approval of 7 economic restoration projects, with a combined budget of 400 billion baht. The first of the 3 new projects will…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket to get 3 billion baht medical tourism hub
    Maya TaylorPublished: 10:47, 23 July 2020
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    Phuket to get 3 billion baht medical tourism hub

    Plans are underway for a 3 billion baht medical hub on the island of Phuket, set over 140 rai near Mai Khao beach, just north of the airport. A report in Nation Thailand says the plan has been confirmed by the Director of Vachira Hospital, Dr. Chalermpong Sukontapol. He says that as a result of the downturn in tourism due…

  • Covid-19 NewsThailand’s Covid task force to make preparations in event of “second wave”
    Maya TaylorPublished: 13:08, 22 July 2020
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    Thailand’s Covid task force to make preparations in event of “second wave”

    The spokesman for Thailand’s Covid-19 task force. Dr. Taweesin, says the government is making sure it’s ready to handle any potential second wave of the virus. Dr Taweesin Visanuyoth says the recent mishaps with an infected Egyptian soldier in Rayong and a Covid-positive Sudanese child in Bangkok, have taught the government a valuable lesson. Taweesin stresses the importance of being ready…

  • Tourism NewsGovernment to increase value of mid-week hotel vouchers by 300 baht
    Maya TaylorPublished: 09:38, 22 July 2020
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    Government to increase value of mid-week hotel vouchers by 300 baht

    In an effort to further boost mid-week travel, the government has agreed to increase the value of accommodation vouchers offered as part of its domestic travel stimulus package from 600 baht to 900 baht. It’s hoped the move will lead to an uptake in domestic travel between Monday and Thursday. Nation Thailand reports that the Cabinet has also decided to…

  • Covid-19 NewsWelfare officials visit homeless people living in Pattaya’s abandoned bars
    Maya TaylorPublished: 09:30, 22 July 2020
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    Welfare officials visit homeless people living in Pattaya’s abandoned bars

    Social welfare officials have paid a visit to a group of homeless people in Pattaya, who have taken refuge in some of the city’s abandoned beer bar complexes. Following a report in The Pattaya News, officials pledged to allow those living there to continue to do so and to provide them with further help. Most of them have lost their…

  • Covid-19 NewsGovernment announces 3,000 baht payment for elderly, infant, disabled population
    Maya TaylorPublished: 11:43, 21 July 2020
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    Government announces 3,000 baht payment for elderly, infant, disabled population

    The Thai government has pledged to provide a 3,000 baht Covid-19 handout to the country’s elderly, infant, and disabled citizens. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security says the payment will be made to vulnerable sectors of society and covers around 6 million eligible people. Each person is entitled to a one-off payment of 3,000 baht, which will be…

  • Thailand NewsDozens of Cambodians arrested for attempting to enter Thailand illegally
    Maya TaylorPublished: 11:12, 21 July 2020
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    Dozens of Cambodians arrested for attempting to enter Thailand illegally

    Thailand’s border patrol forces are upping their game in the fight to prevent the Covid-19 virus being imported by illegal migrants. A report in The Pattaya News says officials have arrested dozens of Cambodian workers for entering the country illegally. The arrests took place in Sa Kaeo, in the east of the country, less than 50 kilometres from the Cambodian…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya’s homeless population seeks refuge in abandoned bars
    Maya TaylorPublished: 11:11, 20 July 2020
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    Pattaya’s homeless population seeks refuge in abandoned bars

    Despite the easing of nearly all restrictions imposed to suppress the Covid-19 virus, Thailand’s people are still very much feeling the lingering effect of the shutdown. An ongoing ban on nearly all international arrivals has crippled the tourism industry, meaning many nightlife venues in places like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket remain shut. A report in The Pattaya News shows the…

  • Northern Thailand NewsNakhon Ratchasima reports 3 suspected Covid cases in locals who visited Rayong
    Maya TaylorPublished: 12:13, 16 July 2020
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    Nakhon Ratchasima reports 3 suspected Covid cases in locals who visited Rayong

    The governor of Nakhon Ratchasima province, in the north-east of the country, has confirmed that 3 people there are showing signs of being infected with Covid-19. It’s understood all 3 visited the province of Rayong between July 8 – 11, where an Egyptian soldier tested positive for the virus. A report in Nation Thailand says 2 of the people are…

  • Covid-19 NewsEgyptian Covid case: Government says 11 “high-risk” people have tested negative
    Maya TaylorPublished: 11:17, 16 July 2020
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    Egyptian Covid case: Government says 11 “high-risk” people have tested negative

    The government’s Covid-19 task force says 11 “high risk” people, who had contact with an Egyptian soldier who was found to be infected with the virus, have tested negative. This includes staff at the hotel where the man stayed, as well as drivers who transported him and his colleagues around Rayong. A total of 1,603 people have now been cleared…