Jonathan Fairfield

Service from a distance

 

 

"Art of Coffee" shop on the first floor of Kasetsart University’s Ngam Wong Wan parking lot is using ropes to deliver drinks to customers, in response to the need for social distance to lower the risk of Covid-19 infection.

 

 

 

 

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30384608

 

Governors told to monitor health of locals returning after Bangkok shutdown

 

Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoen

 

Provincial governors have been told to keep a strict watch on the health of people returning to their honetowns from Bangkok following the shutdown of the Thai capital.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155134-governors-told-to-monitor-health-of-locals-returning-after-bangkok-shutdown/

 

Governors told to monitor health of locals returning after Bangkok shutdown

 

Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoen

 

Provincial governors have been told to keep a strict watch on the health of people returning to their honetowns from Bangkok following the shutdown of the Thai capital.

 

Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoen, director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), sent an urgent letter to all governors to monitor and prevent the Covid-19 disease at the district and village level since many people might return as they cannot work in Bangkok.

 

The letter urges the provincial chiefs to find volunteers for surveillance and monitoring the risk of Covid-19 spreading;

create data of those returning to their hometowns from March 22, and provide them information on the risk of the virus spreading to ensure self-quarantine for 14 days.

 

The letter also says the returnees must be told to strictly avoid sharing food or food containers with others, or personal use products.

 

They should also be told to frequently wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds at least or 70 per cent alcohol hand sanitiser; avoid talking or staying close to people, especially senior or chronic disease patients; and immediately alert the local health officer if they develop fever or respiratory symptoms.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30384598

 

More provinces shutter public outlets to create social distance amid Covid-19 threat

 

 

After Bangkok announced the closing of 26 different locations in Bangkok from March 22 to April 12, to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic, five neighbouring provinces -- Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani -- followed the capital with the same measures.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155133-more-provinces-shutter-public-outlets-to-create-social-distance-amid-covid-19-threat/

 

More provinces shutter public outlets to create social distance amid Covid-19 threat

 

 

After Bangkok announced the closing of 26 different locations in Bangkok from March 22 to April 12, to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic, five neighbouring provinces -- Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani -- followed the capital with the same measures.

 

Besides schools and colleges, malls with the exception of supermarkets and pharmacies, will remain closed among numerous other retail and service businesses.

 

Meanwhile, provinces in different regions have also announced lockdowns to prevent the outbreak of Covid-19.

 

Chiang Mai has closed from March 19 to April 1 spa shops, health massage parlours, beauty salons, karaoke shops, game centres, fitness centres, theatres, playgrounds in malls, and walking street. It has also closed the boxing stadium, race course and chicken fighting stadium.

 

Chiang Rai has ordered the closure of some locations, from March 21 to April 3. They include spa shops, health massage parlours, beauty salons, karaoke shops, game centres, fitness centres, theatres, playgrounds in malls, and walking street plus boxing stadium, horse race course and chicken fighting stadium.

 

In addition, people have been told to avoid organising activities that include a large number of people; not more than 100 people can participate in an activity, or if there is a need to arrange the activities, people must sit not less than a metre apart.

 

Songkhla has closed some locations from March 20 to April 2. They include spa shops, health massage parlours, beauty salons, karaoke shops, game centres, fitness centres, theatres, and walking street. In addition, boxing stadium, horse race course, chicken fighting stadium, playgrounds, sports stadium and pool venues will be closed.

Government agencies have to cancel or postpone activities that involve a lot of people, such as sporting events, traditional activities, or activities with 50 or more participants.

 

The private sector must strictly screen people before they enter service places such as department stores, markets or petrol stations by taking their temperature and offering hand sanitiser.

 

Colleges, schools and tutorials must switch to online learning.

 

Phitsanulok has closed some locations from March 20 to April 2. They include spa shops, health massage parlours, beauty salons, karaoke shops, game centres, fitness centres, theatres, pubs, educational institutions, colleges, both public and private schools, and cram schools. Also closed are: boxing stadium, horse racetrack, chicken fighting stadium, sports stadium and pool venues.

 

Locals have been told to refrain from organising activities that include a large number of people unless it is an important activity and complies with the measures prescribed by Phitsanulok province.

 

The private sector has to ensure strict screening of people before they enter service places such as department store, market, or petrol station by checking the temperature and providing hand sanitiser

 

Locals must avoid activities that would make people move across the province.

 

Ranong has temporarily closed some locations from March 20 to April 2. They include spa shops, health massage parlours, beauty salons, karaoke shops, game centres, fitness centres, theatres, pubs, educational institutions, sports stadium, boxing stadium, and theatre.

 

The use of border crossings for movement of people, vehicles and goods along the border of Ranong province has been suspended except at the permanent crossing point of Ranong-Koh Song island in the area of the fish market pier.

 

Ratchaburi has temporarily closed some locations from March 20 to April 2. They include spa shops, beauty salons, karaoke shops, game centres, fitness centres, theatres, and pubs. In addition, boxing stadium, horse racing track, chicken fighting stadium, sports stadium, educational institutions, colleges, both public and private schools, and cram schools, department stores, fresh markets, walking street and massage houses have been temporarily closed.

Service providers have been told to strictly screen customers and follow health safety measure such as employees wearing face masks and keep clean with hand sanitisers.

 

People have been urged to refrain from organising activities that involves a large gathering.

 

Mae Hong Son has closed some locations for 14 days. They include spa shops, beauty salons, massage houses, karaoke shops, game centres, fitness centres, theatres and pubs.

 

Also closed are boxing stadium, horse racetrack, chicken fighting stadium, and sports stadium.

 

Locals have been told to refrain from organising activities that include a large number of people.

 

Fever screening measures have been increased for those travelling to Mae Hong Son province as follows:

 

 - Travellers using public buses and private vehicles at Mae Ping, Nartum, Mae Suong and Mae U Kho checkpoints;

 

- Travellers entering the country at all five temporary permitted areas -- Baan Huai Phueng, Baan Nam Peang Din, Baan Huai Ton Noon, Baan Sao Hin, and Baan Mae Sam Lab;

 

- Fever screening points for travellers arriving at public transport stations, such as at airport, bus station, and bus terminal.

 

- Travellers staying in a hotel, homestay, including all types of accommodation.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30384601

 

Toyota offers sterilisation service for cars of all brands

 

 

Toyota Motor Thailand has introduced a sterilising service for cars of all brands, as a way to deal with the Covid-19 situation.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155130-toyota-offers-sterilisation-service-for-cars-of-all-brands/

 

Pattaya Police, Mityon give free helmets to Pattaya motorcyclists

 

PATTAYA:--Banglamung Police Station and Mityon Pattaya Co. gave free helmets to riders for the now-canceled Songkran holiday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155102-pattaya-police-mityon-give-free-helmets-to-pattaya-motorcyclists/

 

Chonburi and EEC residents urged to lower water consumption by 10%, Deputy PM

 

CHONBURI:- Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan has urged companies and residents within the region of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to lower their water consumption as the fresh water supply in the area is running low.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155103-chonburi-and-eec-residents-urged-to-lower-water-consumption-by-10-deputy-pm/

 

Transgender woman jailed for killing friend over cheap liquor

 

SATTAHIP:--A drunk transgender woman was arrested for allegedly stabbing her friend to death over 120 baht in liquor in Sattahip.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155104-transgender-woman-jailed-for-killing-friend-over-cheap-liquor/

 

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???? The FCO #TravelAdvice for Thailand ???????? has been updated on 21 March.

 

The situation is changing rapidly. Read the full advice and keep up to date by signing up to email alerts on our Travel Advice page: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand

????On 21 March the Governor of Bangkok announced a further set of restrictions in Bangkok including closing malls and markets from 22 March – 12 April. Supermarkets, pharmacies, sections in malls selling foodstuffs and restaurants offering takeaway service remain open. Many entertainment venues such as pubs and clubs, and educational institutions are already closed. Further restrictions are expected.

????If you wish to leave Thailand you should make a plan to leave now and contact your airline. We are aware that many airlines are suspending or reducing flights, both direct and indirect, to the United Kingdom. All British Airways flights are suspended from 29th March. We anticipate that you will find it increasingly difficult to return to the UK. This disruption is likely to last for many months.

????You should also familiarise yourself with your airline’s policies towards coronavirus, including whether special requirements are in place such as providing a medical health certificate during the check-in procedure. You should also familiarise yourself with the coronavirus policies of your travel or health insurance provider.

????If you have consular enquiries please contact us at https://www.contact-embassy.service.gov.uk/?country=Thailand&post=British+Embassy+Bangkok

????If you’re in Thailand and you need urgent help, call +66(0)2 305 8333. If you’re in the UK and worried about a British national in Thailand, call 020 7008 1500.

 

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Coronavirus forum - for discussion related to the current pandemic:

 

https://forum.thaivisa.com/forum/245-covid-19-coronavirus-forum/

 

Teacher uses creativity and pepper to explain the importance of washing hands properly

 

 

 

A teacher in Miami, Florida used a creative way to impress upon her students the importance of washing hands with soap and water amid the coronavirus outbreak in the United States.

 

 

 

Coronavirus – seven steps to prevent the spread of the virus

 

 

The formal declaration of a #COVID19 #pandemic does not change the fact that you can - and should - take these simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Covid-19: New stringent measures trigger panic buying in Bangkok

 

Shoppers crowd the check-out counters of the Ramkhamhaeng branch of Makro store as Bangkokians rush to stock-pile foods and other essential items following a new set of stringent measures announced by Bangkok authorities to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Bangkok residents flocked to stock up on essential goods this afternoon after the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) ordered the closure of most retail businesses, bowling alleys, public swimming pools and golf courses, starting tomorrow to stem the spread of coronavirus infections.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154881-panic-buying-in-bangkok-shopping-frenzy-before-shutters-come-down/?tab=comments#comment-15189833

 

Covid-19: New stringent measures trigger panic buying in Bangkok

 

Shoppers crowd the check-out counters of the Ramkhamhaeng branch of Makro store as Bangkokians rush to stock-pile foods and other essential items following a new set of stringent measures announced by Bangkok authorities to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Bangkok residents flocked to stock up on essential goods this afternoon after the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) ordered the closure of most retail businesses, bowling alleys, public swimming pools and golf courses, starting tomorrow to stem the spread of coronavirus infections.

 

Pubs, bars and cinemas in Bangkok have already been closed.

 

All department stores will also be closed, except for their supermarket and pharmacy sections while food-shops and restaurants will be allowed to serve only take-home orders.  Grocery and convenience stores will stay open except for their eatery sections.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/covid-19-new-stringent-measures-trigger-panic-buying-in-bangkok/

 

Country singer Kenny Rogers dies aged 81

 

 

(Reuters) - Grammy-winning country singer Kenny Rogers died late on Friday night at the age of 81, his family said on Saturday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154884-country-singer-kenny-rogers-dies-aged-81/

 

Thai AirAsia suspends all international flights until April 25

 

 

Thai AirAsia will temporarily suspend all international flight services in accordance with travel restrictions being enforced by various governments and relevant health authorities in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154883-thai-airasia-suspends-all-international-flights-until-april-25/

Country singer Kenny Rogers dies aged 81

 

 

(Reuters) - Grammy-winning country singer Kenny Rogers died late on Friday night at the age of 81, his family said on Saturday.

 

The American singer "passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family," a statement on the singer's website said.

 

"The family is planning a small private service at this time out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency."

 

Rogers embarked on a world farewell tour in 2016 but in April 2018 he canceled the last few shows citing "a series of health challenges."

 

Rogers, a three-time Grammy winner and a Country Music Hall of Famer, was best known for songs like "The Gambler" and his 1983 duet with Dolly Parton "Islands in the Stream."

 

After beginning his career in the 1950s with a jazz group, Rogers went solo in the 1970s and released his break-through single "Lucille" in 1977.

 

(Reporting by Subrat Patnaik in Bengaluru and Jill Serjeant in Los Angeles; Editing by Frances Kerry)

 

Thai AirAsia suspends all international flights until April 25

 

 

Thai AirAsia will temporarily suspend all international flight services in accordance with travel restrictions being enforced by various governments and relevant health authorities in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.

 

The suspension will only affect international services operated by Thai AirAsia (FD) from March 22 to April 25.

 

All domestic flights and services are still normally in operation, the airline said.

 

The options below are available for guests with bookings with Thai AirAsia booked prior to or on March 20.

 

Affected guests will be offered the following options:

▪︎A one-time flight change to a new travel date on the same route within 180 calendar days from the original flight date without additional cost, subject to seat availability;

 

▪︎Retain the value of the fare in AirAsia Big Loyalty account for future travel with AirAsia. The online credit account is to be redeemed for booking within 365 calendar days from the issuance date for travel with the airline. The actual travel dates can be after the expiry date as long as the flight schedule is out.

 

▪︎Obtain a full refund of the amount equivalent to the original booking.

 

Affected guests will be notified directly via their registered member email account, as well as via an SMS notification.

 

AirAsia has urged all guests to ensure their email addresses and mobile numbers with their respective country code prefix are updated in their AirAsia member profiles using the "Manage My Booking" feature on airasia.com to ensure that they are contactable for flight notifications or further assistance.

 

The airline has asked those wishing to receive any alternative options to send a request via AVA at support.airasia.com. 

 

Guests must submit their request to AirAsia prior to their original flight date.

 

For group bookings made with travel agents, customers have been urged to contact respective third-party booking agents for further assistance.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30384576

 

Shopping frenzy before shutters come down

 

 

People in Bangkok rushed to department stores on Saturday (March 21) afternoon to buy instant and dried foods as well as other consumer products.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154881-panic-buying-in-bangkok-shopping-frenzy-before-shutters-come-down/

 

Shopping frenzy before shutters come down

 

 

People in Bangkok rushed to department stores on Saturday (March 21) afternoon to buy instant and dried foods as well as other consumer products.

 

Earlier in the day, Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang announced a closure order for business venues for 22 days from March 22 to April 21 in an effort to prevent the spreading of the new coronavirus or Covid-19.

 

Under the order, all department stores will be closed from Sunday onwards, except the supermarket section, drug stores and food stalls that provide takeout menus. Eating-in at food courts will be prohibited while hotel restaurants can only accept orders from hotel guests.

 

Among business venues that will be affected are beauty salons, internet cafés, and markets (except fresh food vendors and food stalls).

 

 

Full story: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30384579