THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 8 Feb 2020

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Myanmar sees world’s fastest tourism growth

By THE NATION

 

 

Myanmar ranked highest among the world’s 20 fastest-growing travel destinations last year, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147260-myanmar-sees-world’s-fastest-tourism-growth/

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Trump ousts White House staffer who testified against him in impeachment - lawyer

By Jeff Mason and Karen Freifeld

 

FILE PHOTO: Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman, director for European Affairs at the National Security Council, reads from his White House performance appraisal as he testifies before a House Intelligence Committee hearing as part of the impeachment inquiry into U.S. President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., November 19, 2019. REUTERS/Loren Elliott

 

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Friday removed Army Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman from his position as the White House's top Ukraine expert after he provided damaging testimony about President Donald Trump during the impeachment process, Vindman's lawyer said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147296-trump-ousts-white-house-staffer-who-testified-against-him-in-impeachment-lawyer/

 

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Botswana auctions permits to hunt elephants to ease human-wildlife conflict

 

 

FILE PHOTO: A pair of male elephants is seen in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, April 25, 2018. Picture taken April 25, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Hutchings/

 

GABORONE (Reuters) - Botswana auctioned six licences on Friday to hunt a total of 60 elephants, the first to be allowed in the southern African country since President Mokgweetsi Masisi lifted a five-year ban on big game hunting last May.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147297-botswana-auctions-permits-to-hunt-elephants-to-ease-human-wildlife-conflict/

 

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Credit Suisse CEO Thiam toppled by espionage scandal

By John Miller

 

FILE PHOTO: CEO of Credit Suisse Group Tidjane Thiam attends the 2019 New Economy Forum in Beijing, China November 21, 2019. REUTERS/Jason Lee/File Photo

 

ZURICH (Reuters) - Tidjane Thiam has quit as Credit Suisse chief executive after a spying scandal that has hit the reputation of one of Europe's largest banks and shocked Switzerland's financial community.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147298-credit-suisse-ceo-thiam-toppled-by-espionage-scandal/

 

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Slight drop at SET following Constitutional Court budget ruling

By The Nation

 

 

The Stock Exchange of Thailand closed at 1,535.24 on Friday (February 7) for a decrease of 0.55 points and 0.04 per cent over the previous day.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147299-slight-drop-at-set-following-constitutional-court-budget-ruling/

 

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Bank of Ayudhya lowers MRR to 6.70%

By THE NATION

 

The bank's president and chief executive officer Seiichiro Akita

 

Bank of Ayudhya is poised to cut its Minimum Retail Rate (MRR) by 0.25 percentage point to 6.70 per cent a year on Saturday (February 8) to ease the financial burden of customers.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147300-bank-of-ayudhya-lowers-mrr-to-670/

 

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Wind, rain and chill in the weather forecast

By The Nation

 

 

The Thai Meteorological Department has forecast isolated thundershowers and gusting wind for upper Thailand as another high-pressure wave rolls over the Northeast from China and a westerly trough moves through the North starting on Sunday (February 9). 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147301-wind-rain-and-chill-in-the-weather-forecast/

 

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Antarctic base records hottest temperature ever

 

 

People walk along Orne Harbour, Antarctica, February 6, 2020. Picture taken February 6, 2020. Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino

 

GENEVA/BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - A research base in the Antarctic has recorded the hottest temperature ever for the continent amid rising concern about global warming that has caused an increase in the melting of ice sheets around the south pole.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147304-antarctic-base-records-hottest-temperature-ever/

 

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Pimco ex-CEO sentenced to prison in U.S. college admissions scam - prosecutor

By Peter Szekely

 

Douglas Hodge, the former chief executive of the investment firm Pimco, leaves the federal courthouse after being sentenced in connection with a nationwide college admissions cheating scheme in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., February 7, 2020. REUTERS/Katherine Taylor

 

(Reuters) - The former head of asset management firm Pimco was sentenced on Friday to nine months in prison for his part in a scheme in which privileged parents paid bribes to get their children into U.S. colleges, federal prosecutors said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147305-pimco-ex-ceo-sentenced-to-prison-in-us-college-admissions-scam-prosecutor/

 

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Gov’t to initiate tourism promotion measures to counter coronavirus impact

Tanakorn Sangiam

 

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - Concerns regarding novel coronavirus and the delay in the fiscal year 2020 budget bill have had a negative impact on the economy. In response, Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak has ordered the Ministry of Finance to introduce domestic tourism promotion measures and ensure funding for infrastructure investment projects.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147306-gov’t-to-initiate-tourism-promotion-measures-to-counter-coronavirus-impact/

 

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BMA prepares coronavirus quarantine facility

Praphorn Praphornkul

 

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health has reported that 25 new cases of the new coronavirus have been reported in Thailand. Nine patients have been cleared of infection and discharged, leaving 16 in local hospitals. Most patients have shown signs of improvement, as they wait for laboratory results. The ministry insisted that the patients can safely return home after they are given a clean bill of health. Meanwhile, officials continue to screen and monitor passengers and tourists in Bangkok’s airports and other public transport systems.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147308-bma-prepares-coronavirus-quarantine-facility/

 

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House to debate budget bill again on Feb 13th after Constitutional Court ruling

 

 

The House of Representatives is scheduled to convene on February 13th to consider the 3.2 trillion baht budget bill for second and third readings, after the Constitutional Court ruled today that the bill is legal, despite evidence of proxy voting.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147309-house-to-debate-budget-bill-again-on-feb-13th-after-constitutional-court-ruling/

 

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Over 100,000 Chinese tourists still in Thailand, according to Immigration Bureau

 

 

There are currently more than 100,000 Chinese tourists and long-stayers in Thailand, including 2,038 who came from the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, and 91,688 from Guangzhou, which is close to Wuhan, Pol Lt-Gen Sompong Chingduang, Commissioner of Thailand’s Immigration Bureau told a news conference today.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147310-over-100000-chinese-tourists-still-in-thailand-according-to-immigration-bureau/

 

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No Travel Warning for Thailand: TAT fights back

 

 

Should you travel to Thailand with the threat of coronavirus?

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147311-no-travel-warning-for-thailand-tat-fights-back/

 

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Coronavirus: “we have done our best”, says Thai health minister

 

 

Thailand now has 25 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, and its capital Bangkok is now considered the most at-risk city in the world outside of China for spread of the infection.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147313-coronavirus-“we-have-done-our-best”-says-thai-health-minister/

 

 

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Mother and daughters told 'too big' for business class

By Justin Harper
BBC News

 

 

Enjoying the luxury of business class seats on an 11-hour flight back to Auckland was meant to be a treat for Renell and Tere after undergoing weight-loss surgery in the city of Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147316-mother-and-daughters-told-too-big-for-business-class/

 

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Demand for masks soars 100-fold, disrupting coronavirus fight: WHO

By Stephanie Nebehay

 

FILE PHOTO: People wear masks as a preventive measure against the coronavirus outbreak, in Bangkok, Thailand February 7, 2020. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun/File Photo

 

GENEVA (Reuters) - Demand for masks, gowns, gloves and other protective gear has risen up to 100-fold and prices have soared due to the China coronavirus, producing a "severe" disruption in global supply, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief said on Friday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147317-demand-for-masks-soars-100-fold-disrupting-coronavirus-fight-who/

 

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Not much of an apology: Health minister Anutin unrepentant after face mask tirade against "farang"

 

 

Thailand's Public Health minister Anutin Charnvirakul has refused to apologise for suggesting that foreigners who don't wear face masks should be thrown out of Thailand.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147320-not-much-of-an-apology-health-minister-anutin-unrepentant-after-face-mask-tirade-against-farang/

 

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Immigration latest: Jordanian "mafia" guy arrested for extorting tourists in Soi Nana

 

 

Thailand's Immigration Bureau chief Lt-Gen Sompong Chingduang gave details of two cases that his teams have resolved. "Big Oud" was speaking at IB HQ in Suan Phlu, Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147322-immigration-latest-jordanian-mafia-guy-arrested-for-extorting-tourists-in-soi-nana/

 

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Coronavirus: Immigration chief reveals extent of Wuhan Chinese in Thailand

 

 

Image: Daily News

 

Thailand's Immigration Bureau chief Lt-Gen Sompong Chingduang said yesterday that there were around 100,000 Chinese people in Thailand around the time the news of the coronavirus broke.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147310-over-100000-chinese-tourists-still-in-thailand-according-to-immigration-bureau/

 

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"It's no big deal" says 14 year old boy who pointed a toy gun at student in robbery attempt

 

Image: Daily News

 

Sai Mai police in northern Bangkok have announced the arrest of two boys aged 10 and 14 who used a toy gun in an attempt to rob a student outside a 7-Eleven.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147324-its-no-big-deal-says-14-year-old-boy-who-pointed-a-toy-gun-at-student-in-robbery-attempt/

 

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She's alive! Grannie found collapsed in undergrowth after missing for 5 days

 

 

Image: Daily News

 

Daily News reported that a 69 year old grandmother had been found alive after being missing for five days in Buriram in north eastern Thailand.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147326-shes-alive-grannie-found-collapsed-in-undergrowth-after-missing-for-5-days/ 

 

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Coronavirus: No new cases in Chonburi/Sattahip but two under observation

 

 

Image: Sophon Cable TV

 

Sophon Cable TV reported on Facebook yesterday that four people under observation at the navy hospital in Sattahip had been cleared of having coronavirus after showing fever symptoms.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147329-coronavirus-no-new-cases-in-chonburisattahip-but-two-under-observation/

 

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Phuket tourism businesses seek up to B20 billion in assistance over virus fallout

By Tanyaluk Sakoot

 

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana received the request for B20 billion in assistance on Monday (Feb 3). Photo: PR Dept

 

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana on Monday (Feb 3) was handed a formal request for the government to provide up to B20 billion in assistance to tourism businesses suffering as the number of international tourist arrivals continues to plunge in the fallout from the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak in China.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147332-phuket-tourism-businesses-seek-up-to-b20-billion-in-assistance-over-virus-fallout/

 

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[Photos] Hygiene measures at Bangkok malls and mass transit systems for coronavirus prevention

 

 

Bangkok, 08 February, 2020 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to share photos showing some hygiene measures against the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) at major shopping malls and mass transit systems in Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147336-photos-hygiene-measures-at-bangkok-malls-and-mass-transit-systems-for-coronavirus-prevention/

 

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Honda LPGA Thailand 2020 takes place as scheduled from 20 to 23 February

 

 

Bangkok, 07 February 2020 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that the Honda LPGA Thailand 2020 will take place as scheduled from 20 to 23 February with heightened health and safety measures amid global concern on the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147339-honda-lpga-thailand-2020-takes-place-as-scheduled-from-20-to-23-february/

 

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Scholars of Sustenance Foundation ready to feed the needy

By The Phuket News

 

SOS preparing delicious meals for the needy.

 

PHUKET: Scholars of Sustenance Foundation (SOS)  launched its food charity program in Phuket yesterday  (Feb 6), with the goal of providing food donations to the needy. SOS has been working to repurpose surplus food which amounts to roughly five tons per month, largely the hospitality industry in Phuket alone. This surplus food would ordinarily be discarded as rubbish.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147347-scholars-of-sustenance-foundation-ready-to-feed-the-needy/

 

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Death toll from new coronavirus set to surpass SARS, as China's fatalities above 700

By Ryan Woo and Colin Qian

 

A medical worker holds a thermometer to check a passenger's temperature at a checkpoint as the country is hit by an outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Susong County, Anhui province, China, February 6, 2020. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

 

BEIJING (Reuters) - The new coronavirus epidemic in mainland China is almost certain to become more deadly than SARS on Saturday as the death toll passed 700, health experts warned of mask shortages and more cases were confirmed on a quarantined Japanese cruise ship.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147350-death-toll-from-new-coronavirus-set-to-surpass-sars-as-chinas-fatalities-above-700/

 

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Twitter says Facebook, Messenger accounts hacked

 

 

FILE PHOTO: The Twitter and Facebook logo along with binary cyber codes are seen in this illustration taken November 26, 2019. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

 

(Reuters) - Twitter confirmed on Friday that the official Twitter accounts of social media giant Facebook Inc <FB.O> and its Messenger platform were hacked.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147353-twitter-says-facebook-messenger-accounts-hacked/

 

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Iowa wins put Buttigieg, Sanders at centre of criticism at Democratic debate

By James Oliphant and Michael Martina

 

FILE PHOTO: Democratic presidential candidate and former South Bend, Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg, speaks during a campaign event in Concord, New Hampshire, U.S., February 4, 2020. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

 

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Democratic presidential contenders Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg, the top finishers in Iowa's first nominating contest, faced a barrage of criticism on Friday from rivals who said they did not have what it takes to beat Republican Donald Trump in November.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147357-iowa-wins-put-buttigieg-sanders-at-centre-of-criticism-at-democratic-debate/