THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 7 Mar 2020

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Tourism-driven Thailand softens 'compulsory' self-isolation language

 

 

A woman wearing a protective mask against coronavirus makes is having her nails done in a shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand March 6, 2020. REUTERS/Jorge Silva

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Officials in tourism-reliant Thailand sought on Friday to ease worries about new self-quarantine measures for arrivals from six countries and territories with coronavirus, a day after announcing compulsory isolation. 

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152081-flip-flop-health-ministry-now-says-no-compulsory-quarantine-for-visitors-to-thailand/?do=findComment&comment=15132426

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Staff banned from overseas travel as Krungsri announces virus-prevention measures

By The Nation

 

 

Krungsri Group announced on Friday (March 6) internal measures to prevent an outbreak of the new coronavirus (Covid-19) in the organisation as the virus spread to more countries.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152122-staff-banned-from-overseas-travel-as-krungsri-announces-virus-prevention-measures/

 

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Public hearings scheduled on charter changes

By The Nation

 

Phalang Pracharath Party MP Thanikan Pornpongsarot

 

Public hearings on amending the Constitution have been scheduled for Monday (March 9) through March 24.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152123-public-hearings-scheduled-on-charter-changes/

 

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Dept to ramp up drive for Thai GI products

By THE NATION

 

Thosapone Dunsuputra

 

The Department of Intellectual Property will continue promoting geographical indication (GI) products this year while planning sales at major department stores through boosting their image , said director general Thosapone Dunsuputra.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152124-dept-to-ramp-up-drive-for-thai-gi-products/

 

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U.S. pumps $8.3 billion into coronavirus battle as more states report cases

By Gabriella Borter

 

U.S. President Donald Trump accompanied by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, signs the Congressional funding bill for coronavirus response at the White House in Washington, U.S., March 6, 2020. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

 

(Reuters) - A bill signed by President Donald Trump on Friday will provide $8.3 billion to bolster the country's capacity to test for coronavirus and fund other measures to stem an outbreak that has now killed 15 Americans and hit 22 states, with Pennsylvania, Indiana and Minnesota reporting their first cases.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152125-us-pumps-83-billion-into-coronavirus-battle-as-more-states-report-cases/

 

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Islamic State attacks Kabul gathering, killing at least 32

By Abdul Qadir Sediqi and Orooj Hakimi

 

Hospital workers carry an injured person after an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan March 6, 2020. REUTERS/Omar Sobhani

 

KABUL (Reuters) - Islamic State gunmen opened fire at a ceremony in Kabul on Friday, killing at least 32 people in the first major attack in the city since the United States reached an agreement with the Afghan Taliban on a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152126-islamic-state-attacks-kabul-gathering-killing-at-least-32/

 

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Italy coronavirus deaths near 200 after biggest daily jump

By Crispian Balmer and Angelo Amante

 

Mannequins wearing protective masks stand in a shop display window after a government decree to close schools, cinemas and theatres, and recommending that people do not shake hands or hug each other and that they maintain a distance of at least one metre, in Rome, Italy, March 6, 2020. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

 

ROME (Reuters) - The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy has risen by 49 to 197, the Civil Protection Agency said on Friday, the largest daily increase in fatalities since the contagion was uncovered two weeks ago.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152127-italy-coronavirus-deaths-near-200-after-biggest-daily-jump/

 

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Migrant crisis at Greek-Turkish border in second week, EU mulls more aid

By Lefteris Papadimas and Joseph Nasr

 

Greek riot police officers walk amid clouds of tear gas near Turkey's Pazarkule border crossing, in Kastanies, Greece March 6, 2020. REUTERS/Florion Goga

 

KASTANIES, Greece/PAZARKULE, Turkey (Reuters) - The European Union on Friday pleaded with migrants on the Turkish border to stop trying to cross into Greece but dangled the prospect of more aid for Ankara as a standoff between Greek riot police and refugees entered a second week.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152128-migrant-crisis-at-greek-turkish-border-in-second-week-eu-mulls-more-aid/

 

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Twenty-one people test positive for coronavirus aboard cruise ship off San Francisco

By Steve Gorman

 

FILE PHOTO: A California National Guard helicopter from the Moffett Federal Airfield based, 129th Rescue Wing deliver coronavirus test kits to the Grand Princess cruise ship off the coast of San Francisco, California, U.S. in this still image from a handout video taken March 5, 2020. California National Guard/Handout via REUTERS A

 

(Reuters) - Twenty-one people have tested positive for coronavirus aboard a cruise ship denied entry to San Francisco Bay this week after a number of passengers and crew developed flu-like symptoms on the vessel, which was linked to previously confirmed COVID-19 infections.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152129-twenty-one-people-test-positive-for-coronavirus-aboard-cruise-ship-off-san-francisco/

 

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Thai Oil cuts production ratio of jet fuel

By THE NATION

 

 

Thai Oil Plc has lowered its refinery production ratio of jet fuel during March to April in response to declining demand, following the Covid-19 outbreak, said chief executive officer Wirat Uanarumit on Wednesday. It will instead boost refining of diesel, he added.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152131-thai-oil-cuts-production-ratio-of-jet-fuel/

 

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SET Index falls almost 2% after sharp rise in recent days

By The Nation

 

 

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index fell by 23.44 points, or 1.69 per cent, to 1,367.39 in the morning session at 10.36am today (March 6).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152134-set-index-falls-almost-2-after-sharp-rise-in-recent-days/

 

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CK Power issues Bt600 million worth of debentures, aims to reduce financial costs

By THE NATION

 

 

Nam Ngum 2 Power Company Limited (NN2), a subsidiary of CK Power Public Company Limited, has issued unsecured and unsubordinated Thai baht debentures worth Bt600 million with a tenure of five years and an interest rate of 2.45 per cent per year, CK Power managing director Thanawat Trivisvavet said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152135-ck-power-issues-bt600-million-worth-of-debentures-aims-to-reduce-financial-costs/

 

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Virus’ cost to Thailand likely Bt176 bn, says ADB

By The Nation

 

 

The Covid-19 virus could cost Thailand US$5.6 billion (Bt176 billion), the Asian Development Bank warned on Friday (March 6).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152137-virus’-cost-to-thailand-likely-bt176-bn-says-adb/

 

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Fun and games: Singtel, WDS invest in new gaming joint venture

By THE NATION

 

 

Singtel, together with its Thai associate Wireless Device Supply (WDS), a subsidiary of AIS, and South Korea’s SK Telecom, have announced Series A investment in a regional gaming joint venture to reinforce their presence in the sector and develop a new gaming-related revenue stream.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152138-fun-and-games-singtel-wds-invest-in-new-gaming-joint-venture/

 

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Gold price holds steady

By The Nation

 

 

The price of gold remained unchanged at the close of markets on Friday (March 6), the Gold Traders Association reported.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152139-gold-price-holds-steady/

 

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MINT posts 137% jump in 2019 net profit

By THE NATION

 

 

Minor International Public Company Limited (MINT) reported a net profit of Bt10,698 million for 2019, representing a surge of 137 per cent from Bt4,508 million in the previous year . The sharp rise in net profit was attributable to MINT’s full-year consolidation of NH Hotel Group, improved results from hotel operations and mixed-use activities and gains from asset rotation.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152140-mint-posts-137-jump-in-2019-net-profit/

 

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Bt2,000 hand-outs coming to low-income earners

By THE NATioN

 

The Finance Ministry's cash handout proposal has been approved by the Council of Economic Ministers.

 

The Council of Economic Ministers on Friday (March 6) endorsed a Finance Ministry proposal to give low-income people Bt2,000 each via an e-payment channel.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152141-bt2000-hand-outs-coming-to-low-income-earners/

 

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Returnee from Thailand one of two new Covid-19 cases in Queensland

By THE NATION

 

 

One of the two new Covid-19 cases in Queensland, Australia, is an 81-year-old male who recently returned from Thailand, the state government said on its @QLDHealth Facebook page on Thursday (March 5, Thailand time). The man is in a stable condition at Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152142-returnee-from-thailand-one-of-two-new-covid-19-cases-in-queensland/

 

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Ex-EC member objects to Bt100-bn handout proposal

By THE NATION

 

 

A former member of the Election Commission today (March 6) raised his opposition to a proposal by the finance minister under which Bt100 billion will be earmarked for hand-outs to 14.6 million low-income earners at the rate of Bt1,000-2,000 each a month.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152143-ex-ec-member-objects-to-bt100-bn-handout-proposal/

 

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Biden racks up endorsements as Sanders goes on the attack in U.S. presidential race

By Tim Reid and Simon Lewis

 

FILE PHOTO: Democratic 2020 U.S. presidential candidates Senator Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden brush hands as they have an exchange in the tenth Democratic 2020 presidential debate at the Gaillard Center in Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. February 25, 2020. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo

 

(Reuters) - Two former presidential rivals endorsed Joe Biden on Friday in the latest sign that the Democratic establishment is coalescing around the former vice president to stop the candidacy of Bernie Sanders, who ratcheted up attacks on his rival ahead of crucial contests next week.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152144-biden-racks-up-endorsements-as-sanders-goes-on-the-attack-in-us-presidential-race/

 

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Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweets that 'coronavirus panic is dumb'

 

 

FILE PHOTO: SpaceX founder and chief engineer Elon Musk attends a post-launch news conference to discuss the SpaceX Crew Dragon astronaut capsule in-flight abort test at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S. January 19, 2020. REUTERS/Steve Nesius

 

(Reuters) - Tesla Inc's Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk tweeted on Friday that the coronavirus "panic" was "dumb".

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152145-tesla-ceo-elon-musk-tweets-that-coronavirus-panic-is-dumb/

 

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Trump says lawmaker Meadows to become White House chief of staff

 

 

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) speaks to members of the news media during the ongoing impeachment inquiry into U.S. President Trump on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., November 4, 2019. REUTERS/Leah Millis

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Friday that Republican U.S. Representative Mark Meadows will become White House chief of staff.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152147-trump-says-lawmaker-meadows-to-become-white-house-chief-of-staff/

 

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Banned Thai billionaire politician vows to press fight for democracy

 

 

FILE PHOTO: Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit gives a speech, at the party's headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand February 21, 2020. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun/File Photo

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - A Thai billionaire whose opposition party, critical of the military establishment, was dissolved last month said on Friday he will form a new movement to work outside parliament after being banned from politics for 10 years.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152148-banned-thai-billionaire-politician-vows-to-press-fight-for-democracy/

 

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Chiang Mai governor admits he is powerless to stop Songkran water war - but expects events to be cancelled

 

 

Image: Daily News

 

The Chiang Mai governor told a meeting of tourism personnel that he couldn't stop people playing water fights during Songkran despite fears that it could lead to the spread of the coronavirus.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152150-chiang-mai-governor-admits-he-is-powerless-to-stop-songkran-water-war-but-expects-events-to-be-cancelled/

 

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Locals hit out at proposals to send Thai returnees from South Korea to Hua Hin and Phetchaburi

 

 

Image: Daily News

 

The Petchaburi and Hua Hin area has reacted strongly to suggestions that Thai returnees from South Korea be quarantined in tourist areas.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152152-locals-hit-out-at-proposals-to-send-thai-returnees-from-south-korea-to-hua-hin-and-phetchaburi/

 

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Be careful what you wish for! Suvarnabhumi airport left deserted due to COVID-19

 

 

Image: Daily News

 

Recent years have seen many scare stories and complaints about the time it takes to get to the gate at Suvarnabhumi airport.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152153-be-careful-what-you-wish-for-suvarnabhumi-airport-left-deserted-due-to-covid-19/

 

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Thailand road carnage: Bodies all over the road in Chonburi horror smash

 

 

Image: Daily News

 

Daily News reported that there were bodies all over the road after a motorcycle carrying four people, including two young children, was involved in a collision with a car.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152155-thailand-road-carnage-bodies-all-over-the-road-in-chonburi-horror-smash/

 

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Amazing Thailand: "Dead" woman calls the cops - relatives back up her story!

 

 

Image: Sanook

 

A police patrol responded in Loei in Thailand's north east after the 191 call center said they had received 50 calls from a woman all afternoon until evening.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152161-amazing-thailand-dead-woman-calls-the-cops-relatives-back-up-her-story/

 

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Covid-19 and the economy: Big four star Bangkok hotel operating for 50 years announces closure

 

 

Image: Daily News

 

The Windsor Suites Hotel on Sukhumvit Road Soi 20 in Bangkok has announced that it is closing temporarily from the end of April.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152163-covid-19-and-the-economy-big-four-star-bangkok-hotel-operating-for-50-years-announces-closure/

 

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Hot, humid day forecast for upper Thailand, thundershowers in South

By THE NATION

 

 

The Thailand Meteorological Department forecast hot weather for the upper country on Saturday (March 7) while a high-pressure system from China covering the South China Sea weakens.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152164-hot-humid-day-forecast-for-upper-thailand-thundershowers-in-south/