THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 11 Mar 2020

[webfact]

UK health minister Dorries diagnosed with coronavirus

 

FILE PHOTO: British Conservative MP Nadine Dorries speaks in the Parliament during a debate on alternatives to Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit Deal, in London, Britain April 3, 2019, in this screen grab taken from video. Reuters TV via REUTERS

 

(Reuters) - British junior health minister Nadine Dorries has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating, she said on Tuesday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152832-uk-health-minister-dorries-diagnosed-with-coronavirus/

 

[webfact]

Cheaper gasoline expected as shifts in oil price reflected at pumps

 

File photo

 

Channel 7 reported that consumers can expect cheaper gasoline prices at pumps today as lower oil prices are passed onto consumers. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152836-cheaper-gasoline-expected-as-shifts-in-oil-price-reflected-at-pumps/

 

[webfact]

Road carnage: Pick-up driver killed at U-turn but wife and pet Beagles survive

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

Thai Rath reported on a collision between a truck-trailer and a pick-up just after midnight this morning on the Asia Highway in the Manorom district of Chainat in central Thailand. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152837-road-carnage-pick-up-driver-killed-at-u-turn-but-wife-and-pet-beagles-survive/

 

[webfact]

Dutch man's missing 500 Euros: Grab driver gives himself up to Chiang Mai police

 

Picture: Chiang Mai News

 

A Grab taxi driver has given himself up to Muang Chiang Mai police after a Dutch tourist lost 500 Euros at an exchange booth in the city.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152839-dutch-mans-missing-500-euros-grab-driver-gives-himself-up-to-chiang-mai-police/

 

[webfact]

Bangkok restaurant closed after owner found to be carrying Covid-19

By THE NATION

 

 

The owner of a Bangkok restaurant has shut down his place after he tested positive for the new coronavirus ( Covid-19).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152842-bangkok-restaurant-closed-after-owner-found-to-be-carrying-covid-19/

 

[webfact]

Virus concerns will cut restaurant revenues by about 8% this year – Kasikorn Research Centre

 

©Pixabay

 

Public concern over COVID-19 is expected to slash the revenues of the restaurant sector this year by 25.6-36.5 billion baht to between 402 and 412 billion baht, according to Kasikorn Research Centre.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152844-virus-concerns-will-cut-restaurant-revenues-by-about-8-this-year-–-kasikorn-research-centre/

 

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Confirmed infections toll climbs to 59

 

 

The number of confirmed Covid-19 infections in Thailand has risen to 59 with the announcement of six more on Wednesday (March 11) – and none of the new cases involves Thai migrant labourers just returned from South Korea.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152857-thailand-confirms-6-new-covid-19-infections-59-cases-in-total/

 

[webfact]

Virus scare sees blood donations plummet

By The Nation

 

 

The Thai Red Cross Society’s National Blood Centre is also suffering from the Covid-19 virus scare because it’s keeping blood donors away.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152865-virus-scare-sees-blood-donations-plummet/

 

[webfact]

Spain added to list of Covid-19 risky areas

By The Nation

 

 

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) on Tuesday (March 10) added Spain to risky areas for Covid-19 infection, urging people to postpone travel. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152869-spain-added-to-list-of-covid-19-risky-areas/

 

[webfact]

Cabinet okays removing kratom from narcotics list

By The Nation

 

Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Justice

 

The Cabinet has approved in principle removing kratom leaves from Category V of Thailand’s list of narcotics.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152879-thai-cabinet-okays-removing-kratom-from-narcotics-list/

 

[webfact]

Thailand cancels visa on arrival for 18 countries, visa exemptions for 3 to limit virus spread

 

A waiter works in a beach with a few Western tourists, which is usually full of Chinese tourists, amid fear of coronavirus in Phuket, Thailand March 10, 2020. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand on Wednesday cancelled the grant of visa on arrival for 18 countries and visa exemption for three others to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the country's interior minister said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152882-thailand cancels-visa-on-arrival-for-18-countries-visa-exemptions-for-3-to-limit-virus-spread/

 

[webfact]

Govt summons labourers back from South Korea for briefing

By THE NATION

 

Chatu Mongol Sonakul

 

Labour Minister Chatu Mongol Sonakul on Wednesday (March 11) asked illegal Thai workers who have returned from South Korea to present themselves before the relevant officers to be briefed on monitoring procedures in the places provided by the government, as well as know about their right to work in South Korea again.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152883-govt-summons-labourers-back-from-south-korea-for-briefing/

 

[webfact]

Cabinet nod for measure to hold meetings and seminars to support ailing tourism industry

By The Nation

 

 

The Cabinet on Tuesday (March 10) approved the proposal by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport to request all state agencies to hold meetings and seminars in the country for three months to support the tourism industry.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152884-thai-cabinet-nod-for-measure-to-hold-meetings-and-seminars-to-support-ailing-tourism-industry/

 

[webfact]

Chiang Mai cancel Songkran parties

By THE NATION

 

 

Two Chiang Mai shopping centres, Maya Lifestyle and Kad Suan Kaew, have cancelled events planned for next month’s Songkran festival due to the Covid-19 situation.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152887-chiang-mai-cancel-songkran-parties/

 

[webfact]

UPDATE:

 

Visa on Arrival suspended for a host of countries

By The Nation

 

 

The government has decided to suspend Visa on Arrival (VoA) for visitors from 18 countries at a meeting today (March 11), chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, also head of the Covid-19 management centre. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152882-thailand cancels-visa-on-arrival-for-18-countries-visa-exemptions-for-3-to-limit-virus-spread/?do=findComment&comment=15147730

 

[webfact]

57 more workers return from South Korea; no Covid-19 case

By THE NATION

 

 

A total of 57 Thai workers returned from South Korea through Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday (March 10), and passed the Covid-19 screening with no suspected case, the Immigration Bureau said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152891-57-more-workers-return-from-south-korea-no-covid-19-case/

[webfact]

Phuket Governor shuts four virus quarantine zones, opens new secret location

By The Phuket News

 

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana (centre) at the meeting yesterday (Mar 10). Photo: PR Dept

 

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana has announced that he has closed the four COVID-19 quarantine zones he proclaimed only last Friday – but added that he has opened a new quarantine zone at a secret location in Phuket where five Thais who returned to Phuket from South Korea on Saturday are now being held under observation.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152896-phuket-governor-shuts-four-virus-quarantine-zones-opens-new-secret-location/

 

[Jonathan Fairfield]

British teenager continues to fight for his life after motorbike accident in Hua Hin

 

 

A British teenager remains in a serious condition in hospital as he continues to recover from injuries suffered after a motorbike accident in Hua Hin.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152907-british-teenager-continues-to-fight-for-his-life-after-motorbike-accident-in-hua-hin/

 

[snoop1130]

Hua Hin City win SPS Mini League VIII

 

 

The SPS Mini League VIII took place at Midfield Soccer in Bofai last Sunday. Hosts Hua Hin City emerges as champions but it was a closely contested tournament with three teams in contention going into the last two games.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152918-hua-hin-city-win-sps-mini-league-viii/

 

[snoop1130]

Krungthai Bank halts FX service at all branches

By THE NATION

 

 

Krungthai Bank has stepped up its Covid-19 measures, including suspending currency exchange service at all branches and closing its 53 FX booths nationwide from 2 pm today (March 11) until further notice.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152920-krungthai-bank-halts-fx-service-at-all-branches/

 

[snoop1130]

Outside tutor infected, international school shuttered

By THE NATION

 

 

The Pracha Uthit campus of the Singapore International School of Bangkok is closed from Wednesday through Monday (March 11-15) after it emerged that a private tutor to eight of its students was infected with the Covid-19 virus.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152921-outside-tutor-infected-international-school-shuttered/

 

[snoop1130]

Air in two northern locals seven times beyond safe

By THE NATION

 

 

Air pollution has been at hazardous levels in the North for three consecutive days, with two areas recording more than 350 micrograms of dangerous PM2.5 particles per cubic metre.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152922-air-in-two-northern-locals-seven-times-beyond-safe/

 

[snoop1130]

Monkeys battle for drinking yogurts

By The Nation

 

 

Hundreds of monkeys staged a fight for drinking yogurts near the San Phra Kan Shrine in Lopburi province today (March 11) ,with traffics coming to a halt amid the unruly scene, which some described as terrifying. 

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152923-monkeys-battle-for-drinking-yogurts/

 

[snoop1130]

80,000 factories across Thailand told to take precautions against COVID-19

 

File photo

 

The Ministry of Industry is seeking cooperation from about 80,000 factories across the country by taking precautionary steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their work places.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152925-80000-factories-across-thailand-told-to-take-precautions-against-covid-19/

 

[snoop1130]

Factories ramp up mask production

 

 

BANGKOK(NNT) - A representative of mask factories has insisted they are ramping up their production, with all masks produced being sent to the authorities for distribution. The Government Pharmaceutical Organization has confirmed that surgical mask shortages at hospitals will be resolved in coming days. The Ministry of Labour has also introduced a measure allowing employers to submit reduced social security payments for their employees.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152927-factories-ramp-up-mask-production/

 

[snoop1130]

FDA says law does not prohibit people from making hand sanitizers

 

 

BANGKOK(NNT) - Referring to an announcement on alcohol-based hand sanitizers, published in the Royal Gazette, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explained that the general public can make their own sanitizers. However, manufacturers, vendors and importers must make sure that their products have an alcohol content of at least 70 percent. Offenders will be prosecuted. Last night, the Royal Gazette published another announcement on the reimbursement rate for people who have to cancel their travel to the country. The regulation has come into effect today.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152929-fda-says-law-does-not-prohibit-people-from-making-hand-sanitizers/

 

[snoop1130]

Britain fires with both barrels - emergency rate cut and budget boost

By David Milliken, Paul Sandle

 

A woman, wearing a protective face mask, walks in front of the Bank of England, following an outbreak of the coronavirus, in London, Britain March 11, 2020. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

 

LONDON (Reuters) - The Bank of England slashed interest rates by half a percentage point on Wednesday and announced support for bank lending just hours before the unveiling of a budget splurge designed to stave off a recession triggered by the coronavirus outbreak.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152931-britain-fires-with-both-barrels-emergency-rate-cut-and-budget-boost/

 

[snoop1130]

As new cases of coronavirus subside in China, Wuhan told to go back to work

 

People wearing protective face masks are seen on a crossroads as the country is hit by an outbreak of the novel coronavirus, in Shanghai, China March 10, 2020. REUTERS/Aly Song

 

BEIJING/SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Some key industries in Wuhan, the Chinese city at the epicentre of the coronavirus epidemic, were told they can resume work on Wednesday, a day after President Xi Jinping visited the city for the first time since the outbreak began.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152932-as-new-cases-of-coronavirus-subside-in-china-wuhan-told-to-go-back-to-work/

 

[snoop1130]

U.S. Democratic presidential campaigns weigh next moves as coronavirus fears spread

 

FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: Democratic 2020 U.S. presidential candidates Senator Bernie Sanders shakes hands with former Vice President Joe Biden after the tenth Democratic 2020 presidential debate at the Gaillard Center in Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. February 25, 2020. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic presidential contenders Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders were left to reassess how to campaign in the face of a spreading U.S. coronavirus outbreak on Wednesday, after the former vice president nearly swept a big day of nominating contests.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152933-us-democratic-presidential-campaigns-weigh-next-moves-as-coronavirus-fears-spread/

 

[snoop1130]

Olympics could be delayed 1-2 years if Games can't go ahead in summer

 

FILE PHOTO: A woman poses for a photo through The Olympic rings in front of the Japan Olympics Museum in Tokyo, Japan March 8, 2020. REUTERS/Edgard Garrido

 

TOKYO (Reuters) - A delay of one or two years would be the “most feasible” option if the Tokyo Olympics cannot be held this summer due to the global outbreak of the coronavirus, a member of the organising committee’s executive board has told Reuters.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1152934-olympics-could-be-delayed-1-2-years-if-games-cant-go-ahead-in-summer/