THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 18 Mar 2020

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Thai govt statement in English regarding new COVID-19 measures

 

 

Below is the official translation of the new measures the announced on Tuesday 17 March 2020:

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154153-thai-govt-statement-in-english-regarding-new-covid-19-measures/

 

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Drama in downtown Buriram: Drug dealer shot dead by police after fleeing sting through department store

 

Picture: Sanook

 

Sanook reported that a well known drug dealer in Buriram was shot dead after fleeing a police sting in the car park of a department store in Muang district. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154154-drama-in-downtown-buriram-drug-dealer-shot-dead-by-police-after-fleeing-sting-through-department-store/

 

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Thailand reports 35 new coronavirus infections for total of 212

 

FILE PHOTO: Tourists wear protective masks at Emerald Buddha temple, which is usually full of tourists, amid fear of coronavirus in Bangkok, Thailand March 16, 2020. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand reported 35 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, taking its total infections to 212, a disease control official said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154157-thailand-reports-35-new-coronavirus-infections-for-total-of-212/

 

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Covid-19: "Bangkok is not shutdown" says DPM as he gives language lesson

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-Ngam has told the Thai press not to refer to Bangkok as having been shutdown. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154162-covid-19-bangkok-is-not-shutdown-says-dpm-as-he-gives-language-lesson/

 

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Laos shuts four border checkpoints amid Covid-19 crisis

By THE NATION

 

 

Laos has closed its four immigration checkpoints near Thailand’s Nakhon Phanom province, since it does not have enough medical personnel to screen for Covid-19 at the four places.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154173-nakhon-phanom-laos-shuts-four-border-checkpoints-amid-covid-19-crisis/

 

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Myanmar labourers experience uncertain times amid Covid-19 outbreak

By The Nation

 

 

The Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Mae Sot district, Tak province, was crowded with Myanmar labourers before dawn on Wednesday (March 18) while officials took their temperature and gave them hand sanitisers to lower the risk of Covid-19.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154191-myanmar-labourers-experience-uncertain-times-amid-covid-19-outbreak/

 

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New virus test kit has results in under an hour

By The Nation

 

 

A testing kit that can detect the presence of the Covid-19 virus in 30-45 minutes – instantaneously compared to current lab testing, which can take 4-6 hours – is undergoing trials at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154192-new-virus-test-kit-has-results-in-under-an-hour/

 

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New cases take Thailand's Covid-19 total above 200 (Updated)

By The Nation

 

 

Thirty-five new cases of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) infections in Thailand -- 29 of them linked to a boxing stadium and entertainment venues -- have taken Thailand's total number of Covid-19 patients to 212. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154157-thailand-reports-35-new-coronavirus-infections-for-total-of-212/?do=findComment&comment=15175392

 

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Shut country down for 21 days, doctor advises

By The Nation

 

Dr. Teerawat Hemajutha

 

The doctor in charge of Chulalongkorn University’s Information Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases believes all public activity in Thailand should be shut down for 21 days to halt the spread of Covid-19.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154196-shut-thailand-down-for-21-days-doctor-advises/

 

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Admit ‘third phase’ is here, govt urged

By The Nation

 

Adune Ratanawichitrasin , Photo Credit to the Medical Council of Thailand

 

In a dire warning posted on Facebook, a medical official has said the government must announce now that Thailand has entered the third phase of contagion with the Covid-19 virus or else hospitals will see a dangerous depletion in the ranks of health personnel.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154197-admit-‘third-phase’-is-here-govt-urged/

 

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Covid-19 outbreak leads to artificial shortages due to panic buying

By The Nation

 

 

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to panic buying by people around the world, leading to shortages at some outlets as consumers stock up on foods and necessities. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154198-covid-19-outbreak-leads-to-artificial-shortages-due-to-panic-buying/

 

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Fujifilm shares jump 15% on China coronavirus drug trial boost

 

FILE PHOTO: Fujifilm's company logo (top) is seen at its exhibition hall nearby the headquarters of Fujifilm Holdings Corp in Tokyo, Japan June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

 

TOKYO (Reuters) - Shares in Japan's Fujifilm Holdings Corp <4901.T> surged 15% on Wednesday morning after a Chinese official said the company's Avigan anti-flu drug appeared to help coronavirus patients recover.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154199-japanese-flu-drug-effective-in-treating-coronavirus-patients-says-china/

 

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Fearing personal risk, opposition MPs reject House session on virus

By The Nation

 

 

Fear of becoming infected themselves has scuttled an opposition proposal to discuss solutions for the Covid-19 crisis in Parliament.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154200-fearing-personal-risk-opposition-mps-reject-house-session-on-virus/

 

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Forty labs certified for Covid-19 testing

By THE NATION

 

 

The Public Health Ministry’s Department of Medical Science on Wednesday (March 18) announced the names of 40 laboratories nationwide that have been certified to conduct Covid-19 tests.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154203-forty-labs-certified-for-covid-19-testing/

 

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Financial institutions told to put off Songkran holidays

By The Nation

 

File Photo/NationPhoto

 

The Bank of Thailand today (March 18) announced cancellation of the annual Songkran holidays, scheduled April 13-15, for financial institutions .

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154207-financial-institutions-told-to-put-off-songkran-holidays/

 

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VIDEO:

 

Global coronavirus devastates tourism in central Bangkok

 

I knew coronavirus was denting tourism in Thailand, it’s inevitable, but to see it with my own eyes in central Bangkok was startling.  The morning commute is still fairly busy, but once that rush subsides you are not left with many other people along the streets of the Sukhumvit Road.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154211-global-coronavirus-devastates-tourism-in-central-bangkok/

 

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Frenchman who damaged coral to be fined minimum B100k, authorities say

By The Phuket News

 

Mr G. outside Chalong Police station. He faces fines of at least 100,000 baht for the damage he inflicted on the coral at Patok Bay. Photo: DMCR

 

PHUKET: It has been confirmed that a fine of at least 100,000 baht will be charged to the 67-year-old Frenchman, Jean Girard, who damaged coral when he dropped anchor at Patok Bay on the northwest side of Racha Yai Island on Mar 6.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154219-frenchman-who-damaged-coral-to-be-fined-minimum-b100k-authorities-say/

 

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Pattaya cleans up after tourist tests positive

By The Nation

 

 

There was another “Big Cleaning Day” in Pattaya on Wednesday (March 18), but considerably more serious than the usual litter sweeps of the beach.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154149-photos-pattaya’s-‘big-cleaning-day’-is-underway/?do=findComment&comment=15175981

 

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Better screening for foreigners coming

By The Nation

 

 

Following up on the premier’s announcement on Tuesday (March 17) that there will be no lockdowns anywhere in the country because of the escalating Covid-19 crisis, an official from his office said on Wednesday there will be improved screening for foreigners.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154228-better-screening-for-foreigners-coming/

 

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Thai workers return as Malaysia comes under lockdown

By THE NATION

 

 

Many Thai workers have returned from Kelantan city in Malaysia through the Ban Taba immigration checkpoint, in Narathiwat province, after the country imposed a nationwide lockdown from March 18 to 31 as the Covid-19 crisis escalates.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154230-thai-workers-return-as-malaysia-comes-under-lockdown/

 

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First case in Kalasin just back from Bangkok boxing matches

By The Nation

 

 

Another fan of the boxing matches in Bangkok has become the first victim of the Covid-19 virus to be confirmed in Kalasin province in the Northeast.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154231-first-case-in-kalasin-just-back-from-bangkok-boxing-matches/

 

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Govt adviser calls facemask accusation ‘libel’

By The Nation

 

 

Malika Boonmeetrakool Mahasook, an adviser to the Minister of Commerce, has denied being involved in the illegal export of protective facemasks.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154232-govt-adviser-calls-facemask-accusation-‘libel’/

 

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'Greater than a tsunami': Malaysia warns of coronavirus spread if curbs ignored

By Ebrahim Harris, Daveena Kaur

 

A man wearing protective mask is seen in silhouette as he looks at an information board at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, after Malaysia’s government closed its borders due to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Sepang, Malaysia March 18, 2020. REUTERS/Lim Huey Teng

 

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia warned of a fresh wave of coronavirus infections if people did not follow two-week movement restrictions that started on Wednesday after cases in the country spiked to the highest in Southeast Asia.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154234-greater-than-a-tsunami-malaysia-warns-of-coronavirus-spread-if-curbs-ignored/

 

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Get aggressive, WHO urges South, Southeast Asia

By The Nation

 

 

The World Health Organisation on Tuesday (March 17) called on member-states in South and Southeast Asia to urgently scale up aggressive measures to combat Covid-19 as the number of confirmed cases in the region topped 480 and eight lives have been lost.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154238-get-aggressive-who-urges-south-southeast-asia/

 

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'Corona, corona': Thai Batman fights virus with catchy tune

By Juarawee Kittisilpa

 

Thai teacher Worrawut Lakchai dressed as a batman sings and dances in fight against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Udon Thani province, Thailand in this screen grab obtained by Reuters from social media undated video, on March 18, 2020. YOUTUBE/HUGIDEA /via REUTERS

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - “If you have a fever, 37.5 or over, you need to immediately see a doctor,” croons a Thai teacher cosplaying as Batman, in a music video aimed at raising awareness about the new coronavirus and how to guard against it.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154240-corona-corona-thai-batman-fights-virus-with-catchy-tune/

 

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Main Phuket Town shrine robbed of B100k in cash donations

By Eakkapop Thongtub

 

Police at Jui Tui Shrine this morning (Mar 18). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

 

PHUKET:-- Police are investigating a break-and-enter this morning (Mar 18) that saw an estimated B100,000 in cash donations stolen from an office at the popular Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Town, which serves as one of the main Chinese shrines during Phuket’s annual Vegetarian Festival.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154242-main-phuket-town-shrine-robbed-of-b100k-in-cash-donations/

 

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Companies asked not to lay off workers in time of anxiety

By The Nation

 

Somkid Jatusripitak (left), Suriya Jungrungreangkit (right)

 

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak urged entrepreneurs not to lay off workers due to the Covid-19 outbreak and instructed the Ministry of Industry to distribute 10 million face masks within two months, at a meeting with ministry officials and representatives from major companies today (March 18).

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154244-companies-asked-not-to-lay-off-workers-in-time-of-anxiety/

 

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The Act of Love: using photography to spread unity during a pandemic

By Nadja Sayej

 

The Act of Love by Arina Voronova. Photograph: Courtesy of Arina Voronova

 

At a construction site on the Lower East Side, there’s a set of posters far different than the rest: they show photographs of people kissing while wearing surgical masks.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154248-the-act-of-love-using-photography-to-spread-unity-during-a-pandemic/

 

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Vanessa Hudgens APOLOGISES for 'insensitive' Instagram video

By KATE THOMAS

 

Apology: Vanessa Hudgens has apologised for her flippant Instagram video, in which she called the potential quarantine timeline 'a bunch of bull**t' and branded deaths from the COVID-19 virus 'terrible, but inevitable'

 

Vanessa Hudgens has apologised for her flippant Instagram video, in which she called the potential quarantine timeline 'a bunch of bull**t' and branded deaths from the COVID-19 virus 'terrible, but inevitable'.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154249-vanessa-hudgens-apologises-for-insensitive-instagram-video/

 

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UK's Glastonbury Festival cancelled due to coronavirus

 

FILE PHOTO: Festival goers watch British singer Tom Odell perform on the Pyramid Stage during Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, Britain June 28, 2019. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls/File Photo

 

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain’s Glastonbury Festival, the largest greenfield music festival in the world, has been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus outbreak, organisers said on Wednesday.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154254-uks-glastonbury-festival-cancelled-due-to-coronavirus/