THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Tuesday 12 May 2020

[webfact]

Thailand tourist arrivals may fall by as much as 65% in 2020 due to virus outbreak

By Panarat Thepgumpanat

 

FILE PHOTO: A man collects his umbrellas on an almost empty beach which usually crowed with tourists following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Pattaya, Thailand March 27, 2020. Picture taken March 27, 2020. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun/File Photo

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - The number of foreign tourists in Thailand may plunge by almost two-thirds to 14 million this year, the lowest level in 14 years, as the coronavirus pandemic hits global travel, estimates from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) showed on Monday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163779-thailand-tourist-arrivals-may-fall-by-as-much-as-65-in-2020-due-to-virus-outbreak/

[webfact]

Plastic piles up in Thailand as pandemic efforts sideline pollution fight

By Patpicha Tanakasempipat

 

A woman works in a recycling plant during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bangkok, Thailand May 11, 2020. REUTERS/Jorge Silva

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand began the year with a ban on single-use plastic bags that Bangkok office worker Nicha Singhanoi hoped would cut back the waste that puts her country among the world's top five choking the oceans with plastic.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163742-plastic-piles-up-in thailand as-pandemic-efforts-sideline-pollution-fight/

[webfact]

High drama as police chase down a drug suspect in Buri Ram

By The Nation

 

 

Bystanders in Buri Ram’s Nong Rong district ran for cover when there was a hail of bullets as police officers tried to stop a drug dealer’s black pick-up truck on Monday (May 11).

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163759-high-drama-as-police-chase-down-a-drug-suspect-in-buri-ram/

[webfact]

Officials ponder ‘rolling lockdowns’ for new COVID-19 case areas

By The Phuket News

 

Lockdown restrictions in Bang Tao may be lifted on Thursday (May 14), as long as no new cases are confirmed in the area. Photo: MaAnn Samran / Save Bangtao

 

PHUKET: Phuket officials are considering their next course of action for the areas where four new confirmed infections of COVID-19 have been reported, while other areas that have not had a new infection for 14 days may soon see their lockdown restrictions lifted.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163776-officials-ponder-‘rolling-lockdowns’-for-new-covid-19-case-areas/

[webfact]

Energy Ministry takes proactive steps in time of crisis

By THE NATION

 

Sontirat Sontijirawong

 

The Energy Ministry has taken several steps to stimulate the Thai economy and has also extended a helping hand to consumers amid the Covid-19 crisis, which has had a harsh impact on the general public and small businesses.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163802-energy-ministry-takes-proactive-steps-in-time-of-crisis/

 

[webfact]

Lessons learned in the battle against Covid-19

By The Nation

 

 

Dr Narong Aphikulvanich, deputy director-general of the Department of Medical Services, said 2,263 beds have been set aside in 114 hospitals nationwide for Covid-19 cases, while another 500 beds have been earmarked for emergency in case there is a second wave of infections.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163803-lessons-learned-in-the-battle-against-covid-19/

 

[webfact]

Panel formed to select next BOT governor

By THE NATION

 

BOT governor Veerathai Santiprabhob

 

Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana has reportedly given his stamp of approval to a seven-member committee tasked with selecting a new governor of the Bank of Thailand.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163804-panel-formed-to-select-next-bot-governor/

 

[webfact]

Thailand sees proliferation of food banks during COVID-19 pandemic

 

People eat lunch at a street food restaurant implementing social distancing measures with plastic dividers on the tables after the Thai government relaxed measures to combat the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, in Bangkok on May 7, 2020. – Thailand began easing restrictions related to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus on May 3 by allowing various businesses to reopen, but warned that the stricter measures would be re-imposed should cases increase again. (Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP)

 

Food banks have become a new fad, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, where anonymous philanthropic people, who want to help their fellow countrymen affected by business closures, can donate food.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163805-thailand-sees-proliferation-of-food-banks-during-covid-19-pandemic/

 

[webfact]

PM acts on overcoming drought

 

   

BANGKOK(NNT)-The Prime Minister has ordered the authorities to give aid to those suffering because of the drought, stressing the need to take a more proactive approach.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163806-pm-prayut-acts-on-overcoming-drought/

 

[webfact]

ThaiHealth promotes New Normal as way to prevent new COVID-19 outbreak

 

   

BANGKOK(NNT)-Despite new COVID-19 cases being reported in only a single digit each day, the Department of Disease Control is still encouraging the general public to protect themselves by wearing a face mask and washing their hands frequently, while the Thai Health Promotion Foundation has launched New Normal guidelines for a coronavirus-free city.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163807-thaihealth-promotes-new-normal-as-way-to-prevent-new-covid-19-outbreak/

 

[webfact]

Pattaya bar girls set up mini business to ride out crisis

By Jetsada Homklin

 

The girls proudly tend to their BBQ stand. The profits are small, but the pride it instils is priceless.

 

We read so many stories about the plight of the working people who have been hit so very hard by the coronavirus economic collapse. I think we have eventually stopped comparing professions as to who is suffering more than the other.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163808-pattaya-bar-girls-set-up-mini-business-to-ride-out-crisis/

 

[webfact]

Thailand’s instant noodle exports soar thanks to COVID-19

By Pattaya Mail

 

  

BANGKOK – The exports of instant noodles soared in the first quarter of this year, especially in Southeast Asia, thanks to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, according to the Department of Trade Negotiations.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163809-thailand’s-instant-noodle-exports-soar-thanks-to-covid-19/

 

[webfact]

Info via ‘14Days Application’ required from passengers at Chiang Mai Int’l Airport

By Pattaya Mail

 

  

Bangkok, 11 May, 2020– The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to inform travelers planning trips by air to Chiang Mai that, starting 12 May, 2020, all passengers at Chiang Mai International Airport are required to provide their personal information via the official “14Days Application” Line account.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163812-info-via-‘14days-application’-required-from-passengers-at-chiang-mai-int’l-airport/

 

[webfact]

U.S. tells Iran to send plane so Washington can deport 11 Iranian nationals

By Humeyra Pamuk

 

Acting Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Ken Cuccinelli testifies during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on "Confronting the Coronavirus: The Federal Response" on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., March 11, 2020. REUTERS/Joshua Robert

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States urged Tehran on Monday to send a charter plane to take home 11 Iranian nationals whom Washington wants to deport, and accused the Islamic Republic of stalling the repatriation process.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163814-us-tells-iran-to-send-plane-so-washington-can-deport-11-iranian-nationals/

 

 

[webfact]

Trump 'not interested' in reopening U.S.-China trade deal after report of Beijing discontent

By Andrea Shalal and Ryan Woo

 

U.S. President Donald Trump addresses a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak press briefing in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, U.S., May 11, 2020. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

 

BEIJING/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he opposed renegotiating the U.S.-China "Phase 1" trade deal after a Chinese state-run newspaper reported some government advisers in Beijing were urging fresh talks and possibly invalidating the agreement.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163816-trump-not-interested-in-reopening-us-china-trade-deal-after-report-of-beijing-discontent/

 

[webfact]

Tesla's Musk says ready for arrest as he reopens California plant against local order

By Tina Bellon

 

California Governor Gavin Newsom (L) and Tesla CEO Elon Musk (R) are seen in a combination photo. REUTERS/Mike Blake/Joe Skipper

 

(Reuters) - Tesla Inc <TSLA.O> Chief Executive Elon Musk on Monday said production was resuming at the company's primary vehicle factory in California and asked to be the only one arrested as he defied local officials who said the plant should remain closed to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163818-teslas-musk-says-ready-for-arrest-as-he-reopens-california-plant-against-local-order/

 

[webfact]

U.S. coronavirus death toll tops 80,000 - Reuters tally

By Lisa Shumaker

 

FILE PHOTO: A U.S. Marine stands beside the flag-draped coffin of a veteran who contracted the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, Massachusetts, U.S., May 4, 2020. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

 

(Reuters) - U.S. coronavirus deaths topped 80,000 on Monday, according to a Reuters tally, as nearly all states have taken steps to relax lockdown measures.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163819-us-coronavirus-death-toll-tops-80000-reuters-tally/

 

[webfact]

Authorities hunt group over political laser messages

By THE NATION

 

 

Authorities are tracking down a group responsible for projecting laser messages on government buildings and public places in Bangkok on Monday evening (May 11).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163827-authorities-hunt-group-over-political-laser-messages/

 

[webfact]

Brake failure: Bangkok tuk-tuk crushed by wire laden truck

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

Bang Bon police and Poh Teck Tung rescue services were called after the brakes failed on a Hino truck carrying 20 tons of industrial wire.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163828-brake-failure-bangkok-tuk-tuk-crushed-by-wire-laden-truck/

[webfact]

Covid-19: Netizens praise foreigner for handing out free gasoline in Phuket

 

Pictures: FB Godzilla

 

Daily News reported that Netizens in Phuket were full of praise for an Australian handing out free gasoline to motorcyclists in Patong.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163835-covid-19-netizens-praise-foreigner-for-handing-out-free-gasoline-in-phuket/

[webfact]

Good news: 46 Thai provinces have not reported a COVID-19 case in 28 consecutive days

 

Picture: Sanook

 

There were more encouraging signs on Monday that Thailand is winning the battle against the spread of COVID-19.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163837-good-news-46-thai-provinces-have-not-reported-a-covid-19-case-in-28-consecutive-days/

 

[webfact]

Hailstorm wrecks school, house roofs in Bueng Kan

By THE NATION

 

 

A hailstorm in Bueng Kan province’s Bueng Khong Long district damaged schools and houses on Monday (May 11), according to a news reporter, as the weather bureau warned of likely thunderstorms in upper Thailand.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163841-hailstorm-wrecks-school-house-roofs-in-bueng-kan/

 

[webfact]

Mayor threatens to close Bang Saen beach road again as tourists gather on the sidewalk

 

Picture: Daily News

 

The mayor of Saensuk district responsible for Bang Saen beach went on his personal Facebook page once again to have a go at visitors flouting the ban on congregating.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163843-mayor-threatens-to-close-bang-saen-beach-road-again-as-tourists-gather-on-the-sidewalk/

 

[webfact]

Swimming pools at condos in Thailand to remain closed until further notice

 

FILE PHOTO: REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth

 

Condominium and public pools in Thailand will remain closed until further notice due to safety concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163844-swimming-pools-at-condos-in-thailand-to-remain-closed-until-further-notice/

 

[webfact]

Amazing Thailand!: Gas station toilet users left disappointed after man steals the flushes

 

Picture: Daily News

 

A furious gas station manager in southern Thailand contacted the media after someone repeatedly stole the flushes in his toilets.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163845-amazing-thailand-gas-station-toilet-users-left-disappointed-after-man-steals-the-flushes/

 

[webfact]

Toe skin disease – a Covid-19 symptom?

By THE NATION

 

 

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) said there is no evidence to prove that skin disease at the toes is a Covid-19 symptom, though the department has cautioned Thais to stay alert.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163848-toe-skin-disease-–-a-covid-19-symptom/

 

[webfact]

Video: Blame it on the drizzle and being 25! "Benjaphaet" driver comes a cropper in front of Korat mall

 

Picture: Sanook

 

Dash cam footage from a driver who posted on Facebook showed the moment when a black Isuzu pick-up raced past at high speed.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163850-video-blame-it-on-the-drizzle-and-being-25-benjaphaet-driver-comes-a-cropper-in-front-of-korat-mall/

 

[webfact]

Resorts close to Bangkok first to recover

By TTR WEEKLY

 

  

BANGKOK, 12 May 2020: As Thailand starts to look at a purposive resumption of domestic travel, the beach resort of Hua Hin, south of the Thai capital is well poised to capture pent-up demand due to the old adage; ‘location, location, location’.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163851-resorts-close-to-bangkok-first-to-recover/

 

[webfact]

GPO develops Favipiravir to treat Covid-19

By The Nation

 

 

The Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) developed its version of Favipiravir – one of the drugs used to effectively treat Covid-19 – in mid-March but is expected to take approximately a year before submitting this medicine for registration, said Nuntakan Suwanpidokkul, the director of the GPO’s Research and Development Institute.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163853-gpo-develops-favipiravir-to-treat-covid-19/

 

[webfact]

Sizzling Thailand! Pomeranian seeks relief in the fridge - Thai vet says one hour is enough!

 

Picture: 77kaoded

 

Thai media 77kaoded went to a house in Ang Thong sub-district of Ratchaburi where they spoke to Pornphimon who owns four Pomeranians.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1163854-sizzling-thailand-pomeranian-seeks-relief-in-the-fridge-thai-vet-says-one-hour-is-enough/