THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 21 May 2020

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What's behind the Thai fascination for malls

By The Nation

 

File photo

 

Thai people's obsession with visiting malls is a reflection of the problem caused by the indiscriminate development of cities where shopping centres have become the central areas of attraction, many experts contend.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165044-whats-behind-the-thai-fascination-for-malls/

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Paraquat, chlorpyrifos classified as ‘most’ hazardous

By The Nation

 

 

The Industry Ministry has classified agri-chemicals paraquat and chlorpyrifos as Type 4 hazardous substances. This classification will go into effect from June 1.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165046-paraquat-chlorpyrifos-classified-as-‘most’-hazardous/

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Third phase of easing considered if no new Covid-19 cases in 15 days

By The Nation

 

Anutin Charnvirakul

 

The government is planning announce the third phase of easing restrictions if the number of new Covid-19 cases does not rise within the next two weeks, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Wednesday (May 20).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165022-third-phase-of-easing-considered-if-no-new-covid-19-cases-in-15-days/

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Thai Airways union backs down, supports bankruptcy court-led restructuring

By Chayut Setboonsarng and Panarat Thepgumpanat

 

FILE PHOTO: Thai Airways airplanes are parked at the tarmac of Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand March 25, 2020 REUTERS/Jorge Silva/File Photo

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - The Thai Airways <THAI.BK> workers’ union will not oppose the government’s plan to reduce holdings in the airline and petition for restructuring with the bankruptcy court, the union’s president said on Wednesday.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165042-thai-airways-union-backs-down-supports-bankruptcy-court-led-restructuring/

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Airbus calls in THAI debts for 30 rented jets

By The Nation

 

 

Airbus has notified Thai Airways International (THAI) of debts it owes on 30 rented aircraft, as the national carrier struggles to formulate a plan for financial recovery.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165093-airbus-calls-in-thai-debts-for-30-rented-jets/

 

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Automobile production in April lowest in 30 years, says FTI

By The Nation

 

 

Automobile production plunged in to the lowest level in 30 years in April due to the impact of the Covid-19 crisis, Surapong Paisitpattanapong, vice president and spokesman of the automobile chapter of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), said on Wednesday (May 20).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165094-automobile-production-in-april-lowest-in-30-years-says-fti/

 

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Local, foreign creditors back govt's move to put THAI under bankruptcy protection

By The Nation

 

 

Creditors are supporting the government's move to have Thai Airways International (THAI) seek bankruptcy protection, while the Finance Ministry is preparing to negotiate the sale of 3 per cent of its stake in the airline, which will make the national carrier lose its state enterprise status.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165095-local-foreign-creditors-back-govts-move-to-put-thai-under-bankruptcy-protection/

 

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Museums, historical sites to reopen from Friday

By THE NATION

 

 

Museums, historical parks, archaeological sites and national archives will reopen from Friday (May 22) in line with the government’s second phase of easing lockdown measures, the Fine Arts Department said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165096-museums-historical-sites-to-reopen-from-friday/

 

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Former National Office of Buddhism officials given heavy prison terms 

 

Panom Sornsilp / Cr. isranews.org

 

Former director of the National Office of Buddhism (NoB), Panom Sornsilp, and three other former senior officials were yesterday handed heavy prison sentences, after they were found guilty of corruption in connection with temple funds by the Criminal Court for Corruption Cases.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165097-former-national-office-of-buddhism-officials-given-heavy-prison-terms/

 

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Focus shifts from Covid-19 to political challenges facing Prayut govt

 

 

As coronavirus-related restrictions ease and people gradually resume their normal lives, Thai politics is all set to heat up again.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165098-focus-shifts-from-covid-19-to-political-challenges-facing-prayut-govt/

 

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Some Pattaya expats struggling with mall registration

By Barry Kenyon

 

  

A week ago, many of Pattaya’s remaining aged and ageing expat population had never heard of the Thai Chana QR system which is fast becoming the norm when you want to go shopping in malls and supermarkets.

 

The latest technology is not tailor-made for all of Pattaya’s remaining aged and ageing expat population. A week ago, many of them had never heard of the Thai Chana QR system which is fast becoming the norm when you want to go shopping in malls and supermarkets. Of course, it’s a tracing system for possible coronavirus sufferers, put in place and strongly advocated by the Thai government.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165099-some-pattaya-expats-struggling-with-mall-registration/

 

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Zero is the new normal as traditions change in Phuket Old Town

The Phuket News

 

Thalang Rd in Phuket Old Town. Photo: PR Phuket

 

PHUKET: Shops in the Phuket Old Town area are suffering with very few customers despite many of the shopowners now being allowed to reopen their businesses.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165100-zero-is-the-new-normal-as-traditions-change-in-phuket-old-town/

 

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Chamber of Commerce urges businesses to reopen under New Normal

 

   

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai Chamber of Commerce estimates that a prolonged COVID-19 pandemic will cause 10 million Thais to lose their jobs. Meanwhile businesses must adjust themselves to the New Normal, as the health crisis is expected to last for at least a year.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165101-chamber-of-commerce-urges-businesses-to-reopen-under-new-normal/

 

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Thailand Shares COVID-19 Experience with China and Singapore

 

   

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand, China, and Singapore held an online national academic conference on health and environmental promotion. The three countries shared their experiences in fighting against COVID-19.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165102-thailand-shares-covid-19-experience-with-china-and-singapore/

 

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5G NETWORKS

Thailand leads ASEAN in 5G rollout due to pandemic

Top operator AIS ready to invest up to $1.2bn for network expansion this year

APORNRATH PHOOPHONGPHIPHAT, Nikkei staff writer

 

AIS has launched 5G-operated robots for telemedicine services at hospitals, helping reduce direct contact between doctors and COVID-19 patients. (Photo courtesy of the company)

 

BANGKOK -- The novel coronavirus pandemic has prompted Thailand's major telecom operators to rev up deployment of fifth-generation technologies, making it the first country in the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations to have commercial 5G services.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165103-thailand-leads-asean-in-5g-rollout-due-to-pandemic/

 

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Trump opens door to in-person G7 June meeting despite pandemic

 

U.S. President Donald Trump participates in a Cabinet meeting on the administration's coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak response in the East Room at the White House in Washington, U.S., May 19, 2020. REUTERS/Leah Millis

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he may seek to revive a face-to-face meeting of Group of Seven leaders near Washington, after earlier canceling the in-person gathering of world leaders due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165104-trump opens-door-to-in-person-g7-june-meeting-despite-pandemic/

 

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Global coronavirus cases surpass 5 million, infections rising in South America

By Lisa Shumaker and Cate Cadell

 

FILE PHOTO: A bird is pictured over a cross during a mass burial of people who passed away due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at the Parque Taruma cemetery in Manaus, Brazil May 13, 2020. REUTERS/Bruno Kelly/File Photo

 

(Reuters) - Global coronavirus cases surpassed 5 million on Wednesday, with Latin America overtaking the United States and Europe in the past week to report the largest portion of new daily cases globally.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165105-global-coronavirus-cases-surpass-5-million-infections-rising-in-south-america/

 

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Pelosi quips that Trump has 'doggy doo on his shoes' in ongoing spat

 

FILE PHOTO: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) holds her weekly news conference with Capitol Hill reporters in Washington, U.S., May 14, 2020. REUTERS/Erin Scott/File Photo

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Nancy Pelosi, the top elected U.S. Democrat, compared President Donald Trump on Wednesday to a child "with doggy doo on his shoes," as the spat between the two leaders escalated.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165106-pelosi-quips-that-trump-has-doggy-doo-on-his-shoes-in-ongoing-spat/

 

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Iran will support any nation or group that fights Israel - supreme leader

 

FILE PHOTO: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a televised speech on the occasion of the Iranian New Year Nowruz, in Tehran, Iran March 20, 2020. Official Khamenei website/Handout via REUTERS

 

(Reuters) - Iran will support any nation or group that fights Israel, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday, ahead of this week's annual observance of Quds (Jerusalem) Day to express support for Palestinians.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165107-iran-will-support-any-nation-or-group-that-fights-israel-supreme-leader/

 

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Man United captain Maguire feels safe on return to training

 

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United v Manchester City - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - March 8, 2020 Manchester United's Harry Maguire celebrates after the match REUTERS/Phil Noble

 

(Reuters) - Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has said he felt "so safe" on his return to training at the club's facilities in Carrington on Wednesday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165108-man-united-captain-maguire-feels-safe-on-return-to-training/

 

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Australian states split over opening borders for domestic tourism

By Colin Packham

 

FILE PHOTO: People stroll through a park in front of the Sydney Opera House amidst the easing of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions in Sydney, Australia, May 20, 2020. REUTERS/Loren Elliott

 

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian state and territory leaders bickered on Thursday over whether to reopen internal borders, a major step to rejuvenating the country's A$80 billion ($50 billion) domestic tourism industry, as part of measures to ease coronavirus restrictions.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165109-australian-states-split-over-opening-borders-for-domestic-tourism/

 

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Pattaya roadworks claim another accident victim

By Jetsada Homklin

 

 

Thanin, who was driving a motorbike after dark, drove into ditch near Lan Po Market where a steel bar pierced his leg.

 

Long-running roadwork in Naklua claimed another accident victim with a motorcyclist impaling his leg after he crashed into a hole in the road.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165111-pattaya-roadworks-claim-another-accident-victim/

 

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Tourist police to the rescue - British pensioner has no relatives left and owed 17,000 baht to the hospital

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

Siam Rath reported on the case of a 75 year old British man who said that he had been on his way to visit a friend in Petchabun when he started feeling sick in Lopburi.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165120-tourist-police-to-the-rescue-british-pensioner-has-no-relatives-left-and-owed-17000-baht-to-the-hospital/

 

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Video: Who's in the right? Security guard said he was innocent and was on his way to work so didn't stop

 

Picture: Daily News

 

A video that hit national Thai TV showed the moment when a 53 year old woman was crossing a Soi in Samrong near Bangkok. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165124-video-whos-in-the-right-security-guard-said-he-was-innocent-and-was-on-his-way-to-work-so-didnt-stop/

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VIDEO: Hunt on for hot headed motorcyclist who attacked car with a broom

 

Picture: Daily News

 

The hunt is on for a hot headed motorcyclist after astonishing footage emerged of what happened after a minor scrape in Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165127-video-hunt-on-for-hot-headed-motorcyclist-who-attacked-car-with-a-broom/

 

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Public transport starting to flag in implementing anti-Covid-19 measures: survey

By THE NATION

 

 

People in vulnerable groups, such as elders and the handicapped, are suffering due to vehicle shortage during rush hours despite fewer people than normal using public transport, a survey by Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) revealed.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165130-public-transport-starting-to-flag-in-implementing-anti-covid-19-measures-survey/

 

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Thailand Post restores international services to some countries

By THE NATION

 

 

Thailand Post will resume international postal services to selected destinations as the Covid-19 situation in many countries has been improving and local governments have eased lockdown measures.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165131-thailand-post-restores-international-services-to-some-countries/

 

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Nigerian on overstay of 210 days arrested in Koh Phangan

 

Picture: Naew Na

 

Immigration and tourist police went to investigate after reports that a foreigner had been living in a house on the holiday island of Koh Phangan for a long time, reported Naew Na.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165133-nigerian-on-overstay-of-210-days-arrested-in-koh-phangan/

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Phuket businesses reopening much welcomed, but a long way to go

By Tanyaluk Sakoot

 

Women wait at a food service kiosk at Central Phuket earlier this week. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

 

PHUKET: The easing of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions that came into effect last Saturday (May 17), allowing scores of businesses across the island to reopen, has brought welcome respite to the suffering being endured by business operators and thousands of people left without any income due to the COVID crisis.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165134-phuket-businesses-reopening-much-welcomed-but-a-long-way-to-go/

 

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Chiang Rai: Armed robbery outside bank was an "inside" job - but 800,000 baht is still missing

 

 

Sanook reported on the lastest developments in the case of two men who robbed an official of an agricultural cooperative who had just withdrawn 1,050,000 from a branch of the Bangkok Bank in Chiang Saen earlier in the week.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1165136-chiang-rai-armed-robbery-outside-bank-was-an-inside-job-but-800000-baht-is-still-missing/