THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 23 Dec 2020

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Thai PM blames virus surge on illegal migration, hints at new curbs

By Jiraporn Kuhakan and Orathai Sriring

 

Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha attends an agreement signing ceremony for purchase of AstraZeneca's potential COVID-19 vaccine at Government House, amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Bangkok, Thailand November 27, 2020. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa/Pool

 

SAMUT SAKHON, Thailand (Reuters) - Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Tuesday blamed a spike in coronavirus cases on illegal migration, after the country's biggest outbreak yet saw more than 1,000 infections, mostly among workers from Myanmar at a seafood market near the capital.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1197989-thai-pm-blames-virus-surge-on-illegal-migration-hints-at-new-curbs/

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Phuket lockdown rumours ‘not true’, confirms vice governor

By The Phuket News

 

Phuket Vice Governor Vikrom Jakthee today dismissed rumours that Phuket was already under lockdown. Photo: PR Phuket

 

PHUKET:-- Phuket Vice Governor Vikrom Jakthee late today (Dec 22) went public to dismiss rumours that Phuket is already under lockdown as false.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1197985-phuket-lockdown-rumours-‘not-true’-confirms-vice-governor/

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Short-stay visas extended by 15 days to cover quarantine

By The Nation

 

 

Thirty-day visas have been extended by 15 days to cover the time needed for foreign visitors to stay in quarantine. The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the visa extension to 45 days for short-stay visitors, said government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1197977-short-stay-visas-extended-by-15-days-to-cover-quarantine/

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Prayut hints at more restrictions after Covid surge

By The Nation

 

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday urged all Thais to join forces to overcome the latest Covid-19 outbreak, but hinted that further disease controls would be imposed.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1197989-thai-pm-blames-virus-surge-on-illegal-migration-hints-at-new-curbs/?do=findComment&comment=16103969

 

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Bangkok orders strict implementation of Covid-19 measures in public places

By THE NATION

 

 

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) on Monday ordered strict implementation of measures at four public spaces – markets, parks, religious places and entertainment venues – in the capital.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198006-bangkok-orders-strict-implementation-of-covid-19-measures-in-public-places/

 

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Thailand has three runners in global race for COVID-19 vaccine

By Thai PBS World’s General Desk

 

(FILES) In this file photo taken on December 8, 2020 a member of staff draws the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine out of a phial at the Southmead Hospital, Briston. – The US Food and Drug Adminstration on December 11, 2020 granted the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine an emergency use authorization, paving the way for its imminent rollout across the country. (Photo by Graeme Robertson / various sources / AFP)

 

With COVID-19 vaccines the only hope for humankind’s recovery from the virus crisis, Thailand has joined the race to secure effective immunisation.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198007-thailand-has-three-runners-in-global-race-for-covid-19-vaccine/

 

 

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PM thanks the nation for cooperation, says reckless few creates troubles for millions

 

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha addressed the nation on COVDI-19 situation. He thanked related agencies and the general public for cooperation to managing the latest outbreak of COVID-19 in Samut Sakhon. He reiterated that COVID-19 remains a significant threat to the country.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198008-pm-thanks-the-nation-for-cooperation-says-reckless-few-creates-troubles-for-millions/

 

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PM authorizes Education Min to decide on school closures

 

   

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Minister of Education has indicated the Prime Minister has empowered the office to decide on school closures, asking that it prioritize public safety.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198009-pm-prayut-authorizes-education-min-to-decide-on-school-closures/

 

 

 

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Cabinet approves new Communicable Diseases Act amendment

 

   

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet has approved a draft amendment of the Communicable Diseases Act to enable more effective operations to control COVID-19. The new draft includes penalty for persons who purposefully withhold information on their symptoms and diseases to health officials.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198010-cabinet-approves-new-communicable-diseases-act-amendment/

 

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FTI: Lockdown of Samut Sakhon causing severe economic damage

 

   

BANGKOK (NNT) - The lockdown of Samut Sakhon province due to a recent surge in COVID-19 infections is estimated to be causing a billion baht a day in economic damage, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Samut Sakhon is one of Thailand’s industrial bases with more than 6,000 factories.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198011-fti-lockdown-of-samut-sakhon-causing-severe-economic-damage/

 

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BOI says most foreign investors still confident in Thailand

 

   

BANGKOK (NNT) - With the COVID-10 pandemic causing significant disruption around the world including in Thailand, the Board of Investment of Thailand’s (BOI) latest survey, shows most foreign investors, estimated at 96%, are still confident in the country, and are willing to bring forward their investments.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198012-boi-says-most-foreign-investors-still-confident-in-thailand/

 

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Dasilva strike sends Brentford past Newcastle into League Cup semis

 

Soccer Football - Carabao Cup - Quarter-Final - Brentford v Newcastle United - Brentford Community Stadium, London, Britain - December 22, 2020 Newcastle United's Karl Darlow saves a shot from Brentford's Christian Norgaard Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

 

LONDON, England (Reuters) -Championship club Brentford beat Premier League Newcastle United to reach the League Cup semi-finals for the first time with a second-half Josh Dasilva goal earning a 1-0 win on Tuesday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198013-dasilva-strike-sends-brentford-past-newcastle-into-league-cup-semis/

 

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Atletico sink Sociedad to move clear at top of La Liga

 

Soccer Football - La Liga Santander - Real Sociedad v Atletico Madrid - Reale Arena, San Sebastian, Spain - December 22, 2020 Atletico Madrid's Marcos Llorente celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates REUTERS/Vincent West

 

SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain (Reuters) - La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid moved three points clear with a 2-0 win at third-placed Real Sociedad on Tuesday thanks to second-half goals from Mario Hermoso and Marcos Llorente.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198014-atletico-sink-sociedad-to-move-clear-at-top-of-la-liga/

 

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Spurs' Mourinho not expecting easy ride against second-tier Stoke

 

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain - December 20, 2020 Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho Pool via REUTERS/Andy Rain

 

(Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur may be playing second-tier Championship side Stoke City in the League Cup but that does not make their route to the semi-finals any easier, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho has said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198015-spurs-mourinho-not-expecting-easy-ride-against-second-tier-stoke/

 

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France to reopen border with England for COVID-clear travellers

By Philip Blenkinsop and Guy Faulconbridge

 

A man walks past lorries parked on the M20 motorway, as EU countries impose a travel ban from the UK following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, near Ashford, Britain, December 22, 2020. REUTERS/Simon Dawson

 

BRUSSELS/LONDON (Reuters) -France will reopen its borders to passengers from England on Wednesday, ending a blockade intended to stop the spread of a new coronavirus variant, but which has held up thousands of lorries before Christmas.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198016-france-to-reopen-border-with-england-for-covid-clear-travellers/

 

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More misery for Arsenal in 4-1 League Cup exit to Man City

 

Soccer Football - Carabao Cup - Quarter-Final - Arsenal v Manchester City - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - December 22, 2020 Manchester City's Aymeric Laporte scores their fourth goal REUTERS/Toby Melville

 

LONDON (Reuters) - Arsenal's miserable season continued as they slumped to a 4-1 home defeat by holders Manchester City in the League Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198017-more-misery-for-arsenal-in-4-1-league-cup-exit-to-man-city/

 

 

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No evidence that cyber attack on U.S. is under control, says Biden

By Simon Lewis

 

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden speaks about the recent massive cyber attack against the U.S. and also other Biden administration goals in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., December 22, 2020. REUTERS/Leah Millis

 

WILMINGTON, Del. (Reuters) - President-elect Joe Biden said on Tuesday he had seen no evidence that a massive cyber attack against the United States is under control and warned that the breach will not go unanswered once he takes office on Jan. 20.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198018-no-evidence-that-cyber-attack-on-us-is-under-control-says-biden/

 

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Israel to hold snap election, with Netanyahu facing new challenges

 

FILE PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, centrist Blue and White leader, and Netanyahu's partner in his new unity government, wear face masks as they talk during a swearing in ceremony of the new government, at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem May 17, 2020. Amos Ben Gershon/Knesset Spokesperson's Office/Handout via REUTERS

 

JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel will hold a snap election in March after parliament failed on Tuesday to meet a deadline to pass a budget, triggering a ballot presenting new challenges for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198019-israel-to-hold-snap-election-with-netanyahu-facing-new-challenges/

 

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Musk tweets he reached out to Apple's Tim Cook for acquiring Tesla

 

FILE PHOTO: Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk speaks onstage during a delivery event for Tesla China-made Model 3 cars at its factory in Shanghai, China January 7, 2020. REUTERS/Aly Song/File Photo

 

(Reuters) - Silicon Valley billionaire Elon Musk said on Tuesday he reached out to Apple Inc's Tim Cook "during the darkest days of the Model 3 program" to discuss the possibility of Apple acquiring Tesla Inc for "1/10th of our current value."

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198020-musk-tweets-he-reached-out-to-apples-tim-cook-for-acquiring-tesla/

 

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Morocco hosts Israeli envoys, Kushner to flesh out new relations

By Ahmed Eljechtimi

 

Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat and U.S. White House Senior Adviser Jared Kushner arrive in Rabat, Morocco December 22, 2020. U.S. Embassy in Morocco/Handout via REUTERS

 

RABAT (Reuters) - Israeli envoys arrived in Morocco on Tuesday to meet the king and flesh out an upgrade of relations that was forged by the White House in a parting foreign policy push by U.S. President Donald Trump.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198021-morocco-hosts-israeli-envoys-kushner-to-flesh-out-new-relations/

 

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U.S. will not impose COVID-19 screenings for flights from Britain - sources

By David Shepardson and Tracy Rucinski

 

FILE PHOTO: Testing centre signage is seen outside the terminal building of Manchester Airport amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Manchester, Britain, December 3, 2020. REUTERS/Phil Noble

 

WASHINGTON/CHICAGO (Reuters) - The U.S. government does not intend to impose COVID-19 screenings for passengers traveling from Britain after the emergence of a highly infectious new coronavirus variant there, people briefed on the decision said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198022-us-will-not-impose-covid-19-screenings-for-flights-from-britain-sources/

 

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Employer in Samut Sakhon dumps his migrant workers by the road near Bangkok

 

Picture: Daily News

 

News page "Ton Prakan" had live broadcasts in the Bang Plee area of Samut Prakan last night of a group of 24 Myanmar workers who had just been dumped.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198026-employer-in-samut-sakhon-dumps-his-migrant-workers-by-the-road-near-bangkok/

 

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Two test positive in Kamphaeng Phet after visiting Samut Sakhon

By THE NATION

 

 

Two people in Kamphaeng Phet province have tested positive for Covid-19 after travelling to Samut Sakhon, a hotspot of current infections, governor Chaowalit Saeng-uthai said on Tuesday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198028-two-test-positive-in-kamphaeng-phet-after-visiting-samut-sakhon/

 

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Thailand to run fiscal deficit until 2025

By The Nation

 

Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri

 

Thailand plans to run a fiscal deficit until 2025, to combat projected low tax revenue from low economic growth, while targeting inflation of 1 to 3 per cent next year.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198029-thailand-to-run-fiscal-deficit-until-2025/

 

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Leicester make historic move to new Seagrave training ground

 

Seagrave is the new training complex of Leicester City.

 

An exciting new chapter in the history of Thai-owned Leicester City begins this week, as the club prepares to relocate to its brand-new training complex in north Leicestershire.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198032-thai-owned-leicester-make-historic-move-to-new-seagrave-training-ground/

 

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Government's subsidy shopping scheme is winning people's hearts

By The Nation

 

 

The “Khon La Khrueng” (Let's Go Halves) subsidised shopping scheme is gaining popularity among people, so much so that the government has decided to launch the second phase to meet the demands of more people. From 10 million, the scheme is being expanded to cover 15 million people.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198034-governments-subsidy-shopping-scheme-is-winning-peoples-hearts/

 

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PM opens Chao Phraya electric ferry route

By THE NATION

 

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday presided over the opening ceremony of the “Mine (Mission no emission) Smart Ferry” project, which features an electric ferry route in the Chao Phraya River and Thailand’s first smart pier at CAT Tower Pier in Bangkok’s Bangrak district, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198039-pm-opens-chao-phraya-electric-ferry-route/

 

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Prejudice and abuse of foreign workers "worse than ever" after Covid scare, reports Thai media

 

 

The plight of foreign workers - particularly those from Myanmar - featured in a Thai TV report after they found themselves singled out and blamed for the latest outbreak of Covid-19 in Samut Sakhon. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198040-prejudice-and-abuse-of-foreign-workers-worse-than-ever-after-covid-scare-reports-thai-media/

 

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Armed gold shop robbery in Chonburi - lone gunman escapes with 800K in jewelry

 

Picture: Daily News

 

Daily News reported that a lone gunman held up a well known gold shop in Tesco Lotus Plus Mall Amata Nakorn on Sukhumvit Road in Klong Tamri sub-district of Muang District Chonburi last night.

 

Full story:  https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198042-armed-gold-shop-robbery-in-chonburi-lone-gunman-escapes-with-800k-in-jewelry/

 

 

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Pattaya: Police/local officials out on Covid watch in nightlife areas

 

Picture: Siam Con News

 

A large contingent of police, local council officials, tessakit and health personnel were out on the streets of Pattaya last night making sure Covid-19 rules were being followed to the letter, reported Siam Chon News.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1198044-pattaya-policelocal-officials-out-on-covid-watch-in-nightlife-areas/