THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 6 Jan 2021

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Thailand to purchase 2m doses of Chinese vaccine

By The Nation

 

Prayut Chan-o-cha

 

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a budget of Bt1.3 billion to procure 2 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine made by China’s Sinovac.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200066-thailand-to-purchase-2m-doses-of-chinese-vaccine/

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UK travellers ‘will not be blocked’ over mutated Covid-19 strain

By The Nation

 

 

Thailand’s measures to control the spread of Covid-19 are strong enough to not warrant special measures against travellers from the United Kingdom, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Thanee Saengrat said.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200064-uk-travellers-‘will-not-be-blocked’-over-mutated-covid-19-strain/

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Visitors to 11 Covid ‘danger zones’ urged to contact Health Dept

By The Nation

 

Pongsakorn Kwanmuang

 

People who have recently visited any of 11 areas linked to the Covid-19 outbreak should contact the Health Department immediately, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said on Tuesday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200059-visitors-to-11-covid-‘danger-zones’-urged-to-contact-health-dept/

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Download the Thaivisa Calendar 2021 - all Thai holidays and no alcohol days included!

 

 

Download it here: https://forum.thaivisa.com/files/file/782-thaivisa-calendar-2021/

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New Covid wave, shortage of containers, strong baht all hitting export sector: TNSC

By The Nation

 

 

Thai National Shippers Council (TNSC) expects exports this month to only grow by 3 to 4 per cent, as the new wave of Covid-19 infections is expected to further affect the export sector.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200167-new-covid-wave-shortage-of-containers-strong-baht-all-hitting-export-sector-tnsc/

 

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Govt plans new two-month Covid-relief package for 40 million people

By The Nation

 

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday pledged to support 40 million people who have been affected adversely by the new surge of Covid-19 infections.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200168-thai-govt-plans-new-two-month-covid-relief-package-for-40-million-people/

 

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Four of Thailand’s national parks close due to concerns over COVID-19

 

Phu Kradueng National Park

 

Four of Thailand’s popular national parks have been closed to all outsiders, possibly with more to follow, due to growing concern by park officials over visitors spreading COVID-19.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200192-four-of-thailand’s-national-parks-close-due-to-concerns-over-covid-19/

 

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50:50 campaign exceeds 50bn baht gross transactions

 

   

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government’s 50:50 co-pay campaign has reached a milestone of exceeding 50 billion baht in total transaction value, following the campaign’s Phase 2 extension since New Year’s day.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200193-5050-campaign-exceeds-50bn-baht-gross-transactions/

 

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Revenue Dept - Tax exemption for co-pay, We Travel Together users

 

   

BANGKOK (NNT) - Following reports that the Revenue Department will incorporate income generated by the half-half co-payment scheme, which offers a subsidy of 3,500 baht, and the We Travel Together campaign, which offers a 40-percent discount on hotel rooms as well as food coupons of up to 900 baht per day, in the calculation of personal income tax for 2020, many people are concerned that they will be subject to a fine if they fail to specify these income sources in the filing.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200194-revenue-dept-tax-exemption-for-co-pay-we-travel-together-users/

 

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Prosecutors clear white police officer over Jacob Blake shooting in Kenosha, Wisconsin

By Brendan O'Brien

 

Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley leads a news conference to announce a decision on whether any of the Kenosha Police Officers involved in the August 23, 2020 shooting of Black man Jacob Blake will face criminal charges, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S. January 5, 2021. REUTERS/Daniel Acker

 

KENOSHA, Wisc. (Reuters) - Prosecutors on Tuesday cleared a white police officer in the Aug. 23 shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, an incident that touched off deadly street protests and inflamed racial tensions in the United States.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200195-prosecutors-clear-white-police-officer-over-jacob-blake-shooting-in-kenosha wisconsin/

 

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Trump blasts niece's 'conspiracy theories' as he seeks fraud lawsuit's dismissal

By Jonathan Stempel

 

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump addresses a campaign rally in Dalton, Georgia, U.S., on the eve of the run-off election to decide both of Georgia's Senate seats January 4, 2021. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo

 

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump is seeking the dismissal of a lawsuit claiming he defrauded his niece out of an inheritance worth tens of millions of dollars, accusing her of embracing "conspiracy theories" in her quest to consume him with lawsuits after he leaves the White House.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200196-trump-blasts-nieces-conspiracy-theories-as-he-seeks-fraud-lawsuits-dismissal/

 

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Strict measures put in place to curb Covid-19 in ‘red’ provinces

By The Nation

 

 

The general public has been told to strictly adhere to DMHTT practices, namely distancing, mask wearing, hand washing, testing and ThaiChana check-in.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200201-strict-measures-put-in-place-to-curb-covid-19-in-‘red’-provinces/

 

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Newsmax, OAN vie for Trump loyalists as Georgia votes

By Helen Coster and Lisa Richwine

 

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump departs on travel to West Point, New York from the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, U.S., December 12, 2020. REUTERS/Cheriss May//File Photo

 

(Reuters) - As candidates face off in Georgia on Tuesday in contests that will determine the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, another race is underway between cable news networks catering to conservative audiences.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200218-newsmax-oan-vie-for-trump-loyalists-as georgia votes/

 

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North Korea's Kim says economic plan failed as rare party congress begins

By Hyonhee Shin

 

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks on the first day of the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo supplied by North Korea's Central News Agency (KCNA) on January 6, 2021. KCNA/via REUTERS

 

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his five-year economic plan had failed to meet its goals "on almost every sector" as he kicked off the ruling Workers' Party congress on Tuesday, state media KCNA reported on Wednesday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200219-north-koreas-kim-says-economic-plan-failed-as-rare-party-congress-begins/

 

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WikiLeaks' Assange to discover if he will be freed from jail on bail

By Michael Holden

 

FILE PHOTO: People celebrate after a judge ruled that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange should not be extradited to the United States, outside the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court, in London, Britain, January 4, 2021. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls/File Photo

 

LONDON (Reuters) - WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange will discover on Wednesday if he will be allowed to taste freedom after years of self-incarceration and jail time, following victory in his battle to avoid extradition from Britain to the United States.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200223-wikileaks-assange-to-discover-if-he-will-be-freed-from-jail-on-bail/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Polls close in Georgia's elections with Biden's agenda, Senate control at stake

By Rich McKay and Nathan Layne

 

Voters line up for the U.S. Senate run-off election, at a polling location in Marietta, Georgia, U.S., January 5, 2021. REUTERS/Mike Segar

 

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Polls closed in Georgia on Tuesday after voters cast ballots in a pair of runoff elections that will determine both control of the U.S. Senate and Democratic President-elect Joe Biden's ability to push through an ambitious legislative agenda.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200218-newsmax-oan-vie-for-trump-loyalists-as georgia votes/?do=findComment&comment=16141664

 

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FDA warns lay person against using Covid-19 rapid test kit

By THE NATION

 

 

The Thailand Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned people not to buy Covid-19 rapid test kits to perform testing at home.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200250-fda-warns-lay-person-against-using-covid-19-rapid-test-kit/

 

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Pattaya malls re-open with strict COVID-19 measures in place

 

 

Online media Siam Chon News reported on their survey of leading malls in the Pattaya area.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200252-pattaya-malls-re-open-with-strict-covid-19-measures-in-place/

 

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Seven out of 19 arrested migrants in Bangkok test positive for Covid-19

By THE NATION

 

 

Seven out of 19 illegal immigrants arrested following a tip-off have tested positive for Covid-19, a senior Bangkok administration official said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200253-seven-out-of-19-arrested-migrants-in-bangkok-test-positive-for-covid-19/

 

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Tourists miss Pattaya and will return, says tourism chief

 

Picture: Ruk Siam News

 

Pattaya's secretary of entertainment and tourism gave mixed messages in an interview with media outlet Ruk Siam News.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200254-tourists-miss-pattaya-and-will-return-says-tourism-chief/

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Pattaya: The beach is open but DO NOT drink alcohol, says mayor

 

Picture: STV Pattaya

 

Pattaya's mayor told the Thai media yesterday that the beaches remain open despite the second wave of Covid-19. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200258-pattaya-the-beach-is-open-but-do-not-drink-alcohol-says-mayor/

 

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Pub, bar, restaurant COVID-compliance inspections continue

By Tanyaluk Sakoot

 

Muang District Chief Somprat Prabsongkham and law-enforcement officers inspected about eight entertainment venues near Nimit Circle on Monday night (Jan 4). Photo: Muang District Office

 

PHUKET: Officials in all three districts across Phuket have confirmed they are continuing their inspections of pubs, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues to ensure operators are complying with the full COVID-prevention measures.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200263-pub-bar-restaurant-covid-compliance-inspections-continue/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Eighteen illegal Rohingya migrants discovered hiding in Don Muang - seven with Covid

 

Picture: Naew Na

 

Eighteen Rohingya migrants have been found hiding in a house behind the new market in Don Muang in northern Bangkok. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200253-seven-out-of-19-arrested-migrants-in-bangkok-test-positive-for-covid-19/?do=findComment&comment=16142264

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Samut Sakhon confirms another 900 COVID-19 cases

 

 

Thailand’s Samut Sakhon province has confirmed another 900 new COVID-19 cases, from proactive screening of about 3,800 workers in local factories.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200266-samut-sakhon-confirms-another-900-covid-19-cases/

 

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Koh Chang: Island in lockdown to tourists until end of January

 

Picture: Manager Online

 

All hotels on Koh Chang will close down today, reported Manager.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200268-koh-chang-island-in-lockdown-to-tourists-until-end-of-january/

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From embargo to embrace, Saudi Arabia pushes Gulf detente

By Aziz El Yaakoubi

 

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomes Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani upon his arrival to attend the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) 41st Summit in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia January 5, 2021. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS

 

AL-ULA, Saudi Arabia (Reuters) -Embracing Qatar's ruler, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince pushed a deal to end a row with Doha at a Gulf summit on Tuesday to try to strengthen an Arab alliance against Iran, although a final declaration contained only a general pledge of solidarity.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200269-from-embargo-to-embrace-saudi-arabia-pushes-gulf-detente/

 

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New year road carnage: Nearly 400 dead - north of Thailand worst for accidents/fatalities

 

REUTERS FILE PHOTO for reference only

 

An infographic on the road death and injury toll during December 29th to January 4th published by Naew Na gave the following information:

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200270-new-year-road-carnage-nearly-400-dead-north-of-thailand-worst-for-accidentsfatalities/

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Thailand reports 365 new COVID-19 cases, one more death

 

REUTERS FILE PHOTO for reference only

 

Thailand confirmed 365 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200272-thailand-reports-365-new-covid-19-cases-one-more-death/

 

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Police chief admits mistake after cops shoot up the wrong car injuring woman

 

Picture: Daily News

 

The police chief in Trang in the south of Thailand has admitted that a mistake was made after officers from the Huay Yot district shot at the wrong fleeing car. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200273-police-chief-admits-mistake-after-cops-shoot-up-the-wrong-car-injuring-woman/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Nearly 71 per cent of 900 new cases in Samut Sakhon are Myanmar migrants

By THE NATION

 

 

Some 900 people tested positive in Samut Sakhon recently, a provincial health official said on Wednesday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1200266-samut-sakhon-confirms-another-900-covid-19-cases/?do=findComment&comment=16142557