Economy could lose over B1.3tr if virus crisis goes beyond Q2
The Thai economy is expected to lose 1.3 trillion baht, almost all of it in the tourist sector, due to the initial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, a banking association said on Tuesday.
— Bangkok Post
Thailand facing double whammy – Covid-19 and worsening seasonal drought
The Office of the National Water Resources says up to 6,255 villages in 24 provinces have already been declared as drought-affected areas, while national dams and reservoirs are only at an average of 49% capacity (only 26% of that water is usable).
— The Thaiger
The Sri Ganesh Thai Nepali Association gives back to the needy in Pattaya
A local organization, The Sri Ganesh Thai Nepali Association which is located near Flybird Condominium and the V Residence in Pattaya is offering food to all needy people affected by the Covid-19 Coronavirus, including foreign migrant workers, daily in Pattaya at 2:00PM and 8:00 PM.
— The Pattaya News
New COVID-19 infections rise to 34 cases
After five days of steady decline, the daily rate of new coronavirus infections in Thailand picked up to 34 today, from yesterday’s 28, and the total death toll has increased by one to 41.
— Thai PBS News
Dozens protest B5,000 aid screening criteria
Dozens of people have demanded to meet Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana at the ministry after their applications for the 5,000-baht financial aid were turned down.
— Bangkok Post
Curfew arrests soar as Thai government tried to control outbreak
As of 10 April, a week after the kingdom-wide 10 pm – 4 am curfew was declared, more than 5 thousand violators had been arrested. By contrast, the accumulated number of COVID-19 patients is around 2,400.
— Prachatai English
PM Prayut urges ASEAN’s joint efforts to fight Covid-19
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha this morning called on ASEAN countries to mobilize the energies and efforts of all sectors to jointly fight the novel coronavirus which is ravaging more than half of the countries in the world.
— Thai PBS News
Country fast running out of drugs for chronic diseases
The Pharmaceutical Council has asked the government to build up its reserves of medicines for chronic conditions because it is expecting severe shortages within a month.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
S&P downgrades Thailand’s sovereign rating outlook
S&P Global Ratings has revised its outlook on Thailand to stable from positive on Covid-9 uncertainty, with a possible downgrade given persistently sluggish economic recovery.
— Bangkok Post
Chonburi Governor releases new order opening home electronic and appliance stores, provides possible glimpse of future
The Chonburi Governor released several new orders this evening loosening some restrictions and possibly giving a glimpse into the future for the province.
— The Pattaya News
Virus outbreak adds to hardship for Chaiyaphum land rights defender
It is estimated that at least 6.5 million people across Thailand will be out of work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Isaan Record
Man caught for selling fake medical certificates
A young man selling online fake medical certificates, including for Covid-19, has been arrested in Lat Phrao district, Bangkok.
— Bangkok Post
Dusit closing all owned hotels in Thailand
Dusit Thani Public Company Limited is closing all seven of its owned hotels across Thailand.
— TravelMole
8,000 inmates released to ease risk
The Department of Corrections has suspended jail sentences for more than 8,000 inmates nationwide to ease overcrowding in prisons during the Covid-19 pandemic.
— Bangkok Post
AoT, already struggling, deny investing in faltering Thai Airways
“We’ve got enough problems of our own.” Airports of Thailand is denying claims that it is interested in acquiring a stake in the financially floundering flag carrier Thai Airways, saying that they too are struggling with the sharp drop in revenue after airlines and airport shutdowns related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
— The Thaiger
Registration of businesses goes online to cut virus risk
The Department of Business Development is shifting business certification and juristic person registration services online to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection, according to its director-general, Vuttikrai Leewiraphan.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
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GHB offers interest-free 4-month mortgage payments break
The Government Housing Bank (GH Bank) is waiving accumulated interests from the 4-month break for eligible clients, as several financial institutions are offering their customers special programs to alleviate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Newsline (video)
U.S DEA and Thailand Take Down Drug Trafficking Networks
The US Consulate in Chiang Mai has reported the U.S. DEA assisted the Thai Government in a large-scale operation to take down 5 drug trafficking networks with money laundering operations worth over 3 billion baht.
— Chiang Rai Times
PM pushes Asean fund for virus tests, protective gear
Southeast Asian nations plan to discuss forming a joint fund to combat the coronavirus pandemic with China, Japan and South Korea during a virtual summit on Tuesday, according to a Thai official.
— Bangkok Post
300 more Thais to come home from South Korea
According to the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), about 300 Thai citizens will return to the Kingdom from South Korea on April 14th and 15th.
— Newsline (video)
Thailand inter-province travel during curfew restricted to seven groups
According to the third clause of the Emergency Decree issued on April 10, 2020, there are seven groups of people who can travel during the curfew from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m.
— Pattaya Mail
Storms continue, 800 homes damaged
Summer storms that have damaged more than 800 houses in nine provinces of upper Thailand were were forecast to continue on Tuesday.
— Bangkok Post
Phuket Governor holds to April 30 deadline to ‘end COVID spread’
Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana today (Apr 14) maintained his goal of ending the spread of COVID in Phuket by April 30.
— The Phuket News
Thailand Confronts its Triple Disaster in 2020
This year was always going to be a tough one for Thailand, with the government led by Prayut Chan-o-cha trying to manage continuing political and economic challenges following last year’s contentious elections as well as rising domestic discontent that has rocked the country.
— The Diplomat
Blinds : even harder to find masks and hand gels
The Thailand Association of the Blind is requesting face masks and hand sanitizer donations to support people with visual impairment across the country, as the demand for these items rose exponentially due to COVID-19.
— Newsline (video)
People make merit to celebrate Songkran
Residents are seen observing the Songkran celebration by offering alms to Buddhist monks and making merits, as temples are adhering social distancing measures, which are being placed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
— Newsline (video)
UN stands with Thailand for inclusive response
Thailand has shown resiliency in recent weeks as government and civil society comes together in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
— Bangkok Post
Finance Ministry clarifies 5,000-baht monthly cash handout issue
The Ministry of Finance has reportedly handed out the government’s COVID-19 financial aid of 5,000 baht a month to about 1.6 million workers nationwide.
— Newsline (video)
Covid-19 ceasefire unlikely to hasten peace in Thailand’s south
The main insurgent group in Thailand’s south is stopping attacks to allow a stronger response to Covid-19 in the area.
— The Interpreter
Government intensifies drought mitigation operations in east Thailand
Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, chairing the National Water Command (NWC) has assessed the latest development of drought mitigation and water management projects in the Chao Phraya River Basin and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), including a video conference at the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) with related agencies.
— Pattaya Mail
Thai hospital uses computed tomography chest scan to detect COVID-19
The Ministry of a Digital Economy and Society and a private firm have provided an artificial intelligence (AI) imaging solution that uses a computed tomography (CT) chest scan to detect the presence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to Siriraj Hospital.
— Pattaya Mail
Bangkok Land chairman Anant dies aged 80
The owner of the giant Muang Thong Thani estate, Anant Kanjanapas, has died of natural causes at the age of 80 years, the company announced.
— Bangkok Post
Thailand develops COVID boxes to protect health workers
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) of Thailand is turning the TOT Public Company’s phone booths into coronavirus test kiosks to ward off infection risks among health care workers and address the shortage of personal protective equipment.
— Vietnamplus
Insta-star wars: China tensions in Southeast Asia flare online
Social media anger from Chinese nationalists over a Thai internet model’s comments has set off a regional storm uniting pro-democracy campaigners against pro-Beijing cyber-warriors, with insults and mocking memes flying back and forth.
— The Express Tribune
Hospitals, police get Chinese shipment of protective equipment
A shipment of personal protective equipment (PPE) imported from China to relieve shortages in Thai hospitals has been given the stamp of approval by a high-ranking police officer.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Chon Buri MP: Covid-19 suspects to get Bt4,200 for quarantine
Chon Buri MP Suchart Chomklin of the Palang Pracharat Party said those suspected of contracting Covid-19 in his area and who undergo quarantine in specified places will be paid Bt4,200 for 14 days of isolation.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
BOI Shores Up Medical Investment to Ease Impact From COVID-19
Thailand’s Board of Investment of (BOI) on Monday approved more measures to soften the impact of COVID-19 on businesses, including steps to encourage rapid investment in the manufacturing of medical equipment.
— Khaosod English
Restrictions can be lifted, but very gradually, experts say
Experts suggest that restrictions can be eased in some areas, provided it is not done all at once and everywhere.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Learning TV tests to commence soon
Education Minister Nataphol Teepsuwan has said learning via satellite television may be the best method to teach students while schools are closed amid the Covid-19 outbreak as the ministry prepares to commence broadcast tests.
— Bangkok Post
Six new Covid-19 cases in Nakhon Si Thammarat, one dead
Nakhon Si Thammarat Siriphat Phatthakun said on Tuesday (April 14) that six new Covid-19 patients, one of whom has succumbed to the virus, have been found in Bang Khan district.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
The road back to ‘normal’ – when can we get back to work?
At one stage we didn’t know a new coronavirus was about to emerge. Then we started hearing stories out of China about a mysterious pneumonia-like disease in the first week of 2020.
— The Thaiger
Virus-stricken actor congratulates Lumpini boxing co-host on recovery
Actor Matthew “Deane” Chanthavanij has congratulated his co-host at last month’s Lumpini Boxing Stadium event after he recovered from the Covid-19 virus he contracted along with others who attended the March 6 event.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Myanmar man self-immolates after losing job
Police said a man from Myanmar committed suicide by setting himself on fire in Suphanburi province today (April 14) after losing his job.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Bangkok temple offering Songkran relief amid contagion
The popular Wat Samian Nari in Bangkokâs Chatuchak district has taken measures to cut the risk of Covid-19 infection during this week’s Songkran festival.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Failed applicants for cash handouts rally at Finance Ministry
About 100 people converged in front of Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana’s office building today to demand an explanation as to why their claims for the 5,000 baht/month cash hardship subsidy were rejected.
— Thai PBS News
Mass-testing vs contact tracing in Thailand
Yesterday, the Thai government announced that contact tracing (identification of high risk personnel) is the most valid and effective method for battling the Covid-19 outbreak around the country.
— The Thaiger
MRT to recompense park-and-ride users
Customers with monthly passes for park-and-ride car parks at MRT stations will be refunded all days from March 26 onwards once restrictions to contain the pandemic have been lifted, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) announced on Tuesday (April 14).
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
52 universities reducing tuition fees
Fifty-two universities are reducing tuition fees to help students amid the Covid-19 crisis, said Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Suwit Mesinsee.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Storms rip through houses in nine provinces
Songkran storms sweeping the country left a trail of destruction across upper Thailand, with a total of 826 houses in nine provinces devastated by high winds and rain.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Merchant sets fire to fish baskets after being denied Bt5,000 handout
A merchant burnt all his fish baskets after the www.เราไม่�–ิ้งกัน.com website refused to give him Bt5,000 under a government handout scheme due to a technical error.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
IDC: Sales shrink for smartphones
Local smartphone sales are likely to contract up to 20% if the coronavirus outbreak drags on until the third quarter of this year, says IDC Thailand, the local operating unit of global IT research firm IDC.
— Bangkok Post
Street team helps recruit people for proactive Covid-19 testing in Pattaya
Pattaya City has launched a random testing campaign for high risk groups across Pattaya coinciding with the upcoming city closure restrictions on Thursday to prevent the potential spread of the COVID – 19 Coronavirus.
— The Pattaya News
Govt creates jobs for 300 informal workers left unemployed
The Department of Employment (DOE) will recruit 300 informal workers who have lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 outbreak for 45 days at a daily wage of Bt300. These people will be hired as staff assistants.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
A golden moment for Thailand’s gold sellers
Today, dozens of Bangkok citizens lined up outside Yaowarat Road gold shops, creating chaos as they tried to sell off their gold ornaments and gold bars after the price gold rose by 550 baht per baht of gold (15.244 grams).
— The Thaiger
Man Defies Thai-Malaysian Border Lockdown, Swims Across
Stranded in Malaysia after the border was shut, a Thai fishery worker on Tuesday braved through the currents across the border in a bid to return to his home.
— Khaosod English
Singer Marooned in Bahrain by Virus Lockdown Pleads For Help
A Thai singer stuck in Bahrain is asking the government to let him and dozens of other Thais stuck in the country to be allowed to return to Thailand.
— Khaosod English
Grocery trucks get new life from coronavirus shutdown
Cries of Food, here comes the food, echoed through a Bangkok neighbourhood as Wannapa Yarnsarn’s truck arrived with everything from mangoes and dried chillies to fresh pork for sale.
— Bangkok Post
Yannawa construction camp catches fire
A big fire engulfed a camp of construction workers near Rama III Road in Bangkokâs Yannawa district on Tuesday (April 14). There were no casualties.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
How Stringent is Thai Response to COVID-19 Compared to ASEAN Neighbors?
If ASEAN countries were climbers headed for a mountain summit, one could say that they took different paths with varying degrees of steepness, all heading to the ‘peak’ that is a high level of stringency of public measures amid COVID-19.
— Khaosod English
Bangkok temple develops hygienic face mask from recycled plastics
During the nationwide closure of temples and festivities during the Songkran holiday this week, some are taking the opportunity to improve hygienic practices.
— The Thaiger
Hand-wash alcohol, gel sachets to go on sale at PTT stations
PTT Oil and Retail Business will sell bottles of hand-washing alcohol and sachets of alcohol gel from tomorrow (April 15) to May 6 at selected PTT petrol stations nationwide.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Songkhla tightens anti-virus measures despite no new cases in 11 daysÂ
Songkhla province is tightening measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 in various areas, although the number of cases has remained stable for the past eleven days.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Gov’t Recruits Meme Superstars ‘Jane, Noon, Bow’ For Its COVID-19 Song
Government media recruited a luk thung group going viral on social media to sing a morbid song with a cheery dance tune to warn people to stay at home and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
— Khaosod English
Taxi driver found dead of mysterious cause
A taxi driver was found dead in an abandoned courtyard in Samut Prakarn province on Monday (April 13). His wife said he might have contracted Covid-19.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Wild elephants guided back into sanctuary forest
Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary officials and a team of volunteers in Chachoengsao province chased 30 wild elephants back into the forest on Monday after they had a delightful time gorging themselves on farmers’ crops.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
Meat demand shrinks due to safety concerns, lack of export markets
Domestic demand for animal feed could go down by 5-10 per cent due to shrinking consumption, said Thai Feed Mill Association chairman Pornsilp Patcharintanakul.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
King Power shifts focus to online
Duty-free retail giant King Power is pivoting to e-commerce in response to the pandemic, with a new sales campaign and free shipping to attract online shoppers.
— Bangkok Post
Famous Thai Boxers give food to needy in Pattaya
Several renowned boxers came together yesterday to give food to the needy in Pattaya during the Covid-19 Coronavirus crisis.
— The Pattaya News
Swensen’s new flavor mixes green mango, fish sauce and dried shrimp
It’s peak mango season, indeed. When it comes to the popular tropical fruit staple in much of Southeast Asia, people are going crazy about it.
— Coconuts Thailand
Feature photo Baifern Suchada
This week’s Thailand morning news feature photo focuses on COVID-19 in Asean
Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).
—
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Thailand morning news for April 15 added by John Le Fevre on
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John Le Fevre
He has spent extensive periods of time working in Africa and throughout Southeast Asia, with stints in the Middle East, the USA, and England.
He has covered major world events including Operation Desert Shield/ Storm, the 1991 pillage in Zaire, the 1994 Rwanda genocide, the 1999 East Timor independence unrest, the 2004 Asian tsunami, and the 2009, 2010, and 2014 Bangkok political protests.
In 1995 he was a Walkley Award finalist, the highest awards in Australian journalism, for his coverage of the 1995 Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo) Ebola outbreak.
Prior to AEC News Today he was the deputy editor and Thailand and Greater Mekong Sub-region editor for The Establishment Post, predecessor of Asean Today.
In the mid-80s and early 90s he owned JLF Promotions, the largest above and below the line marketing and PR firm servicing the high-technology industry in Australia. It was sold in 1995.
Latest posts by John Le Fevre (see all)
- COVID-19 in Asean: update for July 26 — 16 mln case barrier breached, Vietnam records community transmission – July 26, 2020
- COVID-19 in Asean: update for July 25 — new high for daily infections, 16 mln infection barrier to break today – July 25, 2020
- COVID-19 in Asean: update for July 24 — Asean tops 230,000 cases, nudges 90,000 active – July 24, 2020
- Thailand morning news for July 24 – July 24, 2020