Thailand expected to extend state of emergency again as it enters race for #COVID19 vaccine
Thailand is expected to extend its emergency decree by another month until the end of June, as its cabinet convenes today. In the meantime, some COVID-19 restrictions are set to be eased further, in what the government calls the 'third phase' of reopening, beginning next month.
Thai central bank slashes key interest rate to record low
Thailand's central bank has cut its key interest rate to a record low of 0.5%. This is the third cut in 2020. The Bank of Thailand also added that a recession is highly likely. Q1 2020 GDP data showed a 1.8% year-on-year contraction -- the sharpest since late 2011, when Thailand was suffering from the flood crisis. Tourism, which accounts for roughly 11% to 12% of GDP, has been wiped out due to a ban on international arrivals that has been extended until end-June.
Thailand's Cabinet approves plan to restructure Thai Airways
A plan to restructure Thai Airways has been approved by Thailand's Cabinet. The plan replaces a previous rescue package where the airline would have sought a government-guaranteed loan. The national carrier was in trouble even before the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than S$7.5 billion of debt at the end of last year.
Thailand green lights more reopenings as COVID-19 cases continue to drop
Thailand is set to further ease restrictions, with more businesses allowed to reopen from Sunday. This comes as the country recorded zero daily new cases earlier this week. But seven new cases were reported today, all imported.
Thailand eases some restrictions, reopens selected locations
Today (Sunday, May 3) is the first day that selected businesses and venues in Thailand can reopen, after the government relaxed some of the restrictions aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19. Some locations like restaurants and parks have reopened to the public, but under strict health guidelines.
COVID-19: Thailand to reopen some businesses as new cases slow
Thailand has set a date to relax some COVID-19 restrictions. From May 3, several types of businesses, including restaurants and markets, will be allowed to reopen. This comes as the country reported new infections in the single digits for four consecutive days. However, a state of emergency remains in place.
COVID-19: Thailand extends state of emergency for another month until May 31
Thailand's state of emergency -- which had been due to expire on April 30 -- has been extended for another month, until the end of May. The country's coronavirus taskforce made the recommendation over concerns of a possible second wave of COVID-19 infections. Current restrictions, which include a curfew from 10pm to 4am, a ban on social gatherings, and limited inter-provincial travel, will remain in force. Thailand has seen a steady decline in new infections in recent days -- it reported seven new cases and two deaths on April 28.
COVID-19: Thailand expected to extend state of emergency
Thailand is expected to extend a state of emergency until the end of next month. The government task force's recommendation comes even as COVID-19 cases and deaths start to ease.
Bangkok's Fine Dining Restaurants Switch to Delivery Menu as Lockdown Goes On
It's been more than a month since restaurants had to ban diners in their businesses due to the #COVID19 pandemic. So how do these eateries, including fine dining restaurants, have to adapt their menus?
Buriram province to lift some #COVID19 restrictions ahead of national decision
My latest for CNA: The northeastern province of Buriram has announced to lift some #COVID19 related restrictions on May 1, ahead of a decision by the national government whether to extend the current state of emergency or not.
Border checkpoint between Thailand, Malaysia shuts after officer tests positive for #COVID19
The immigration checkpoint at the Sadao district of Thailand’s Songkhla province has been shut for a week after two officers tested positive for COVID-19. CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut has the details on the impact of the closure.
#COVID19: Workers in Thailand to only receive one-third of cash stimulus
Thailand is struggling to secure funding for a cash relief package promised to the public. The government had earlier pledged to give around US$150 in handouts to workers hit by COVID-19. But now, it said it is only able to pay US$50.
#COVID19: Bangkok bans alcohol sale for 10 days
The ban on all alcohol sales in the Thai capital of Bangkok starts today for 10 days. This is to curb social gatherings that could spread COVID-19. Alcohol is now banned for about 16 million people in Thailand as several others provinces have already imposed curbs. A nationwide night time curfew runs daily from 10pm to 4am. Thailand as a whole is under a state of emergency and partial lockdown through April. As of Thursday, Thailand confirmed 2,423 COVID-19 cases, with 32 fatalities. More than half the cases are in Bangkok, where a mobile testing system is being rolled out.
#COVID19: Pattaya Goes Under Lockdown
The Thai resort city Pattaya begins a lockdown today, following a rise in coronavirus infections. The lockdown starts at 2pm and will last for 21 days. The city has the most number of infections in the Chon Buri province, with 30 cases reported. Authorities will be setting up checkpoints on roads leading into Pattaya, and will only allow residents and those working there to enter.
Thailand Enters State of Emergency to Combat #COVID19 Pandemic
The Emergency Decree comes into effect today (Thursday) until April 30 in order to contain the spread of #COVID19. This is what the state of emergency means for you and what measures we can expect to come.
Thai govt to "make it harder" for travelers to arrive in Thailand
As Thailand will go under a night curfew starting today, the govt is looking into ways to "make it harder" for all air travelers - including Thais abroad - to come to the country.
Phuket closes entry, introduces curfew to fight COVID-19 spread
Phuket saw a recent spike in COVID-19 cases and to contain the spread, authorities have closed all beaches and malls, introduced partial border restrictions, as well as implemented curfews. CNA’s Saksith Saiyasombut with more details on these measures and the impact on Thailand’s tourist hotspot.
COVID-19: Thai army chief orders probe into boxing stadium cluster
The Thai army chief has ordered an inquiry into allegations that a military-run boxing stadium has ignored a government shutdown order. The venue has become one of the country's biggest clusters of COVID-19.
Thailand set to ban all travellers as it imposes state of emergency to combat COVID-19
Thailand is set to ban all travellers as it imposes a state of emergency to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is closing its doors to all but Thai citizens and foreigners with a work permit. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said emergency measures will come into force from March 26 and will last until at least until end-April. Those under five years old and over 70 have been instructed to stay home. Thailand has confirmed over 800 cases of COVID-19.
#COVID19: Thailand closes its land borders as migrant workers leave
Thailand is moving to close its land borders on Monday (March 23), to slow the spread of COVID-19. This comes after the capital and other provinces added the closure of shopping malls and other public venues to existing measures over the weekend. Thailand reported 122 new cases on Monday, bringing the total to 721.