Bangkok's nightlife scene grapples with 'new normal'
Daily life in Thailand has largely returned to near normal, after more than three months of lockdown. Most businesses have been allowed to reopen, including those forming Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife scene. However, that doesn't mean an end to the problems faced by business owners and musicians performing in pubs.
Special thanks to United We Stream Asia and Tropic City Bar for telling us their story.
COVID-19: Thai PM Prayut apologises after imported cases spark public health scare
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has apologised to citizens for an "unnecessary public health scare" in eastern Thailand. He also acknowledged the country is letting its guard down in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns over a possible second wave grew after an Egyptian soldier who was part of a military delegation was found to have the coronavirus.
COVID-19: Thailand scrambles to contact trace after visiting Egyptian officer tests positive
Thailand is investigating several locations in Rayong province, after a 43-year-old Egyptian military officer tested positive for COVID-19. A group of foreigners, including the officer, reportedly left their quarantine facility and went to public places. This could end the country’s streak of 49 days without a local transmission. According to the government's COVID-19 taskforce, the man was part of a group of 31 men from the Egyptian military that spent three nights in Rayong. Since it was a military delegation, they were exempt from the mandatory 14 days of quarantine.
Thailand's Q1 household debt at 80% of GDP, highest in 4 years
Thailand's household debt-to-GDP, rose slightly to 80.1% in the first quarter. It is the highest level in four years. Central bank data shows the trend is likely to continue along this trajectory as COVID-19 reins in growth in Southeast Asia's second largest economy.
COVID-19: Schools across Thailand reopen after months of closure
Thailand has begun Phase 5 of easing coronavirus restrictions. After more than three months, places considered high-risk will reopen, including nightlife venues such as pubs, bars and karaoke clubs. Schools also reopened on Jul 1.
#COVID19: Thai Govt Extends State of Emergency Yet Another Month
Thailand has extended its state of emergency for yet another until July 31, 2020. This comes as the country prepares for phase 5 of reopenings.
Thailand's DPM Prawit Wongsuwan to helm ruling Palang Pracharat Party
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan is the new leader of the ruling Palang Pracharat Party. His appointment comes after prolonged infighting behind the scenes.
COVID-19: Thailand enters "fourth phase" of easing restrictions
Thailand has now lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions, as it enters its "fourth phase" of easing restrictions. This means the end of a nationwide curfew and restaurants can sell alcohol again.
Thailand to lift curfew, ease curbs on Jun 15
Thailand will remove most coronavirus restrictions next week after nearly three months in lockdown. A nationwide curfew will be lifted, while alcohol sales can resume at restaurants and hotels.
CNA Correspondent: How Thai fruit farmers turn to e-commerce to cushion pandemic hit businesses
Thais are still dealing with the economic consequences of COVID-19 pandemic, including the estimated 14 million farmers. We visit fruit farmers in Samut Sakhon and see how they have turned to e-commerce.
'Thai Chana' check-in app to curtail COVID-19 raises efficiency, privacy concerns
More than 18 million people in Thailand have been using a new platform to check-in and out of venues, a part of pre-cautionary measures as the country gradually eases its #COVID19 restrictions. But there are concern's about the platform's effectiveness and level of data protection.
Thai parliament to debate 2 trillion baht loan decrees for virus relief measures
The Thai parliament is reconvening for the first time since its recess on February 29th. They will debate on the government's three executive decrees, seeking about $61 billion in loans, to pay for COVID-19 relief.
COVID-19: Thailand extends state of emergency until June 30
Even as COVID-19 infections continue to fall, Thailand has extended a state of emergency for another month -- until June 30. The government said the emergency decree must remain, as the country prepares to restart more social and economic activities. Thailand reported three new imported COVID-19 cases on May 26. It has recorded a total of 3,045 infections and 57 deaths.
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.