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A Singaporean's guide to living in Thailand
- Thread starter Leongsam
- Start date
https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Thailand-s-foreign-retirees-see-their-good-life-slip-away
Thailand's foreign retirees see their good life slip away
Surging baht and new rules dull the country's allure for budget-minded expats
GEORGE STYLLIS, Contributing writer
March 05, 2020 14:31 JST
Pattaya has been popular with foreign expats and tourists since American servicemen flocked there during the Vietnam War. (Photo by George Styllis)
PATTAYA, Thailand -- From the mountains of Chiang Mai to the beaches of Phuket, Thailand has long been a draw for foreign retirees wishing to spend their golden years in tropical bliss. But for the many who have enjoyed paradise on the cheap, their dreams are ebbing away as the country opens up to a wealthier class of retirees.
The Thai baht rose to a six-year high against the dollar last year to become one of the world's most stable currencies. Though it has depreciated in the past two months, it is still significantly stronger compared to three or four years ago. Seen as a safe bet amid the U.S.-China trade war, the baht has caused visitor numbers to drop and hotel occupancy rates to halve.
But for those living here on fixed savings or pensions, the baht's strength has decimated their income. British expats have lost about 30% of their purchasing power following the pound's plummet in the wake of Brexit.
The financial squeeze comes amid changes to visa rules for retirees. As of February last year, foreigners must have a security deposit of 800,000 baht ($25,364) in a Thai bank account for two months prior to application or a monthly income of 65,000 baht; or a combination of the two totaling 800,000 baht.
Applicants must now also have health insurance. For someone aged 75, for example, that is a "big problem" as the premium could be as much as 100,000 baht per month, said Sebastian Brousseau, CEO of Isaan Lawyers.
The stringent regulations have caught many elderly expats used to a free and easy lifestyle off guard, with many fearing for their future. Here in Pattaya, a coastal city with a big retired community, the sense of desperation is palpable.
"Life in Pattaya has been getting worse for people ever since the economic crisis and since a few years ago," said Leng Leng, who runs Mercy Pattaya, a local Christian charity.
Two men watch the world go by in Pattaya, a coastal resort with a big foreign community that is being squeezed by a strong baht and new visa rules. (Photo by George Styllis)
Pattaya has been a haven for expats ever since American servicemen flocked here for sun and sleaze during the Vietnam War, turning a sleepy fishing village into Asia's sin city.
Gerry, a U.S. Navy veteran who declined to give his last name, first visited back then and has stayed ever since. At 83, alone and estranged from his family, Gerry has built his life here. But barely able to cover his living costs, let alone the deposit he now needs for a visa, he feels trapped, having been "out of the U.S. system" for more than 30 years.
"I'm too old and too scared to go anywhere else," he said.
Gerry does not own property here, but for those who do, a downturn in the real estate market has dashed their chances of a quick sell.
Demand for properties has waned since last year as many expats, disgruntled with Thailand's tightening immigration system, have moved to other parts of Asia, while China has imposed new controls to curb capital flight, said Jean Charles, the founder of TwoFlat Real Estate. The situation has intensified Thailand's glut, which is set to worsen with arrival numbers decimated by the new coronavirus.
Yet amid this turmoil, the country has been unflinching in its bid to capitalize on the world's aging populations, promoting Thailand, with its sunny weather and affordable health care, as a place to age with dignity.
Thailand issued almost 80,000 retirement visas in 2018, an increase of 30% from 2014, with Britons accounting for the bulk.
Research by Kasikornthai Bank estimated that in 2016, there were 68,300 foreigners over 50 years old holding long-stay visas, a 9% increase over the preceding two years.
The market's niche but lucrative potential is prompting huge investment from health care operators.
The Thonburi Healthcare Group launched Jin Well-being County in 2018, a 3.7-billion baht retirement city complete with a hospital and apartments aimed at wealthy Thais and Asians. The group plans to build a 43-hectare facility in Krabi targeting largely Westerners in the coming years, said Jin Well-being manager Ken Chen.
"It'll be more like a five-star hotel," said Chen.
At 99,000 baht per sq. meter, Jin Well-being's apartments are not cheap, but for foreigners they could help bypass some of the stringent retirement visa rules, said Chen.
Bolstering this bid for wealthy retirees, the government has been successfully promoting an elite visa scheme, with options for five-, 10- and 20-year visas ranging from 500,000 baht to 2 million baht.
A resort in Thailand. © AP
Applications among retirees jumped on average 34% between 2016 and 2019 amid record growth, after citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners Group was appointed as exclusive global concessionaire for the program.
By avoiding the need for annual renewal, the elite visas offer "longer-term certainty" for those wishing to live or invest here, along with other "bells and whistles," said Dominic Volek, Henley's Head of Southeast Asia.
The bid to lure wealthier individuals has made many here feel they are being squeezed out, said Darren Low, owner of The Sportsman pub in Pattaya.
Yet Low is hopeful that with Thai economic growth dropping to a five-year low last year and tourist arrivals forecast to drop as much as 50%, the government might look to expats to buffer the economic impact.
A positive sign came earlier this year when the government quietly dropped a revived immigration law that drew heavy criticism, days after China announced a ban on overseas tours to contain the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, relief from the baht is expected after it softened at the start of the year, following the central bank's announcement that it will relax rules on capital outflows to weaken the currency.
Yet Low has noticed many around him have already abandoned themselves to despair, drinking heavily as their once-rosy vision of Thailand turns bleak.
"People are just deteriorating," said Low.
Even if the government does throw them a lifeline, it may be too late. "It probably already is," he said.
Thailand's foreign retirees see their good life slip away
Surging baht and new rules dull the country's allure for budget-minded expats
GEORGE STYLLIS, Contributing writer
March 05, 2020 14:31 JST
Pattaya has been popular with foreign expats and tourists since American servicemen flocked there during the Vietnam War. (Photo by George Styllis)
PATTAYA, Thailand -- From the mountains of Chiang Mai to the beaches of Phuket, Thailand has long been a draw for foreign retirees wishing to spend their golden years in tropical bliss. But for the many who have enjoyed paradise on the cheap, their dreams are ebbing away as the country opens up to a wealthier class of retirees.
The Thai baht rose to a six-year high against the dollar last year to become one of the world's most stable currencies. Though it has depreciated in the past two months, it is still significantly stronger compared to three or four years ago. Seen as a safe bet amid the U.S.-China trade war, the baht has caused visitor numbers to drop and hotel occupancy rates to halve.
But for those living here on fixed savings or pensions, the baht's strength has decimated their income. British expats have lost about 30% of their purchasing power following the pound's plummet in the wake of Brexit.
The financial squeeze comes amid changes to visa rules for retirees. As of February last year, foreigners must have a security deposit of 800,000 baht ($25,364) in a Thai bank account for two months prior to application or a monthly income of 65,000 baht; or a combination of the two totaling 800,000 baht.
Applicants must now also have health insurance. For someone aged 75, for example, that is a "big problem" as the premium could be as much as 100,000 baht per month, said Sebastian Brousseau, CEO of Isaan Lawyers.
The stringent regulations have caught many elderly expats used to a free and easy lifestyle off guard, with many fearing for their future. Here in Pattaya, a coastal city with a big retired community, the sense of desperation is palpable.
"Life in Pattaya has been getting worse for people ever since the economic crisis and since a few years ago," said Leng Leng, who runs Mercy Pattaya, a local Christian charity.
Two men watch the world go by in Pattaya, a coastal resort with a big foreign community that is being squeezed by a strong baht and new visa rules. (Photo by George Styllis)
Pattaya has been a haven for expats ever since American servicemen flocked here for sun and sleaze during the Vietnam War, turning a sleepy fishing village into Asia's sin city.
Gerry, a U.S. Navy veteran who declined to give his last name, first visited back then and has stayed ever since. At 83, alone and estranged from his family, Gerry has built his life here. But barely able to cover his living costs, let alone the deposit he now needs for a visa, he feels trapped, having been "out of the U.S. system" for more than 30 years.
"I'm too old and too scared to go anywhere else," he said.
Gerry does not own property here, but for those who do, a downturn in the real estate market has dashed their chances of a quick sell.
Demand for properties has waned since last year as many expats, disgruntled with Thailand's tightening immigration system, have moved to other parts of Asia, while China has imposed new controls to curb capital flight, said Jean Charles, the founder of TwoFlat Real Estate. The situation has intensified Thailand's glut, which is set to worsen with arrival numbers decimated by the new coronavirus.
Yet amid this turmoil, the country has been unflinching in its bid to capitalize on the world's aging populations, promoting Thailand, with its sunny weather and affordable health care, as a place to age with dignity.
Thailand issued almost 80,000 retirement visas in 2018, an increase of 30% from 2014, with Britons accounting for the bulk.
Research by Kasikornthai Bank estimated that in 2016, there were 68,300 foreigners over 50 years old holding long-stay visas, a 9% increase over the preceding two years.
The market's niche but lucrative potential is prompting huge investment from health care operators.
The Thonburi Healthcare Group launched Jin Well-being County in 2018, a 3.7-billion baht retirement city complete with a hospital and apartments aimed at wealthy Thais and Asians. The group plans to build a 43-hectare facility in Krabi targeting largely Westerners in the coming years, said Jin Well-being manager Ken Chen.
"It'll be more like a five-star hotel," said Chen.
At 99,000 baht per sq. meter, Jin Well-being's apartments are not cheap, but for foreigners they could help bypass some of the stringent retirement visa rules, said Chen.
Bolstering this bid for wealthy retirees, the government has been successfully promoting an elite visa scheme, with options for five-, 10- and 20-year visas ranging from 500,000 baht to 2 million baht.
A resort in Thailand. © AP
Applications among retirees jumped on average 34% between 2016 and 2019 amid record growth, after citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners Group was appointed as exclusive global concessionaire for the program.
By avoiding the need for annual renewal, the elite visas offer "longer-term certainty" for those wishing to live or invest here, along with other "bells and whistles," said Dominic Volek, Henley's Head of Southeast Asia.
The bid to lure wealthier individuals has made many here feel they are being squeezed out, said Darren Low, owner of The Sportsman pub in Pattaya.
Yet Low is hopeful that with Thai economic growth dropping to a five-year low last year and tourist arrivals forecast to drop as much as 50%, the government might look to expats to buffer the economic impact.
A positive sign came earlier this year when the government quietly dropped a revived immigration law that drew heavy criticism, days after China announced a ban on overseas tours to contain the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, relief from the baht is expected after it softened at the start of the year, following the central bank's announcement that it will relax rules on capital outflows to weaken the currency.
Yet Low has noticed many around him have already abandoned themselves to despair, drinking heavily as their once-rosy vision of Thailand turns bleak.
"People are just deteriorating," said Low.
Even if the government does throw them a lifeline, it may be too late. "It probably already is," he said.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/1874109/transgender-queen-crowned-in-pattaya
Transgender queen crowned in Pattaya
PATTAYA: After temperature checks for contestants and with a smaller crowd than last year because of coronavirus fears, Mexico's Valentina Fluchaire was crowned in Thailand as winner of what is billed as the world's biggest transgender pageant on Saturday.
Although Miss International Queen 2020 went ahead, unlike many events cancelled around the world since the coronavirus outbreak emerged in China, the crowd was markedly smaller than in previous years, with many empty seats.
Organisers had advised anyone who felt unwell not to attend. To allay worries, the entire venue in the seaside resort city of Pattaya was disinfected the day before the event by staff in protective suits.
The contestants all had their temperatures taken with hand scanners before being allowed to go on stage in national costumes, swimsuits and glamorous evening gowns.
Fluchaire hailed her victory as a win for all trans-women in Latin America.
"This is for you, I made this for you," she said.
The second and third place went to contestants Ariella Moura from Brazil and Ruethaipreeya Buanglee from Thailand.
Thailand was the first country outside China to record an infection with the new coronavirus, but with only 50 cases recorded so far, it is no longer even in the 20 worst affected countries.
With the infection rate slowing in China too, the Chinese contestant hailed efforts to stop the spread of the virus there.
"I'm so proud of my country. It's like a lesson for everyone, for the earth, we can get through it," said the contestant, who gave her name just as Lacey to conceal her identity because of prejudice.
The annual pageant the pageant was in its 15th year. Thailand has built a reputation as a place with a relaxed attitude towards gender and sexual diversity since homosexuality was decriminalised there in 1956.
But activists say LGBT+ people face discrimination and stigma in schools, the workplace and health facilities, and are often rejected by their families.
Transgender queen crowned in Pattaya
PATTAYA: After temperature checks for contestants and with a smaller crowd than last year because of coronavirus fears, Mexico's Valentina Fluchaire was crowned in Thailand as winner of what is billed as the world's biggest transgender pageant on Saturday.
Although Miss International Queen 2020 went ahead, unlike many events cancelled around the world since the coronavirus outbreak emerged in China, the crowd was markedly smaller than in previous years, with many empty seats.
Organisers had advised anyone who felt unwell not to attend. To allay worries, the entire venue in the seaside resort city of Pattaya was disinfected the day before the event by staff in protective suits.
The contestants all had their temperatures taken with hand scanners before being allowed to go on stage in national costumes, swimsuits and glamorous evening gowns.
Fluchaire hailed her victory as a win for all trans-women in Latin America.
"This is for you, I made this for you," she said.
The second and third place went to contestants Ariella Moura from Brazil and Ruethaipreeya Buanglee from Thailand.
Thailand was the first country outside China to record an infection with the new coronavirus, but with only 50 cases recorded so far, it is no longer even in the 20 worst affected countries.
With the infection rate slowing in China too, the Chinese contestant hailed efforts to stop the spread of the virus there.
"I'm so proud of my country. It's like a lesson for everyone, for the earth, we can get through it," said the contestant, who gave her name just as Lacey to conceal her identity because of prejudice.
The annual pageant the pageant was in its 15th year. Thailand has built a reputation as a place with a relaxed attitude towards gender and sexual diversity since homosexuality was decriminalised there in 1956.
But activists say LGBT+ people face discrimination and stigma in schools, the workplace and health facilities, and are often rejected by their families.
Yesterday my Thai friend made some tempeh for me it so delicious eating them raw,
Organic black soya bean tempeh
Organic chickpea tempeh
Both the above is super delicious raw.
Cooked chicken curry and put some tempeh inside is also very delicious
Organic black soya bean tempeh
Organic chickpea tempeh
Both the above is super delicious raw.
Cooked chicken curry and put some tempeh inside is also very delicious
Travel alert -travellers from 6 countries need medical clearance
Govt ramps up Covid-19 measures
Medical certificate needed before flying
Bangkok Post 10 MAR 2020 AT 05:00
An official looks at a computer monitor to check passengers' body temperatures with a thermal scanner upon their arrival at Suvarnabhumi airport. (Photo: Wichan Chaorenkiatpakul)
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is requiring travellers from Covid-19 infected countries and territories to produce medical certificates prior to boarding their flights to Thailand to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said on Monday the CAAT has issued an official announcement, saying travellers from South Korea, China, Italy, Iran, Macau and Hong Kong who fail to show their health certificates to authorities before boarding their flights to Thailand will not be allowed to continue their journey.
The restrictions are in line with Thailand's Communicable Diseases Act (2015), the minister said.
Upon arriving at Thai airports, they must present their health certificate along with a filled-out T8 form to disease control officials for verification, said Mr Saksayam.
According to the minister, anyone found producing fake certificates to Thai health authorities will face legal action and mandatory quarantine.
Mr Saksayam also assured that Suvarnabhumi airport, as Thailand's main international gateway, has put strict screening measures in place to help curb the spread of the disease from air travellers.
He also insisted that to date, airport officials assigned to screen passengers have not shown any fever and/or other symptoms.
Withaya Yamuang, director-general of the Marine Department, on Monday also applied similar rules to boat passengers and crews from Covid-19 affected countries and territories.
"Boat passengers and crew will be required to provide health certificates to enter Thailand, and they will also be subjected to the country's quarantine regulations," Mr Withaya said.
In addition, boat captains must submit necessary documents to disease control authorities 24 hours prior to docking, he said.
The documents include the maritime declaration of health, a list of 10 ports they had just visited, crew and passenger manifest and the results of their body temperature checks over the past week. Violators are liable to fines of between 1,000 and 10,000 baht.
As of Monday, Thai officials had confirmed 50 local cases of Covid-19. Thirty-three people have recovered, 16 patients are still in hospitals while one has died.
The latest confirmed case involves a Thai student who recently returned from Iran. Officials in Nakhon Si Thammarat have identified 157 people who came in close contact with the infected student. Their blood samples were being tested, but some of them had already left Thailand.
Another 4,518 people have been placed under observation. Of them, 2,729 has been cleared or recovered. Most of them had seasonal influenza, he said.
In another development, health authorities and local officials in Nakhon Pathom's Muang district, on Monday raided a hotel where a group of 32 Chinese tourists were staying, following tip-offs from netizens on social media which sparked worries among local residents.
After the raid, officers found that the Chinese tourists were employees of a private firm, who travelled from China's Zhejiang province. All were found to be in good health.
Govt ramps up Covid-19 measures
Medical certificate needed before flying
Bangkok Post 10 MAR 2020 AT 05:00
An official looks at a computer monitor to check passengers' body temperatures with a thermal scanner upon their arrival at Suvarnabhumi airport. (Photo: Wichan Chaorenkiatpakul)
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is requiring travellers from Covid-19 infected countries and territories to produce medical certificates prior to boarding their flights to Thailand to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said on Monday the CAAT has issued an official announcement, saying travellers from South Korea, China, Italy, Iran, Macau and Hong Kong who fail to show their health certificates to authorities before boarding their flights to Thailand will not be allowed to continue their journey.
The restrictions are in line with Thailand's Communicable Diseases Act (2015), the minister said.
Upon arriving at Thai airports, they must present their health certificate along with a filled-out T8 form to disease control officials for verification, said Mr Saksayam.
According to the minister, anyone found producing fake certificates to Thai health authorities will face legal action and mandatory quarantine.
Mr Saksayam also assured that Suvarnabhumi airport, as Thailand's main international gateway, has put strict screening measures in place to help curb the spread of the disease from air travellers.
He also insisted that to date, airport officials assigned to screen passengers have not shown any fever and/or other symptoms.
Withaya Yamuang, director-general of the Marine Department, on Monday also applied similar rules to boat passengers and crews from Covid-19 affected countries and territories.
"Boat passengers and crew will be required to provide health certificates to enter Thailand, and they will also be subjected to the country's quarantine regulations," Mr Withaya said.
In addition, boat captains must submit necessary documents to disease control authorities 24 hours prior to docking, he said.
The documents include the maritime declaration of health, a list of 10 ports they had just visited, crew and passenger manifest and the results of their body temperature checks over the past week. Violators are liable to fines of between 1,000 and 10,000 baht.
As of Monday, Thai officials had confirmed 50 local cases of Covid-19. Thirty-three people have recovered, 16 patients are still in hospitals while one has died.
The latest confirmed case involves a Thai student who recently returned from Iran. Officials in Nakhon Si Thammarat have identified 157 people who came in close contact with the infected student. Their blood samples were being tested, but some of them had already left Thailand.
Another 4,518 people have been placed under observation. Of them, 2,729 has been cleared or recovered. Most of them had seasonal influenza, he said.
In another development, health authorities and local officials in Nakhon Pathom's Muang district, on Monday raided a hotel where a group of 32 Chinese tourists were staying, following tip-offs from netizens on social media which sparked worries among local residents.
After the raid, officers found that the Chinese tourists were employees of a private firm, who travelled from China's Zhejiang province. All were found to be in good health.
Suvarnabhumi Airport arrivals dive
National
Mar 10. 2020
By The Nation
The arrival zone at Suvarnabhumi Airport is nearly empty today (March 10) as the number of passengers from other countries has plummeted due to worries over the spreading Covid-19 coronavirus.
And it's not just foreigners: many Thai tourists have also decided not to travel to public places with crowds.
The situation has seriously affected the economy and tourism.
National
Mar 10. 2020
By The Nation
The arrival zone at Suvarnabhumi Airport is nearly empty today (March 10) as the number of passengers from other countries has plummeted due to worries over the spreading Covid-19 coronavirus.
The situation has seriously affected the economy and tourism.
Yet another confusing announcement? How do you expect arrivals (and immigration staff) to cope with new app requirement?
Isn't this doubling up on existing immigration papers?
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30383878?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral
Info via AOT app required from inbound passengers at airports
National
Mar 11. 2020
The measure is to reassure both Thais and foreign travellers that Thailand is well equipped to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak,
say minister Puttipong
By THE NATION
Starting from tomorrow (March 12 ), all foreign tourists arriving at all international airports in Thailand will be required to download an AOT Airports application onto their mobile phones as a measure to contain the spread Covid-19 in the country.
The requirement also applies to Thai returnees from high risk countries.
The measure was agreed at a meeting of the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, the Immigration Bureau, the Department of Disease Control, Airports of Thailand and five telecom operators.
Once the app is downloaded, they will have to fill in the required information - name, surname, passport ID , mobile phone number, e-mail address and present them to the immigration officials on duty . The information will be stored for 14 days after arrival.
In the case of a virus-infected person, the information given will enable related state agencies to follow protocols.
The state agencies will also be able to trace and inform passengers on the same flight as the infected individual.
Digital Economy Minister Puttipong Punnakanta said the measure was meant to reassure both Thais and foreign travellers of Thailand's readiness in tackling the Covid-19 outbreak.
Isn't this doubling up on existing immigration papers?
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30383878?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral
Info via AOT app required from inbound passengers at airports
National
Mar 11. 2020
The measure is to reassure both Thais and foreign travellers that Thailand is well equipped to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak,
say minister Puttipong
By THE NATION
Starting from tomorrow (March 12 ), all foreign tourists arriving at all international airports in Thailand will be required to download an AOT Airports application onto their mobile phones as a measure to contain the spread Covid-19 in the country.
The requirement also applies to Thai returnees from high risk countries.
The measure was agreed at a meeting of the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, the Immigration Bureau, the Department of Disease Control, Airports of Thailand and five telecom operators.
Once the app is downloaded, they will have to fill in the required information - name, surname, passport ID , mobile phone number, e-mail address and present them to the immigration officials on duty . The information will be stored for 14 days after arrival.
In the case of a virus-infected person, the information given will enable related state agencies to follow protocols.
The state agencies will also be able to trace and inform passengers on the same flight as the infected individual.
Digital Economy Minister Puttipong Punnakanta said the measure was meant to reassure both Thais and foreign travellers of Thailand's readiness in tackling the Covid-19 outbreak.
Wedding party sees virus infections jump to 70
National
Mar 12. 2020
By The Nation
The number of confirmed Covid-19 infections in Thailand leapt from 59 on Wednesday (March 11) to 70 on Thursday thanks to a wedding where the contagion spread.
Eleven Thais were infected through close contact with a single mutual friend, a Hong Kong visitor who arrived in Thailand on February 21 and by February 25 had a high fever and was shivering and coughing but continued to socialise, Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Sukhum Karnchanapimai reported.
The Thais and their friend, all attending a wedding, shared personal utensils, drank alcohol from the same glasses and even shared cigarettes.
Family, friends and other guests at the wedding were advised to undergo tests. All who have done so thus far have tested negative.
Sukhum said the current tally was 70 confirmed infections, 35 discharged, 34 still under medical care, and one death.
Among the victims most recently discharged was a woman who had visited Japan with her husband. The condition of the husband and their granddaughter, who they infected on their return, is improving.
Sukhum reiterated that visitors from high-risk locales must be quarantined for 14 days in a hotel or a government facility. Thais returning from such locales can be quarantined at home or a designated facility under medical and state observation.
He said the ministry expects to have ready by next week a test kit that can swiftly indicate infection. Hospitals upcountry will meanwhile be able to run tests that promise to enhance in-country disease detection two- or threefold.
The World Health Organisation on Wednesday declared the Covid-19 outbreak a pandemic, citing more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries and territories and 4,291 deaths.
National
Mar 12. 2020
By The Nation
The number of confirmed Covid-19 infections in Thailand leapt from 59 on Wednesday (March 11) to 70 on Thursday thanks to a wedding where the contagion spread.
Eleven Thais were infected through close contact with a single mutual friend, a Hong Kong visitor who arrived in Thailand on February 21 and by February 25 had a high fever and was shivering and coughing but continued to socialise, Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Sukhum Karnchanapimai reported.
The Thais and their friend, all attending a wedding, shared personal utensils, drank alcohol from the same glasses and even shared cigarettes.
Family, friends and other guests at the wedding were advised to undergo tests. All who have done so thus far have tested negative.
Sukhum said the current tally was 70 confirmed infections, 35 discharged, 34 still under medical care, and one death.
Among the victims most recently discharged was a woman who had visited Japan with her husband. The condition of the husband and their granddaughter, who they infected on their return, is improving.
Sukhum reiterated that visitors from high-risk locales must be quarantined for 14 days in a hotel or a government facility. Thais returning from such locales can be quarantined at home or a designated facility under medical and state observation.
He said the ministry expects to have ready by next week a test kit that can swiftly indicate infection. Hospitals upcountry will meanwhile be able to run tests that promise to enhance in-country disease detection two- or threefold.
The World Health Organisation on Wednesday declared the Covid-19 outbreak a pandemic, citing more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries and territories and 4,291 deaths.
So, I came to Khao Yai for the weekend on Friday. Found a very nice restaurant for dinner known as Prime 19
Aging their own meats
Micro brewery
Cheeses
Nice decor
Great selection of wine in the cellar
Our first Ner D'avola
Melon parmaham to start
Thai style beef soup
Chunks of beef simply melts in your mouth
Vietnamese rice spring roll
Tomahawk, aged 45 days
The best
Aging their own meats
Micro brewery
Cheeses
Nice decor
Great selection of wine in the cellar
Our first Ner D'avola
Melon parmaham to start
Thai style beef soup
Chunks of beef simply melts in your mouth
Vietnamese rice spring roll
Tomahawk, aged 45 days
The best
Thanks to foreigners like Froggy, the Thai economy will continue to boom. Get rid of the angmos and import more Froggy-types. 
Thanks to foreigners like Froggy, the Thai economy will continue to boom. Get rid of the angmos and import more Froggy-types.
Will regret importing my type. I am loser type cannot make it in First World Swiss Standard Singapore which is why ended up in 3rd world low class corrupted country.
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