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A Singaporean's guide to living in Thailand
- Thread starter Leongsam
- Start date
https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/...s-refuse-mandatory-covid-19-quarantine-orders
UPDATE: PM vows to track down the errant passengers. Chaos at Suvarnabhumi – VIDEO
Sean Kelly Published 14 hours ago on April 4, 2020
UPDATE: PM orders yesterday’s BKK arrivals to report to state quarantine facilities, or be arrested.
The Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has told 152 Thais who landed at Suvarnabhumi International Airport yesterday afternoon, and refused to enter the state-organised quarantine, to report themselves before 6pm tonight (Saturday) so they can start their 14 day supervised quarantine, or else.
A total of 158 Thai passengers – 103 from a Japan flight, 11 from Qatar and 44 from Singapore – arrived at the airport around 1pm on Friday. But only six of them agreed to be sent to pre-prepared locations that had been organised by government officials – a hotel in Bangkok and specially prepared facilities in Sattahip, south of Pattaya.
The remaining 152 refused to cooperate, saying they had not been informed about the situation in advance, demanding to be allowed to return to their homes.
A spokesperson say that “the government had their personal information and could track them down”, warning about legal action. He also urged people they meet in the meantime to self-isolate for 14 days.
A meeting late this morning of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration decided to track down the rest of the passengers and force them to go to the special quarantine hotel.
Of course, throughout all this debacle, and the rounding up of these errant passengers, more people will potentially be exposed to the virus if any of the passengers happened to be infected.
Many of the passengers protested vehemently that they had not been properly informed. The situation was made worse for some later arrivals when they weren’t allowed to leave the airport after 10pm, the start time of the new national curfew.
As a result of yesterday’s mess, the Civil Aviation Authority announced a few hours later a ban of all international passenger arrivals until Monday night to prevent further confusion and miscommunication. Meanwhile hundreds of foreigners, booked onto flights to return to their countries over the weekend and Monday, are again stranded because their flights can’t land. More than 3,500 people are thought to be affected, causing more headaches and stress for authorities, airlines, and the families and friends of the passengers.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Hundreds of Thai citizens refused mandatory Covid-19 quarantine orders at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport after returning from abroad last night. Flights from the US and Japan carrying Thai nationals landed at the Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday, as citizens were returning home on emergency flights to be with family during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Many were unaware of the strict government emergency measures introduced on Thursday demanding all arrivals to be quarantined for 14 days and having to submit government health checks. Arrivals who landed after the 10pm curfew were also prohibited them from leaving the airport. The typical means of returning home – taxis, buses, airport link – were all banned from picking up passengers and violators faced up to two years in prison if they left the airport.
The new rules erupted into chaos in the arrivals area near the baggage claim. Some passengers, according to Thai Media Agency, allegedly tried to run past airport security and health care workers.
Passengers who expected to return home were confronted by officers who told them they would need to go to a quarantine facility for 14 days. An officer said, “taking orders from the government and the rules must be adhered to for the safety of the public”.
Thailand currently bans non-residents from entering the country under the current emergency situation, but Thai nationals are allowed to return if they have a letter from the Embassy and a ‘ fit to fly ‘ certificate before boarding.
With regard to the 14 day quarantine on arrival, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha said, “Related agencies will coordinate with Thai embassies to ensure all Thais returning home will be quarantined and get proper medical checks.”
Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said the new measures started this week and would continue until April 15.
UPDATE: PM vows to track down the errant passengers. Chaos at Suvarnabhumi – VIDEO
Sean Kelly Published 14 hours ago on April 4, 2020
UPDATE: PM orders yesterday’s BKK arrivals to report to state quarantine facilities, or be arrested.
The Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has told 152 Thais who landed at Suvarnabhumi International Airport yesterday afternoon, and refused to enter the state-organised quarantine, to report themselves before 6pm tonight (Saturday) so they can start their 14 day supervised quarantine, or else.
A total of 158 Thai passengers – 103 from a Japan flight, 11 from Qatar and 44 from Singapore – arrived at the airport around 1pm on Friday. But only six of them agreed to be sent to pre-prepared locations that had been organised by government officials – a hotel in Bangkok and specially prepared facilities in Sattahip, south of Pattaya.
The remaining 152 refused to cooperate, saying they had not been informed about the situation in advance, demanding to be allowed to return to their homes.
A spokesperson say that “the government had their personal information and could track them down”, warning about legal action. He also urged people they meet in the meantime to self-isolate for 14 days.
A meeting late this morning of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration decided to track down the rest of the passengers and force them to go to the special quarantine hotel.
Of course, throughout all this debacle, and the rounding up of these errant passengers, more people will potentially be exposed to the virus if any of the passengers happened to be infected.
Many of the passengers protested vehemently that they had not been properly informed. The situation was made worse for some later arrivals when they weren’t allowed to leave the airport after 10pm, the start time of the new national curfew.
As a result of yesterday’s mess, the Civil Aviation Authority announced a few hours later a ban of all international passenger arrivals until Monday night to prevent further confusion and miscommunication. Meanwhile hundreds of foreigners, booked onto flights to return to their countries over the weekend and Monday, are again stranded because their flights can’t land. More than 3,500 people are thought to be affected, causing more headaches and stress for authorities, airlines, and the families and friends of the passengers.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Hundreds of Thai citizens refused mandatory Covid-19 quarantine orders at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport after returning from abroad last night. Flights from the US and Japan carrying Thai nationals landed at the Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday, as citizens were returning home on emergency flights to be with family during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Many were unaware of the strict government emergency measures introduced on Thursday demanding all arrivals to be quarantined for 14 days and having to submit government health checks. Arrivals who landed after the 10pm curfew were also prohibited them from leaving the airport. The typical means of returning home – taxis, buses, airport link – were all banned from picking up passengers and violators faced up to two years in prison if they left the airport.
The new rules erupted into chaos in the arrivals area near the baggage claim. Some passengers, according to Thai Media Agency, allegedly tried to run past airport security and health care workers.
Passengers who expected to return home were confronted by officers who told them they would need to go to a quarantine facility for 14 days. An officer said, “taking orders from the government and the rules must be adhered to for the safety of the public”.
Thailand currently bans non-residents from entering the country under the current emergency situation, but Thai nationals are allowed to return if they have a letter from the Embassy and a ‘ fit to fly ‘ certificate before boarding.
With regard to the 14 day quarantine on arrival, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha said, “Related agencies will coordinate with Thai embassies to ensure all Thais returning home will be quarantined and get proper medical checks.”
Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said the new measures started this week and would continue until April 15.
Immigration Bureau pursues visa relief for foreigners
New raft of proposals intended to help countless tourists stranded by Covid-19 pandemic
Bangkok Post PUBLISHED : 6 APR 2020 AT 05:03
Foreigners queue in long lines at the Immigration Bureau's office in Chaeng Watthana. Varuth Hirunyatheb
The Immigration Bureau (IB) plans to seek cabinet approval for a new raft of measures for three different categories of foreigners in Thailand affected by the Covid-19 crisis.
The proposal will be submitted to the cabinet for approval in the coming week, said Pol Lt Gen Sompong Chingduang, chief of the IB.
The proposal was drafted in line with an order by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who has expressed concerns about foreigners who have been left stranded in Thailand after many airlines stopped operating and countries imposed lockdowns, said Pol Lt Gen Sompong.
The foreigners are now divided into three groups: Foreigners with resident visas who normally reside in Thailand but cannot return to Thailand due to the Covid-19 crisis; foreign tourists who are unable to depart Thailand due to the crisis; and visitors from neighbouring countries who hold a temporary border pass and got stuck in Thailand after the borders were shut, he said.
Foreigners in the first group are normally required to return to Thailand within a year of their departure and since they might not be able to re-enter the country in time, the IB will propose extending their compulsory return deadline until after the pandemic subsides, he said.
The extension of the return period would not affect any immigration rights and benefits they usually receive when strictly following the one-year return period requirement, he added.
However, they are advised to return to Thailand as soon as they can after the pandemic subsides.
For foreign tourists in the second group who reported to immigration authorities for a 30-day extension after their visas expired on March 26 or thereafter, their visas will be automatically renewed every 30 days until the pandemic subsides, said Pol Lt Gen Sompong.
"Under the government's social distancing policy, these tourists will no longer have to visit the immigration bureau and risk contracting the virus in a crowd," he said.
This proposed measure, however, won't apply to those foreigners who are working and/or have a family in Thailand. They will still be required to report to immigration authorities regularly, he said.
For visitors from neighbouring countries in the third group, they will be allowed to stay in Thailand until the borders are re-opened, said Pol Lt Gen Sompong, adding they will be required to leave Thailand within seven days after the borders reopen.
The authority to re-open any border lies with the relevant provincial governor, he said.
Other foreigners who are now in Thailand and affected by the Covid-19 crisis, but aren't covered in the above three categories are advised to adhere to the usual laws, he said.
Earlier last month, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said there were some 500,000 tourists who would end up overstaying their visas now that countries in Europe have started sealing their borders to deal with Covid-19, preventing entry to their own citizens.
Most of the remaining tourists are long-stay elderly travellers from Germany, Italy and Russia who spend their winters here, said the minister.
They came to Thailand before the virus hit their hometowns and decided not to return home, fearing they would not receive sufficient healthcare in their countries during these trying times but are now left with few options, said Pol Lt Gen Sompong.
New raft of proposals intended to help countless tourists stranded by Covid-19 pandemic
Bangkok Post PUBLISHED : 6 APR 2020 AT 05:03
Foreigners queue in long lines at the Immigration Bureau's office in Chaeng Watthana. Varuth Hirunyatheb
The Immigration Bureau (IB) plans to seek cabinet approval for a new raft of measures for three different categories of foreigners in Thailand affected by the Covid-19 crisis.
The proposal will be submitted to the cabinet for approval in the coming week, said Pol Lt Gen Sompong Chingduang, chief of the IB.
The proposal was drafted in line with an order by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who has expressed concerns about foreigners who have been left stranded in Thailand after many airlines stopped operating and countries imposed lockdowns, said Pol Lt Gen Sompong.
The foreigners are now divided into three groups: Foreigners with resident visas who normally reside in Thailand but cannot return to Thailand due to the Covid-19 crisis; foreign tourists who are unable to depart Thailand due to the crisis; and visitors from neighbouring countries who hold a temporary border pass and got stuck in Thailand after the borders were shut, he said.
Foreigners in the first group are normally required to return to Thailand within a year of their departure and since they might not be able to re-enter the country in time, the IB will propose extending their compulsory return deadline until after the pandemic subsides, he said.
The extension of the return period would not affect any immigration rights and benefits they usually receive when strictly following the one-year return period requirement, he added.
However, they are advised to return to Thailand as soon as they can after the pandemic subsides.
For foreign tourists in the second group who reported to immigration authorities for a 30-day extension after their visas expired on March 26 or thereafter, their visas will be automatically renewed every 30 days until the pandemic subsides, said Pol Lt Gen Sompong.
"Under the government's social distancing policy, these tourists will no longer have to visit the immigration bureau and risk contracting the virus in a crowd," he said.
This proposed measure, however, won't apply to those foreigners who are working and/or have a family in Thailand. They will still be required to report to immigration authorities regularly, he said.
For visitors from neighbouring countries in the third group, they will be allowed to stay in Thailand until the borders are re-opened, said Pol Lt Gen Sompong, adding they will be required to leave Thailand within seven days after the borders reopen.
The authority to re-open any border lies with the relevant provincial governor, he said.
Other foreigners who are now in Thailand and affected by the Covid-19 crisis, but aren't covered in the above three categories are advised to adhere to the usual laws, he said.
Earlier last month, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said there were some 500,000 tourists who would end up overstaying their visas now that countries in Europe have started sealing their borders to deal with Covid-19, preventing entry to their own citizens.
Most of the remaining tourists are long-stay elderly travellers from Germany, Italy and Russia who spend their winters here, said the minister.
They came to Thailand before the virus hit their hometowns and decided not to return home, fearing they would not receive sufficient healthcare in their countries during these trying times but are now left with few options, said Pol Lt Gen Sompong.
Governors put on alert for tougher measures to contain Covid-19
National
Apr 05. 2020
Military joins police to enforce nationwide curfew on Saturday night. Photo taken in Bangkok by Korbphuk Phromrelha, The Nation.
By The Nation
All provincial governors have been told to brace for potential drastic measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
Interior Ministry permanent secretary Chatchai Phromlert issued on Saturday (April 5 ) an urgent order demanding all provincial governors to have action plans ready for drastic measures if the government's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration steps up efforts to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.
According to the order, all governors must be ready to do the following:
▪︎ They have to prepare a local quarantine facility, including using private property for that purpose.
▪︎They must be ready to arrange makeshift hospitals, food and beverage stockpile, points for receiving donations and open channels for communicating with people.
▪︎They have to make people better understand the need to combat the virus, such as by convincing people to stay at home and avoid any kind of travel. Local officials and local leaders have to jointly lay out action plans and do a trial run on how to implement them.
▪︎They have to make a plan to prevent hoarding of goods and enforce the law strictly.
▪︎They have to have logistics action plans to ensure the transport of goods, consumer goods, and basic necessities. ▪︎They have to designate areas to hand out food and beverages to people in villages or local communities.
According to the daily report on the Covid-19 situation, Thailand’s total number of patients rose to 2,169, with 102 new cases confirmed over a 24-hour period and three patients, including a foreigner, dying, Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said on Sunday (April 5).
Earlier, Thai authorities had indicated that if the numbers continued to rise, curfew hours may be expanded from the current 10pm to 4am.
National
Apr 05. 2020
Military joins police to enforce nationwide curfew on Saturday night. Photo taken in Bangkok by Korbphuk Phromrelha, The Nation.
By The Nation
All provincial governors have been told to brace for potential drastic measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
Interior Ministry permanent secretary Chatchai Phromlert issued on Saturday (April 5 ) an urgent order demanding all provincial governors to have action plans ready for drastic measures if the government's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration steps up efforts to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.
According to the order, all governors must be ready to do the following:
▪︎ They have to prepare a local quarantine facility, including using private property for that purpose.
▪︎They must be ready to arrange makeshift hospitals, food and beverage stockpile, points for receiving donations and open channels for communicating with people.
▪︎They have to make people better understand the need to combat the virus, such as by convincing people to stay at home and avoid any kind of travel. Local officials and local leaders have to jointly lay out action plans and do a trial run on how to implement them.
▪︎They have to make a plan to prevent hoarding of goods and enforce the law strictly.
▪︎They have to have logistics action plans to ensure the transport of goods, consumer goods, and basic necessities. ▪︎They have to designate areas to hand out food and beverages to people in villages or local communities.
According to the daily report on the Covid-19 situation, Thailand’s total number of patients rose to 2,169, with 102 new cases confirmed over a 24-hour period and three patients, including a foreigner, dying, Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said on Sunday (April 5).
Earlier, Thai authorities had indicated that if the numbers continued to rise, curfew hours may be expanded from the current 10pm to 4am.
When I see numbers going down for 2 days I get more worried because it should be going up instead. Hope its the truth.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailan...logs-51-new-coronavirus-cases-3-deaths-monday
Thailand logs 51 new coronavirus cases, 3 deaths Monday
PUBLISHED : 6 APR 2020 AT 11:45
UPDATED: 6 APR 2020 AT 13:03
Thailand has recorded 51 new confirmed coronavirus cases -- including 13 health workers -- and three additional deaths on Monday, a health official said.
Total infections in the country now stand at 2,220, with the cumulative death toll at 26.
The number of new cases was exactly half the 102 reported on Sunday, and the lowest number of new cases since March 20.
Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said the 24th death was a Thai man aged 28 who was an employee at a company in Bangkok. A colleague of his wife had earlier tested positive for the disease.
The man fell sick on March 27 with a fever, cough and sore throat. He first visited a private hospital in Bangkok and then moved to another hospital in Samut Prakan province.
On Saturday his fever rose to 39.2 degrees Celsius and his blood oxygen saturation plunged. He was moved to a private hospital in Bangkok and died late Saturday night.
The 25th death was a self-employed Thai man aged 51 who suffered from diabetes, hypertension and obesity. The man fell sick on March 28 and went to a private hospital in Bangkok with coughing, headache and muscle pain. He was admitted on April 1 for muscle pain and breathing difficulties.
He was diagnosed with severe pneumonia and tested positive for Covid-2 last Thursday. He died on Saturday.
The 26th death was a 59-year-old female vendor who suffered from diabetes. Dr Taweesin said she gambled at many locations in Bangkok and fell sick on March 29.
She was admitted to a private hospital in Bangkok on April 1 with breathing difficulties, low blood oxygen and severe pneumonia. She tested positive for the disease last Thursday and died on Saturday.
“The last three deaths were of people under 60 years of age and one of them was 28 years old,” Dr Taweesin said.
He warned that people should not feel comfortable with Monday's lower number of 51 new infections because many suspected new cases are being investigated could be confirmed later.
The 2,220 local cases were reported in 66 provinces. That number includes 793 people who recovered and were discharged from hospitals.
Bangkok recorded the largest number of cases, 1,051, followed by 143 in Nonthaburi, 135 in Phuket, 103 in Samut Prakan, 66 in Chon Buri, 54 in Yala, 46 in Pattani, 37 each in Chiang Mai and Songkhla, and 28 in Pathum Thani.
No Covid-19 cases were reported in the 11 provinces of Ang Thong, Bung Kan, Chai Nat, Kamphaeng Phet, Nan, Phangnga, Phichit, Ranong, Satun, Singburi and Trat.
The 51 new cases included 22 people in close contact with previous patients, 13 health workers (11 at private hospitals), three attendees of religious ceremonies, three people who worked in crowded areas or in close promixity to foreigners, one returnee, one foreign visitor and one in close contact with arrivals from overseas. Seven cases were under investigation.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailan...logs-51-new-coronavirus-cases-3-deaths-monday
Thailand logs 51 new coronavirus cases, 3 deaths Monday
PUBLISHED : 6 APR 2020 AT 11:45
UPDATED: 6 APR 2020 AT 13:03
Thailand has recorded 51 new confirmed coronavirus cases -- including 13 health workers -- and three additional deaths on Monday, a health official said.
Total infections in the country now stand at 2,220, with the cumulative death toll at 26.
The number of new cases was exactly half the 102 reported on Sunday, and the lowest number of new cases since March 20.
Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said the 24th death was a Thai man aged 28 who was an employee at a company in Bangkok. A colleague of his wife had earlier tested positive for the disease.
The man fell sick on March 27 with a fever, cough and sore throat. He first visited a private hospital in Bangkok and then moved to another hospital in Samut Prakan province.
On Saturday his fever rose to 39.2 degrees Celsius and his blood oxygen saturation plunged. He was moved to a private hospital in Bangkok and died late Saturday night.
The 25th death was a self-employed Thai man aged 51 who suffered from diabetes, hypertension and obesity. The man fell sick on March 28 and went to a private hospital in Bangkok with coughing, headache and muscle pain. He was admitted on April 1 for muscle pain and breathing difficulties.
He was diagnosed with severe pneumonia and tested positive for Covid-2 last Thursday. He died on Saturday.
The 26th death was a 59-year-old female vendor who suffered from diabetes. Dr Taweesin said she gambled at many locations in Bangkok and fell sick on March 29.
She was admitted to a private hospital in Bangkok on April 1 with breathing difficulties, low blood oxygen and severe pneumonia. She tested positive for the disease last Thursday and died on Saturday.
“The last three deaths were of people under 60 years of age and one of them was 28 years old,” Dr Taweesin said.
He warned that people should not feel comfortable with Monday's lower number of 51 new infections because many suspected new cases are being investigated could be confirmed later.
The 2,220 local cases were reported in 66 provinces. That number includes 793 people who recovered and were discharged from hospitals.
Bangkok recorded the largest number of cases, 1,051, followed by 143 in Nonthaburi, 135 in Phuket, 103 in Samut Prakan, 66 in Chon Buri, 54 in Yala, 46 in Pattani, 37 each in Chiang Mai and Songkhla, and 28 in Pathum Thani.
No Covid-19 cases were reported in the 11 provinces of Ang Thong, Bung Kan, Chai Nat, Kamphaeng Phet, Nan, Phangnga, Phichit, Ranong, Satun, Singburi and Trat.
The 51 new cases included 22 people in close contact with previous patients, 13 health workers (11 at private hospitals), three attendees of religious ceremonies, three people who worked in crowded areas or in close promixity to foreigners, one returnee, one foreign visitor and one in close contact with arrivals from overseas. Seven cases were under investigation.
Unfortunately most people here do not believe these numbers
Drunk' driver enjoys a marijuana joint at police checkpoint
National
Apr 07. 2020
By The Nation
A man stopped at a checkpoint in Chaiyaphum province last night (April 6), happily smoking marijuana in front of police officers.
The man, covered with tattoos, drove his pickup truck up to a checkpoint in Kaeng Khro district around 9pm. His behaviour told police he was allegedly under the influence of drugs.
After an interrogation, the police learned his name – Montri Thepmongkolkul, aged 33 – and took him for a fever test. However, he returned to his vehicle, pulled out a bong made from PVC pipe and casually started smoking marijuana.
He demanded that the officers take him to prison as he had prepared all the stuff he would need inside – including a cutting board for marijuana.
He subsequently sat down in his vehicle to enjoy some munchies, but it was when officers took him to a police station that he went berserk and had to be contained.
Afterward, the police found that the alcohol level in his blood exceeded the limit. He was then arrested.
National
Apr 07. 2020
By The Nation
A man stopped at a checkpoint in Chaiyaphum province last night (April 6), happily smoking marijuana in front of police officers.
The man, covered with tattoos, drove his pickup truck up to a checkpoint in Kaeng Khro district around 9pm. His behaviour told police he was allegedly under the influence of drugs.
After an interrogation, the police learned his name – Montri Thepmongkolkul, aged 33 – and took him for a fever test. However, he returned to his vehicle, pulled out a bong made from PVC pipe and casually started smoking marijuana.
He demanded that the officers take him to prison as he had prepared all the stuff he would need inside – including a cutting board for marijuana.
He subsequently sat down in his vehicle to enjoy some munchies, but it was when officers took him to a police station that he went berserk and had to be contained.
Afterward, the police found that the alcohol level in his blood exceeded the limit. He was then arrested.
Cabinet gives green light to B1.9tn stimulus
B5,000 monthly handouts extended to six months from three
Bangkok Post PUBLISHED : 7 APR 2020 AT 17:17
Wage-earners prepare for daily work in Min Buri district, Bangkok. The government on Tuesday planned to spend 1.9 trillion baht to help people and businesses affected by the virus outbreak. (Bangkok Post file photo)
The cabinet on Tuesday approved 1.9-trillion-baht spending to help people and businesses affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), including 600 billion baht for six-month cash giveaways and 500-billion-baht soft loans for small and medium-sized businesses.
The package, the third phase of the stimulus programme to shore up the economy, will be backed by three executive decrees.
The first decree will allow the government to borrow 1 trillion baht through bond issuances.
Of the amount, 600 billion baht will go to implementing health-related plans and giving financial aid to affected people. This includes the 5,000-baht monthly handouts to an estimated 9 million self-employed and laid-off people affected by the outbreak, which will be extended to six months from three previously.
The portion also includes financial aid for farmers which has yet to be announced.
Another executive decree will allow the Bank of Thailand to extend 500-billion-baht soft loans with a 2% annual interest rate to SMEs, with a credit line not more than 500 million baht each.
Commercial banks and specialised financial institutions will also give SMEs with a credit line not more than 100 million baht each a six-month debt moratorium on both principal and interest.
The other executive decree will stabilise the financial market by setting up the 400-billion-baht Corporate Bond Liquidity Stabilization Fund (BSF) in which the central bank can buy corporate bonds to keep liquidity flowing.
In addition to the three decrees, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the cabinet approved a bill on the redistribution of 3.2-trillion-baht budget to be sent it to the House and Senate for approval when Parliament reopens in early June.
He said the fiscal 2020 budget of each ministry would be trimmed and the proceeds, expected at 80-100 billion baht, would also be used for the relief.
B5,000 monthly handouts extended to six months from three
Bangkok Post PUBLISHED : 7 APR 2020 AT 17:17
Wage-earners prepare for daily work in Min Buri district, Bangkok. The government on Tuesday planned to spend 1.9 trillion baht to help people and businesses affected by the virus outbreak. (Bangkok Post file photo)
The cabinet on Tuesday approved 1.9-trillion-baht spending to help people and businesses affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), including 600 billion baht for six-month cash giveaways and 500-billion-baht soft loans for small and medium-sized businesses.
The package, the third phase of the stimulus programme to shore up the economy, will be backed by three executive decrees.
The first decree will allow the government to borrow 1 trillion baht through bond issuances.
Of the amount, 600 billion baht will go to implementing health-related plans and giving financial aid to affected people. This includes the 5,000-baht monthly handouts to an estimated 9 million self-employed and laid-off people affected by the outbreak, which will be extended to six months from three previously.
The portion also includes financial aid for farmers which has yet to be announced.
- Cheap loans, debt moratorium focus of new B1 tn stimulus
- Hotels ordered to close in Surat Thani
- Thursday: 104 more Covid patients, three deaths
Another executive decree will allow the Bank of Thailand to extend 500-billion-baht soft loans with a 2% annual interest rate to SMEs, with a credit line not more than 500 million baht each.
Commercial banks and specialised financial institutions will also give SMEs with a credit line not more than 100 million baht each a six-month debt moratorium on both principal and interest.
The other executive decree will stabilise the financial market by setting up the 400-billion-baht Corporate Bond Liquidity Stabilization Fund (BSF) in which the central bank can buy corporate bonds to keep liquidity flowing.
In addition to the three decrees, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the cabinet approved a bill on the redistribution of 3.2-trillion-baht budget to be sent it to the House and Senate for approval when Parliament reopens in early June.
He said the fiscal 2020 budget of each ministry would be trimmed and the proceeds, expected at 80-100 billion baht, would also be used for the relief.
Sawadeekarp
Hope all Thai veterans are doing well in LOS
Today is the first day of CB* in Sillypore
Some stubborn old folk already got cuffed
More laws to enforce in the next few days to discourage gatherings and stuff
LOS laws seem pretty soft on weed , can take a hit from a bong in front of police officers
* Circuit Breaker
Will never know which retard
scholar coined this term
Hope all Thai veterans are doing well in LOS
Today is the first day of CB* in Sillypore
Some stubborn old folk already got cuffed
More laws to enforce in the next few days to discourage gatherings and stuff
LOS laws seem pretty soft on weed , can take a hit from a bong in front of police officers
* Circuit Breaker
Will never know which retard
scholar coined this term 
Virus drains Thailand of 8.5 million visitors
National
Apr 08. 2020
By THE NATION
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has revealed that the number of international visitors arriving in Thailand between January and March fell by 8.54 million, or 35.3 per cent, to 15.67 million, compared to the same period last year.
The largest decline was in Chinese visitor numbers, which dropped by 59.4 per cent to around 2.4 million compared to 2019. Visitor numbers from Japan fell by 28 per cent to 1.6 million, while visits from Russia declined by 0.6 per cent to 1.19 million passengers.
The top 15 sources of travellers to Thailand were China, Japan, Russia, Singapore, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Taiwan, Cambodia, Myanmar and Indonesia.
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30385614?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral
National
Apr 08. 2020
By THE NATION
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has revealed that the number of international visitors arriving in Thailand between January and March fell by 8.54 million, or 35.3 per cent, to 15.67 million, compared to the same period last year.
The largest decline was in Chinese visitor numbers, which dropped by 59.4 per cent to around 2.4 million compared to 2019. Visitor numbers from Japan fell by 28 per cent to 1.6 million, while visits from Russia declined by 0.6 per cent to 1.19 million passengers.
The top 15 sources of travellers to Thailand were China, Japan, Russia, Singapore, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Taiwan, Cambodia, Myanmar and Indonesia.
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30385614?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral
Large number of Thai returnees from Indonesia carry Covid-19
National
Apr 08. 2020
By THE NATION
Forty-two of 76 Thais who returned from Indonesia on Monday (April 6) are Covid-19 patients, a report on Tuesday said.
Of the returnees, 22 were sent to quarantine at Southern Lak Muang Stadium in Songkhla province, including 11 suspected cases, 10 patients, and one who tested negative.
Seven returnees were sent for screening and quarantine to Seangtham Vittaya School in Narathiwat province. Five are suspected cases and two others are confirmed as infected.
In Pattani province, 13 people have been quarantined at places provided by the province. Eight are suspected cases and seven people are infected.
Amongst those who were sent to quarantine in Yala’s primary health centre, seven were infected with the virus.
The other 26 returnees have been quarantined at Songkhla Rajabhat University Satun campus, of whom16 were found with the virus.
Also, 35 LionAir staff have been quarantined in a hotel in Songkhla’s Hat Yai district. They had no suspected symptoms.
Thailand’s total number of Covid-19 patients on Wednesday (April 8) rose to 2,258, with 111 new cases confirmed over a 24-hour period while three foreigners died, Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said on Wednesday (April 8).
National
Apr 08. 2020
By THE NATION
Forty-two of 76 Thais who returned from Indonesia on Monday (April 6) are Covid-19 patients, a report on Tuesday said.
Of the returnees, 22 were sent to quarantine at Southern Lak Muang Stadium in Songkhla province, including 11 suspected cases, 10 patients, and one who tested negative.
Seven returnees were sent for screening and quarantine to Seangtham Vittaya School in Narathiwat province. Five are suspected cases and two others are confirmed as infected.
In Pattani province, 13 people have been quarantined at places provided by the province. Eight are suspected cases and seven people are infected.
Amongst those who were sent to quarantine in Yala’s primary health centre, seven were infected with the virus.
The other 26 returnees have been quarantined at Songkhla Rajabhat University Satun campus, of whom16 were found with the virus.
Also, 35 LionAir staff have been quarantined in a hotel in Songkhla’s Hat Yai district. They had no suspected symptoms.
Thailand’s total number of Covid-19 patients on Wednesday (April 8) rose to 2,258, with 111 new cases confirmed over a 24-hour period while three foreigners died, Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said on Wednesday (April 8).
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/s...d=20&cx_testVariant=cx_1&cx_artPos=0#cxrecs_s
Thailand reports 54 new coronavirus cases, 2 more deaths
Thailand has reported a total of 2,423 cases and 32 fatalities, while 940 patients have recovered and gone home since the outbreak started.PHOTO: REUTERS
BANGKOK (REUTERS) - Thailand reported 54 new coronavirus cases and 2 more deaths on Thursday (April 9), including a 74-year-old French national.
An 82-year-old Thai man also died, said a spokesman for the government's Centre for CoVID-19 Situation Administration.
The new cases include five Thais repatriated from Indonesia who had travelled to South Sulawesi province for a religious gathering last month before the event was postponed.
Thailand has reported a total of 2,423 cases and 32 fatalities, while 940 patients have recovered and gone home since the outbreak started in January.
Thailand reports 54 new coronavirus cases, 2 more deaths
Thailand has reported a total of 2,423 cases and 32 fatalities, while 940 patients have recovered and gone home since the outbreak started.PHOTO: REUTERS
BANGKOK (REUTERS) - Thailand reported 54 new coronavirus cases and 2 more deaths on Thursday (April 9), including a 74-year-old French national.
An 82-year-old Thai man also died, said a spokesman for the government's Centre for CoVID-19 Situation Administration.
The new cases include five Thais repatriated from Indonesia who had travelled to South Sulawesi province for a religious gathering last month before the event was postponed.
Thailand has reported a total of 2,423 cases and 32 fatalities, while 940 patients have recovered and gone home since the outbreak started in January.
https://thepattayanews.com/2020/04/...n-on-alcohol-sales-from-april-10-to-april-20/
Bangkok announces ban on alcohol sales from April 10 to April 20
By Adam Judd -
Thursday, 9 April 2020, 15:21
Bangkok-
In a statement from Police Major General Pongsakorn Kwanmuang at the Covid 19 Disease Management Center in Bangkok at 1:30 PM this afternoon that was reported widely on Thai Media he stated that Bangkok would cease all sales of alcohol from April 10 to 20.
The official reason stated was to help encourage social distancing and stop the spread of Covid-19, however, it is also believed according to many comments on Thai social media that this follows similar moves in Chiang Mai to stop people from gathering and drinking during the traditional Thai New Year, or Songkran, which falls during the same period.
Officially, Songkran has been postponed to a later date by the Thai Prime Minister, however, the exact date has not been announced. The days are no longer public holidays but officials fear that people may still try to celebrate independently.
There are ten other provinces with bans or restrictions on alcohol sales according to Thai Media:
1. Sakon Nakhon 31 March – 16 April
2. Chiang Mai 10-20 April
3. Rayong 3–15 April
4 Buriram 2-30 April
5. Mukdahan 6-30 April
6. Suphanburi 4-30 April
7. Nakhon Pathom 2-30 April
8. Lamphun 1-30 April
9. Chonburi from 6pm to 6pm Morning (With the National alcohol sales laws still in effect this means one can only really purchase from 11-2 and 5-6)
10. Surin, 2-30 April
Bangkok announces ban on alcohol sales from April 10 to April 20
By Adam Judd -
Thursday, 9 April 2020, 15:21
Bangkok-
In a statement from Police Major General Pongsakorn Kwanmuang at the Covid 19 Disease Management Center in Bangkok at 1:30 PM this afternoon that was reported widely on Thai Media he stated that Bangkok would cease all sales of alcohol from April 10 to 20.
The official reason stated was to help encourage social distancing and stop the spread of Covid-19, however, it is also believed according to many comments on Thai social media that this follows similar moves in Chiang Mai to stop people from gathering and drinking during the traditional Thai New Year, or Songkran, which falls during the same period.
Officially, Songkran has been postponed to a later date by the Thai Prime Minister, however, the exact date has not been announced. The days are no longer public holidays but officials fear that people may still try to celebrate independently.
There are ten other provinces with bans or restrictions on alcohol sales according to Thai Media:
1. Sakon Nakhon 31 March – 16 April
2. Chiang Mai 10-20 April
3. Rayong 3–15 April
4 Buriram 2-30 April
5. Mukdahan 6-30 April
6. Suphanburi 4-30 April
7. Nakhon Pathom 2-30 April
8. Lamphun 1-30 April
9. Chonburi from 6pm to 6pm Morning (With the National alcohol sales laws still in effect this means one can only really purchase from 11-2 and 5-6)
10. Surin, 2-30 April
Gonna be a very muted Songkran
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