A Singaporean's guide to living in Thailand

[yinyang]

Prayut will consider easing lockdown in last week of April
National
Apr 15. 2020

By THE NATION

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Wednesday (April 15) that he will evaluate the Covid-19 situation in the last week of April to see if some restrictions can be lifted.

He has already instructed state agencies to ease restrictions if the situation gets better and what they should do if infections rise. The Centre of the Covid-19 Situation Administration will also take all factors into account before making any decision.

The prime minister has warned that if people let their guard fall, the situation will worsen, adding that his government is giving equal attention to all affected groups.

Thailand has around 37 million workers in the informal and formal sectors combined, plus 9 million freelancers and 17 million in the farming sector.

Prayut said the government is funneling money from many sources to help those affected by the outbreak.

Each ministry has also been told to allocate 10 per cent of their budgets to the cause, however, this contribution, which adds up to Bt100 billion, will first have to be approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate. He said he expects the budget to be released in June.

 

[yinyang]

30 new Covid-19 cases, 2 more deaths
Bangkok Post PUBLISHED : 15 APR 2020 AT 13:39
UPDATED: 15 APR 2020 AT 15:51

Safely behind a transparent partition, masked monks receive alms from visitors at Wat Samian Nari in Bangkok on Wednesday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

The government on Wednesday reported 30 new local cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), lifting the total to 2,643 over 68 provinces, and two new deaths, increasing the toll to 43.

Four fewer infections were reported than on Tuesday, apparently indicating a continued flattening of the curve. The peak number of confirmed cases so far was the 188 recorded on March 22. However, these numbers represent only confirmed infections, and because the rate of testing is still low, the actual number of cases is certainly higher -- possibly much higher.

Screenshot from https://covid19.ddc.moph.go.th/en

Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said the 42nd death was a Thai woman aged 65 who was a food vendor in a walking street. She also had diabetes, chronic renal disease and hypertension.

On March 7 she had a high fever and cough, and bought medicine to treat herself. On March 12 she went to a hospital in Chiang Mai province to seek treatment because she was still unwell. On March 15 she fainted, went back to the same hospital and then returned home.

• Wednesday: 30 new Covid-19 cases, 2 more deaths
• Covid test campaign to continue
• 54 new coronavirus cases, 2 more deaths

On March 17 she was tested for Covid-19 and was admitted to a public hospital the following day suffering from exhaustion, but remained conscious.

On March 19 her Covid-19 test returned positive and she was given favipiravir anti-viral medication, Dr Taweesilp said.
On March 22 she suffered shortness of breath and was diagnosed with severe pneumonia and an enlarged heart. On April 6 she became unconscious and her blood pressures fell. She died on April 13.
Dr Taweesilp said the woman had been in close contact with a family member who was infected with Covid-19.
The 43rd death was a Thai man aged 60 who returned from an Islamic ceremony in Indonesia on March 24. On April 2, he had a fever of 38.4°C and muscle pain.
He sought treatment at a hospital in Ayutthaya province. His condition gradually deteriorated and he died on April 14.
Dr Taweesilp advised people who have similar symptoms to quickly see a doctor.
"We have known this disease for only a few months. A quick meeting with a doctor can result in fast and effective treatment," he said.

Screenshot from https://covid19.ddc.moph.go.th/en

The 30 new local cases included 19 people in close contact with previous patients, two visitors to crowded places, one returnee from France and one quarantined returnee from the United States with a connecting flight in Japan. Seven patients were under investigation.

Dr Taweesilp said the information showed that infection remained possible in crowded places, so the government still needed to close these areas.
The number of new cases was fluctuating in Bangkok and Nonthaburi, while those in other provinces were declining, he said.

Of the 2,643 accumulated cases, 1,497 patients had recovered and were discharged. Bangkok continued to post the most patients, 1,328, followed by 190 in Phuket, 149 in Nonthaburi, 108 in Samut Prakan and 93 in Yala province.
The biggest group of patients was still in the 30-39 age bracket.
Nine provinces still have no reported cases of Covid-19 -- Ang Thong, Bung Kan, Chai Nat, Kamphaeng Phet, Nan, Phichit, Ranong, Sing Buri and Trat.

• Government map and tally of coronavirus infections in Thailand

 

[yinyang]

Wave of Thai returnees puts country on its guard
National
Apr 15. 2020

Photo:PxHere
By The Nation

Thailand is bracing for the return of hundreds more Thais from overseas, potentially adding to a Covid-19 case count which is currently on a declining trend.

Ninety-two Thais working in South Korea will land at Suvarnabhumi Airport tonight, Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said on Wednesday (April 15).

All arrivals will be placed under state quarantine, he said.

Meanwhile, 120 Thai workers in the United Arab Emirates and another 70 working in the Maldives will arrive back in Bangkok tomorrow.

On Friday (April 17), 35 Thais will leave Bangladesh bound for Suvarnabhumi Airport.

A report that more than 3,000 Thais would return from India on Saturday (April 18) went unconfirmed by Dr Taweesin.

However, he said the number of returnees would not be that high, since the government limits arrivals of Thais from overseas to 200 per day.

He said there was enough room at state quarantine facilities to accommodate the new arrivals.

The number of new virus cases confirmed daily has dropped to around 30 this past week, but Taweesin said the country must remain on its guard.

“We are satisfied to some extent, but we want to see new daily cases drop to single digits,” he said.

“The situation is still a cause for concern even though the number is on a downward trend. We must not let our guard down,’’ he added.

He was also concerned that infection rates elsewhere in Asia, Europe and the United States are still far worse than in Thailand.

Thailand’s total tally of Covid-19 cases rose to 2,643 on Wednesday, with 30 new cases confirmed over the past 24 hours.

This compares with 54 new cases announced last Thursday, 50 on Friday, 45 on Saturday, 33 on Sunday, 28 on Monday and 34 on Tuesday. Two new fatalities on Wednesday took the death toll to 43.

Thailand on Wednesday extended the ban on incoming flights until the end of this month, with exemptions for flights given special permission to land.

“For Thai students who are stranded in the United States, more details of their flight arrangements will be announced tomorrow, Taweesin added.

 

[Froggy]

Today in Thailand

 

[spotter542]

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/new...d-sell-gold-as-prices-rise-12644332?cid=FBcna


Khun Thais rushing to sell gold

 

[zeddy]

Miss all u bros..... Once in a while lurking in this thread reading latest news about LOS.... Miss my Issan ex..... I'm sure she's doin fine back home even with all the curfews and restrictions...

 

[spotter542]

Am sure this year's Songkran sees the least death toll

 

[yinyang]

 

[yinyang]

 

[yinyang]

28 new cases offer more proof Covid-19 curve flattening in Thailand (Updated)
National
Apr 17. 2020

By The Nation

Thailand’s total number of Covid-19 patients rose to 2,700 with 28 new cases confirmed over a 24-hour period, while one more person died, Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said on Friday (April 17).

He said the number on Friday was the same as on Monday, the lowest in weeks. He added that 964 Covid-19 patients remained in hospitals, the first time it had gone under 1,000 in weeks, leaving many patient beds available.

Over the last nine days, the average number of new cases has stayed at around 34.

On April 9 there were 54 new cases, 50 on April 10, 45 on April 11, 33 on April 12, 28 on April 13, 34 on April 14, 30 on April 15, and 29 on April 16.

'No room for complacency' despite reduction in new Covid-19 cases

He praised the Thai people for cooperating with the government. Despite the declining number of new cases, he emphasised that the social distancing measure needed to be implemented and he asked people to not lower their guard.

He repeatedly stressed that the situation remained a cause for concern. “We cannot be complacent, and we must remain alert,“ he said.

However, the government and the private sector have discussed reopening businesses, such as hairdressing salons and department stores. Taweesin said the shops could open, but there will have to be restrictions on the number of clients and wearing of mask must be mandatory.

The proposal will submitted to the CCSA chaired by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, he added.

The new cases can be divided into three groups:

The first group of 16 had had close contact with others previously confirmed as infected.

The second group comprised six people of whom five worked in crowded areas or close to foreigners, and one went to crowded areas.

The third group of seven are under investigation for the source of the virus.

Meanwhile, 96 people have fully recovered and returned home.

An 85-year-old woman, who had diabetes and high blood pressure, died. She was in close contact with previously confirmed cases and in quarantine. She was hospitalised on March 12 after showing symptoms like fever, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. She tested positive for Covid-19 on the same day. She passed away on April 16 with severe pneumonia.

Taweesin asked elderly people and those with chronic disease to take care of themselves.

As of April 17, the total number of confirmed cases in the country stood at 2,700 -- 964 are under treatment with around 60 in critical condition, 1,689 have recovered and been discharged, and there have been 47 deaths.

Globally, there are more than 2.1 million confirmed cases and around 145,000 deaths.

 

[spotter542]

 

[Froggy]

 

[Froggy]

Bored staying at home everyday so decided to take a break and check out a downtown hotel for fun.

Arriving at the hotel was shocked that its almost deserted

When I approached the check-in counter, was greeted by the 2 staff by my last name, asked how do they know its me they told me I'm the only guest checking in that day, really shocked. Taking the lift up and looking at each floor completely no people was really eerie.

Booked a deluxe room but staff told me upgraded to a suite, what a delight

Nothing much to do, the restaurants in the hotel obviously is closed so only thing to do is drink and bought food back to hotel and enjoy the view and environment for the stay

A great way to have a break from cooped up at home during this shutdown

 

[yinyang]

Decision on relaxing anti-Covid rules next week
Bangkok Post PUBLISHED : 17 APR 2020 AT 15:21

A hairdresser wears a face mask at a shop in Samut Prakan province last month, before the coronavirus shutdown. A decision will be made next week whether barber shops and some other businesses can reopen. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)

The government will next week decide whether to relax disease control measures, including the possible reopening of some shops and banks.
Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said on Friday that discussions were being held with relevant experts and business representatives.

The aim was to ensure effective disease control if some business premises were allowed to reopen.

A proposal would be put to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for a decision next week.
Premises which may be allowed to reopen included mobile phone and electrical appliance shops, banks, barbers and hairdressers, and general stores.

• Decision on relaxing anti-Covid rules next week
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"There must be measures in place to control the disease. What is important is enforcement and compliance," Dr Taweesilp said.

He said hairdressers and clients would be required to wear masks. Clients would have to clean their hands with alcohol before entering the shop. There would be hair-cutting services only, and instruments would have to be cleaned for each customer.

"Customers' chairs would have to be placed clearly apart, and waiting clients would have to stay outside.
"Other shops may be allowed to reopen if they limit the number of customers inside at one time, to prevent crowding, and refrain from promotional activities that would attract crowds.
"These are possible proposals for a relaxation. They have not been approved," Dr Taweesilp said.
He cited the World Health Organization's six criteria for the relaxation of disease control measures.

Thailand was doing well with local disease control; patient detection; low risk at vulnerable places such as elderly-care homes; disease control measures at schools, offices and public places; and measures for inbound travellers.

The most difficult, he said, was the sixth criterion concerning people's knowledge and participation in disease control measures.
"More people are wearing masks, but some groups of people still continue to party and gamble," Dr Taweesilp said.
On Thursday night 820 people were caught breaking the nationwide curfew and 109 for defying the gathering ban, he said.

 

[Froggy]

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/s...ut-of-governments-covid-19-cash-relief-scheme


Millions of Thais left out of government's Covid-19 cash relief scheme

Commuters on a boat on the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok, on April 15, 2020.PHOTO: REUTERS

BANGKOK - Scores of Thai people suffering the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic have been left out of a government's financial relief scheme after some were wrongly classified as working in the agricultural sector, which has its own rescue package.

Of 24 million applicants for the "No One Left Behind" scheme, which promises 5,000 baht ($218) in cash every month for three months, only about 3.2 million people have recently received the first lot of payment.

Although the government said only nine million applicants would be eligible for the payout, many in dire straits held out hope of some relief as the coronavirus outbreak stripped them of earnings from their informal jobs.

In a rare protest since Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha took control of the country in 2014, about 100 Thais whose applications were rejected, including street vendors and motorcycle taxi operators, marched to the Finance Ministry on Tuesday (April 14) to demand payment.

The government had wrongly categorised some as farmers, saying those employed in the agricultural sector will receive financial support via a different financial scheme. Others were unhappy that they did not receive any money.

"The system called me a farmer but I have never had a farm or touched a hoe in my entire life," said clothes vendor Mareena Gakhao.

The market where Ms Mareena set up her stall in the southern Surat Thani province has been closed since early March, which has left her with no income.

The 42-year-old said she plans to appeal the rejection in the coming days.

"I may have to try to sell the clothes if I'm rejected again. I don't mind getting arrested as it's better than starving to death," she added.

Thais have also taken their unhappiness online with the "We're not Farmers" hashtag trending as the top tweet in the kingdom earlier this week.

The government has advised the public to file appeals online instead of turning up at the Finance Ministry but Mr Chayet Boonyawong said there is no point, adding that there are discrepancies with the government database as well.

He said his identification card does not match government records online.

"The government's artificial intelligence (AI) system does not know reality," said the 55-year-old, who became a street hawker after losing his job with a shipping company in January.

The Covid-19 crisis has exposed the struggles of low-income workers, economists say.

"It is quite clear that the people who are most affected are low-income (earners) and they tend to be women. It is this group that needs to be targeted in the 'No One Left Behind' (scheme)," said Chulalongkorn University's Dr Jessica Vechbanyongratana, a labour economist.

Lockdown measures have directly affected the jobs of up to 7.1 million people, with those in the service sector and workers on part-time contracts most affected, according to research by a group of Thai economists released this week.

Dr Vechbanyongratana suggested that the scheme could provide 3,000 baht or less, "so that everybody gets something to make sure people don't go without food or basic necessities".

The Bank of Thailand is expecting the economy to contract by 5.3 per cent this year even as the government is seeking additional financial resources to provide more cash handouts and bailouts, as well as to meet healthcare needs.

The government has tabled a Bill seeking loans of one trillion baht, which is expected to be given royal endorsement in the coming weeks, with monies disbursed from May.

Economists say it may push Thailand's public debt from 40 per cent of its gross domestic product to up to 57 per cent next year.

In a televised address late Friday, Mr Prayut admitted that the government alone does not have all the answers to the Covid-19 crisis and has called on the 20 richest Thais for their help in battling the economic woes.

"The tycoons have massive influence in the country’s economy. I’d like to ask them to play a greater role in helping out the country."

 

[Froggy]

As all barber shops and salons are not allowed to open and its been almost a month of partial shutdown here since Mar/27 top of the head is getting messy and ugly. Only way is DIY or get your barber to come to home for a haircut

My very kind barber charges me the same as in-shop, 100 baht ($4.40) but I gave him double for his effort and kind gesture, and two bottles of

Cheers to him

 

[yinyang]

Unemployment soars to 700,000 as factories close
Bangkok Post PUBLISHED : 18 APR 2020 AT 07:00

A woman receives a bag of food and essential supplies on April 8, 2020 at Wat That Thong in Bangkok’s Watthana district.
The hand-out is part of an initiative of the Supreme Patriarch to help those in need during Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo by Somchai Poomlard)

The number of people claiming unemployment benefits has almost doubled to 700,000 people from December last year, with 140,000 registering in March alone.

Thousands of workers have lost their jobs following some factory closures amid the Covid-19 outbreak, according to the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (DLPW).

Apinya Sujarittanan, director-general of the department, on Friday said the Social Security Fund recorded more than 700,000 people claiming unemployment benefits.

Mr Apinya said it was a sharp jump compared to 360,000 who did so in December.
He said the figure reflects the number of people recently laid off. Mr Apinya said another surge is expected to be recorded at the end of this month as the kingdom continues to undergo the Covid-19-induced economic slump.

• End-year job cuts yet to hit home: govt
• Workers to feel pinch of grinding economy
• Labour minister denies high jobless rate

He said from October to March, a total of 992 businesses closed, compared to 511 during the same period between 2018 and 2019.

A total of 13,407 workers were affected by the closures and those who did not receive compensation filed complaints with labour inspectors, Mr Apinya said, adding it was an increase compared to the same period the year before.
He said that between October last year and March this year, 1,113 businesses temporarily closed, a hike compared to 117 during the same period in the previous year.

Mr Apinya said 271,446 workers were affected by these temporary closures, an increase when compared to 37,821 during the same period of the previous year.

A Mitsubishi Electric factory in the Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate in Chon Buri province laid off 1,119 contract workers yesterday, Mr Apinya said, noting the factory produces air conditioners.
He said the company informed his department that the laid-off workers were compensated and given payments worth more than 41 million baht.
Mr Apinya said that officials from the Chon Buri office of labour protection and welfare had visited the workers and explained the benefits they are entitled to.

As for labour inspectors, Mr Apinya said they were told to follow up on cases and ensure workers receive fair compensation after being laid off.
Mr Apinya said the air-con factory was not the only production facility scaling back workers. He said 144 workers will lose their jobs after Siam City Cement Plc decided to close a production line at its factory in Saraburi.

The company said the coronavirus pandemic affected its business and production orders had declined sharply since the outbreak, he said, adding company executives decided to cut its production capacity by closing a production line at one of its factories effective May 1.
Mr Apinya said 144 out of 2,100 will be laid off.
The company reportedly said it will compensate laid-off workers and also provide welfare benefits as required by the Labour Law.

 

[melzp]

NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND

not every govt qualify to make this statement. Now hv to approach
CP,SCG, TCC, Central, Th Bev, etc.

 

[dredd]

After unemployment and no work, no money, crime usually follows. I expect a spike in crime very soon. Hope brothers here in BKK stay safe.

 

[Froggy]