Thailand morning news for April 22

Thailand morning news for April 22
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Thailand morning news

Airbus pulls out of U-Tapao airport project
A planned 11-billion-baht joint venture between Airbus and Thai Airways to develop a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Rayong’s U-Tapao Airport has fallen victim to the Covid-19 pandemic.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Thailand extends foreigners’ visas as coronavirus cases slow
Thailand’s cabinet approved a second automatic visa extension for foreigners for three more months on Tuesday, in a bid to prevent long queues at immigration centres and stem the spread of the coronavirus.
— Reuters

Mother of two hangs herself
A mother of two hung herself in a bathroom after she could no longer buy milk for her baby as the Covid-19 pandemic cost her her job.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Prayut Hints Businesses May Not Reopen by May 1
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is non-committal in reopening businesses by May 1 as speculated by some observers, saying on Tuesday there is “no rush.”
— Khaosod English

25 provinces declare drought disaster
According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), 25 provinces have so far declared drought disaster areas.
–Reliefweb

Get ready to be hit by seasonal flu, dengue now, say doctors
Apart from the continued threat of Covid-19, Thais are now being urged to prepare for seasonal influenza and dengue now that the rainy season is approaching.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Cabinet approves power bill cuts for 22 million Thai households for 3 months
The cabinet has approved an Energy Ministry proposal for the Government to help shoulder the electricity bills of 22 million households for three months, back dated to March, to cushion the impact of business closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Thai PBS News

Shock rise in Thai exports
Defying expectations, Thai exports in March unexpectedly rose by 4.2%, with a total value of around 690 billion baht (22.4 billion US dollars) year-on-year, the biggest expansion in 8 months.
— The Thaiger

Thailand’s new infections fall to 19, but still no cause for relief
Thailand today reported 19 new coronavirus infections, down from yesterday’s 27, with one new fatality. The country’s accumulated infections are now 2,811, scattered over 68 provinces. Bangkok and Nonthaburi have…
— Thai PBS News

Thailand: Judicial harassment against Ms. Thanaporn Saleephol
The Observatory has been informed by reliable sources about the judicial harassment against Ms. Thanaporn Saleephol, a former Communications Associate at the human rights NGO Fortify Rights, in relation to five social media engagements she posted between November 24, 2019, and January 30, 2020, to express support for fellow women human rights defenders involved in criminal defamation cases regarding labour rights abuses committed by the Thai poultry company Thammakaset Co., Ltd
— FIDH

Anti-graft watchdog asked to probe Laem Chabang project
The Port Authority of Thailand on Tuesday (April 21) filed a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), asking it to inspect the commission tasked with selecting a private company to undertake third-phase construction of Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Thai Cabinet approves to extend 5000 baht a month financial assistance from 9 million people to 14 million
The Thai Cabinet approved this afternoon the Finance Ministry’s proposal to offer a 5,000 baht (about $150USD) monthly relief to 14 million people instead of just 9 million, the government’s deputy spokesperson Rachada Thanadirek told the press.
— The Pattaya News

One million people disqualified from 5,000-baht subsidy lodge appeals
Over the past two days, about one million people, who were disqualified from receiving the Government’s monthly 5,000 baht hardship subsidy, have submitted their appeals, Mr. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, secretary to the finance minister, said today.
— Thai PBS News

Thailand Falls Behind Myanmar in 2020 Press Freedom Index
Thailand slipped in its press freedom index to 140 out of the 180 countries surveyed by Reporters Without Border – one rank behind Myanmar, a country many Thais associated with authoritarianism.
— Khaosod English

Woman breaks down after officers seize her rice porridge donations
A woman in Nakhon Pathom broke down in tears during a live stream after all of her food, intended for people in need, was seized by the authorities.
— Coconuts Thailand

Cabinet shifts budgets into central fund
The cabinet yesterday approved siphoning 10% of the fiscal 2020 budgets of each ministry to be allocated to a central fund to fight the pandemic and rehabilitate the economy.
— Bangkok Post

PM asks very rich to assist those in need
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has sent letters to the country’s multi-billionaires, asking them to help people affected by the coronavirus disease pandemic through assistance projects.
— Bangkok Post

Single Use Plastic Making a Comeback in Thailand Thanks to Covid-19
Single-use plastic is making a comeback, as Thais order takeout and delivery in soaring volumes because of the pandemic.
— Chiang Rai Times

Moguls ready to help Thailand
Thailand’s top business leaders are ready to help the government ease the crunch of the coronavirus crisis, and plan to offer their ideas to lift the country out of the economic quagmire.
— Bangkok Post

Border jumpers push security hike
Army chief Apirat Kongsompong has ordered that security be boosted along the Thai-Malaysian border after 672 Thais sneaked into Narathiwat province without undergoing health screening.
— Bangkok Post

Thailand developing vaccines against COVID-19
The Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences, Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, said that Thailand now has a team working towards the development of vaccines against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
— Pattaya Mail

Labor unions emerge as voice for migrant fishermen in Southeast Asia
Despite legal and corporate barriers, trade unions are starting to give migrant seafood workers a greater voice in Thailand and across Southeast Asia – enabling them to combat the subpar working conditions that persist on fishing vessels and in seafood processing facilities.
— SeafoodSource

BMA lays down market control measures to stop the spread of COVID-19
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), represented by Mrs. Silapasuai Rawisaengsun, Permanent Secretary, has revealed new measures for controlling fresh markets and flea markets to reduce the spread of COVID-19 virus.
— Bangkok Post

Thai PM visits Thammasat University Field Hospital for COVID-19 patients
The Prime Minister has visited the first facility in Thailand to receive patients infected by COVID-19 at Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus.
— Pattaya Mail

Minister Tewan observes food vendor hygiene measures
The Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office has observed operations of restaurants, in order to ensure that they are following good hygiene codes during the time of COVID-19 outbreak.
— Newsline (video)

Governors ordered to manage crowds gathering to receive donations in Thailand’s provinces
The Ministry of the Interior has called on provincial governors around the country to better manage the gifting of private donations, as some distributions have caused chaos, as crowds gather in one place to wait for the donations, raising the risk of COVID-19 spreading.
— Pattaya Mail

B.Grimm donates over 46 million baht to fight COVID-19
B.Grimm, Thailand’s leading conglomerate, recently launched “B.Grimm Fights COVID-19 with Compassion” and donated over 46 million baht to relieve COVID-19 impacts through financial support and donations of essentials such as medical equipment, health insurance and survival packs.
— Bangkok Post

Thailand: Investigate Army Torture, Murder in Drug Case
The Thai authorities should promptly and impartially investigate the torture of two suspects by a military anti-drug unit and hold all those responsible to account, Human Rights Watch said today.
— Human Rights Watch (media release)

US, Asean meet to discuss crisis
Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai will attend a special videoconference meeting about Asean with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo tomorrow, according to a statement.
— Bangkok Post

Anti-drug campaign aided by pandemic checking
More than 5,800 suspects have been arrested and 233 million methamphetamine or “speed” pills seized during a regional anti-drug campaign that has benefited from the Covid-19 pandemic.
— Bangkok Post

Coronavirus quarantine in Thailand: great food and fast Wi-fi, sleeping with a stranger … and a shame about my underpants
I stood at the curb with a group of 75 newly returned Thai citizens from Indonesia.
— South China Morning Post

Taiwan donates 200,000 face masks to Thailand
Taiwan has donated 200,000 medical face masks to Thailand as part of its initiative to provide aid to countries hit hard by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
— Taiwan News

Free calls offered to mobile users amid Covid-19 crisis in Thailand
Mobile operators agree to give 100 minutes of free calls to users, starting on May1 to relieve their customers’ financial burden and support the government’s social distancing and stay-at-home measures.
— Pattaya Mail

Thai Smile seeks to resume flights only on June 1
Thai Smile has informed the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) that it wants to postpone reactivation of its flights from May 1 to June 1, CAAT director-general Chula Sukmanopy said.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Supermarkets take on harvest fruit sales
The government is set to sell a combined 16,700 tonnes of fruit worth 762 million baht via five modern trade operators during the harvest season.
— Bangkok Post

CCSA panel comes up with guidelines for reopening venues
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has established a working group to come up with measures and procedures for venues nationwide.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Thailand Anti Fake News Center says Chonburi PR announcement of “everything” possibly opening on May 1 was missing critical information, isn’t correct
The Thai Anti-Fake News Center posted a notice this evening correcting and adding further insight to images and information posted by Chonburi Public Relations earlier this month in which several pictures and posts stated that most business was likely to re-open on May 1.
— The Pattaya News

Masks to help the deaf communicate
The government has unveiled a face mask designed specifically for people who are hearing impaired, with the goal of making their lives easier during the virus outbreak.
— Bangkok Post

Obec orders probe into viral clip
The Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) has ordered the Primary Educational Service Area Office to launch a probe into whether a primary school principal in Phetchabun province molested a minor in a video clip that went viral online.
— Bangkok Post

ECST objects to falsely linking e-cigarettes as a risk factor of COVID-19.
ECST outcries falsely linking e-cigarettes as a risk factor of COVID-19. Reveals USFDA changed its position on the use of e-cigarettes in relation to COVID-19.
— The Pattaya News

Thailand’s PM assures no quid pro quo with 20 billionaires
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha gave his assurance today that the Government has no intention whatsoever of begging for or borrowing money from the country’s 20 richest people, after he invited them for discussions about how they could help to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Thai PBS News

Self-employed workers top list of virus-hit occupations
The Public Health Ministry has reported the 20 occupations that have recorded most coronavirus infections, Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said on Tuesday (April 21).
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Power bill cut for 22m houses
The cabinet has formally approved energy authorities’ decision to either waive or cut electricity charges for 22 million households where people are working at home because of the coronavirus disease.
— Bangkok Post

THAI to take back stranded Aussie, Kiwi tourists and bring back Thais
Thai Airways International (THAI), in coordination with the Foreign Ministry and the embassies of Australia and New Zealand in Bangkok, will fly tourists from the two countries who have been stranded here and the Thais stuck there back home on the following flights.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

PM puts decision on lockdown off by a week
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Tuesday (April 21) that he will decide in a week’s time whether the state of emergency should be extended beyond April 30.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Irrigation Department of Chiang Mai urges citizens to use water sparingly
“The current drought situation is the worst it has been in a decade, with only 1.4 square liters of water running per second.
— The Thaiger

22 returnees released after quarantine
Twenty-two Thais who returned from work in Laos have been released after undergoing a 14-day quarantine without any signs of being infected with Covid-19.
— Bangkok Post

Pink Temple opens almshouse to distribute food
Wat Thawi Karanan – also known as the “Pink Temple” – in Pathum Thani has opened an almshouse to distribute cooked food to locals suffering from the impact of Covid-19, according to its patriarch.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Grounded pilot takes off with Grab food delivery
Jet-liner pilot Thanun Khantatatbumroong decided to start delivering food after his airline suspended services during the Covid-19 crisis, cutting his revenue by more than 50 per cent.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Mae Hong Son declared Covid-free after 5 patients recover
The governor of Mae Hong Son announced today (April 21) that all five confirmed cases in the northern province have recovered and been discharged from hospital.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Ministry hatches plan to solve egg shortage in South
The Commerce Ministry has ordered its offices in the three southern border provinces to collect data on the demand of eggs and ensure that there is no shortage during this crisis period.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

No curfew for rubber tappers
Though the rest of the country has had to observe the 10pm to 4am curfew since April 3, measures have been relaxed for rubber tappers in Songkhla’s Thepha district.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

‘Panomtian,’ author of adventures and longest Thai epic, dies at 88
A man who spent 25 years telling one story to perfection, author and national artist Chatchai Wisetsuwannaphum died this morning at a hospital in Bangkok of heart disease, according to his family.
— Coconuts Thailand

68 year old dies from heat trauma in Uttaradit
A 68 year old man has allegedly died from heat trauma in Uttaradit (northern Thailand), as a local news source reports that he died from shock and has been dead for 3 days.
— The Thaiger

Opinion: In the Darkness-A Pattaya Business Owner trying to survive during the current Covid-19 crisis
The following is a submission/opinion from a local business owner, told in a story format, of their current experience attempting to run a restaurant with take out only during the Covid-19 Coronavirus crisis.
— The Pattaya News

Soldiers compensate parents of drug suspect who died after interrogation
An Army unit under investigation after 11 of its soldiers allegedly tortured and killed a man in Nakhon Phanom province has sent representatives to compensate the victim’s parents at his funeral.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Yaowarat’s Jumbo Lobster eatery gives away food
Yaowarat’s famous streetside eatery, Jumbo Lobster, along with Sripathum University provided food on Tuesday (April 21) to people in the area whose businesses have been struck by the Covid-19 crisis.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Pattani adjusts market hours for Ramadan
A night market in Pattani’s Muang district has moved up its closing hours in compliance with the government’s 10pm to 4am curfew to allow merchants enough time to pack up their stalls and get home in time.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Army hospital turns old ER ward into high-tech zone for Covid-19 patients
The Army’s Phramongkutklao Hospital has joined hands with King Monkut’s University of Technology Thonburi and Saijo Denki International to turn an old emergency ward in the hospital’s Prapasri Kamlang-ek building into a special ward for Covid-19 patients.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

An English translation of the PM’s letter to Thailand’s 20 richest
Much has been written and said about PM Prayut Chan-o-cha’s letter to Thailand’s 20 richest people, requesting their “input and ideas,” with even Deputy PM Wissanu Krea-ngam stepping in to clarify that the letter is “not begging for money.”
— The Thaiger

Dead Chaiyaphum 43 year old had Covid-19
A “partygoer” found dead in the northeastern Chaiyaphum province last night, has tested positive for Covid-19.
— The Thaiger

301 Thais return home from Malaysia, majority quarantined
A total of 301 Thais stranded in Malaysia returned home via Songkhla’s Sadao border checkpoint from April 18 to 20.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Zoo ordered to stop sending chimp on bike to spray disinfectant
After a chimpanzee spraying disinfectant the venue went viral online, authorities today visited the farm-slash-zoo in Samut Prakan province and ordered such act.
— Coconuts Thailand

Nok Air schedules may be changed to suit present situation: CEO
Nok Air has been flying on domestic routes as usual amid the Covid-19 crisis but flight schedules could be changed in line with the present situation, chief executive officer Wutthiphum Jurangkool said.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Bangkok Taxi Driver Named as Latest COVID-19 Fatality
A taxi driver died from the coronavirus and 19 new cases of infection were found, the government’s response center to the coronavirus epidemic said on Tuesday.
— Khaosod English

FutureTales Lab by MQDC Predicts 10 Post-COVID-19 Trends for Thailand
The COVID-19 pandemic facing the world today has a major impact in all areas of life, from economic, social, and political aspects to the constantly evolving way of life.
— Thailand Today

Visit Thailand’s Zoos Via Livestream During COVID-19 Pandemic
Thailand’s Zoological Park Organization (ZPO) on Friday began its live streams of their in-house animals on social media in light of zoo closures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Khaosod English

SCB to provide early retirement package
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) said on Monday that it would provide an early retirement package for employees who are willing to quit, while offering a severance package as high as 33.3 times their latest salaries.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

Water bills to be automatically reduced by 3%
The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) announced on Monday that it would automatically reduce water bills by 3 per cent for all types of users in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakarn provinces for three months in a bid to lower the cost of living in this Covid-19 situation.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)

American who was previously arrested in Pattaya for public disturbance arrested in Bangkok after leaving “suspicious package” at US Embassy
An American citizen, who is a previous active duty enlisted US Marine, was arrested in Bangkok this afternoon in front of the US Embassy by Lumpini police after placing a package described by police as suspicious in front of the building.
— The Pattaya News

 

 

Feature photo Faculty of ICT, Mahidol University
This week’s Thailand morning news feature photo focuses on International Girls in ICT Day, April 23

 

Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

 

 

About Thailand morning news.

Thailand morning news roundup is the most comprehensive hand-curated selection of Thailand English language news headlines published. Each weekday we scour hundreds of local and international news sites and websites to find the most recent Thailand English language news today.

We filter our the dull, the boring, the repetitive, and the click-bait and package all of the Thailand daily news that you need to know to start your day into an easy to read, time saving format of Thailand news headlines and first paragraphs before 7.15am Bangkok time.

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John Le Fevre

Thailand editor at AEC News Today

John is an Australian national with more than 40 years experience as a journalist, photographer, videographer, and copy editor.

He has spent extensive periods of time working in Africa and throughout Southeast Asia, with stints in the Middle East, the USA, and England.

He has covered major world events including Operation Desert Shield/ Storm, the 1991 pillage in Zaire, the 1994 Rwanda genocide, the 1999 East Timor independence unrest, the 2004 Asian tsunami, and the 2009, 2010, and 2014 Bangkok political protests.

In 1995 he was a Walkley Award finalist, the highest awards in Australian journalism, for his coverage of the 1995 Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo) Ebola outbreak.

Prior to AEC News Today he was the deputy editor and Thailand and Greater Mekong Sub-region editor for The Establishment Post, predecessor of Asean Today.

In the mid-80s and early 90s he owned JLF Promotions, the largest above and below the line marketing and PR firm servicing the high-technology industry in Australia. It was sold in 1995.

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