Three new COVID-19 cases recorded in Thailand today
Thailand recorded three new COVID-19 infections today (Sunday), as the country enters the second phase of lockdown relaxation.
— Thai PBS News
Thai Airways ponders bankruptcy as it enters rehab
Thai Airways, which turns 60 years old this month, recorded a net loss of US$66 million in 2017, US$361 million in 2018 and US$374 million last year.
— The Thaiger
Thailand’s in-bound flight ban extended until end of June
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has extended the ban on all flights into Thailand, except diplomatic, technical, medical and emergency landings, until June 30th, or until there is a significant change in the global COVID-19 pandemic situation.
— Thai PBS News
Army: No Soldier is Prosecuted for 2010 Crackdown
Ten years after a military crackdown that left about 90 people dead, no army personnel has ever stood trial over the killings, a spokesman said Friday.
— Khaosod English
1 year on, disappeared activist Siam Theerawut’s whereabouts remain unclear
8 May marks 1 year since Siam Theerawut went missing after being extradited from Vietnam along with other 2 self-exiled activists. His family’s attempts to discover his whereabouts have yielded no progress.
— Prachatai English
COVID-19 App Will Track Business Customers, Gov’t Says
Thailand’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Thursday said that a tracing application, named Thai Chana (Thai Victory), has been developed and will be introduced to all business operators that will resume business on May 17 in the Second Phase easing of the lockdown restrictions.
— Khaosod English
African horse sickness spreads to Saraburi, killing 28 animals
An African horse sickness (AHS) outbreak that emerged in Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima recently, killing at least 433 horses, has now spread to neighbouring Saraburi province.
— Bangkok Post
Industry boss urges Thailand to join alternative Pacific trade pact and plan for a long recovery
A Thai business leader has called for the kingdom to join an alternative Pacific trade agreement to realign and improve its trade policy in order to boost exports and make the kingdom more attractive to investors.
— ThaiExaminer.com
Thailand to begin to resume state bus services to North, East and Northeast of Thailand this week
The Transport Co., Ltd. has announced the resumption of inter-provincial bus services on the Northern, Northeastern and Eastern routes from 18 May, after more than a month of suspension due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.
— The Pattaya News
Labour Rights curtailed during COVID-19
Three stories show that the Thai government is failing to protect the labour rights of Thai nationals and migrant workers.
— Prachatai English
Southern provinces face heavy rains from Cyclone Amphan
The Thai Meteorological Department said in its bulletin today that Thailand’s 6 southern provinces on the west coast, are expected to experience heavy rains, from tomorrow until Wednesday, due to the influence of developing Cyclone Amphan.
— The Thaiger
Over 700 cases of dengue fever found in Korat
A campaign is being launched in Muang district to prevent the spread of dengue fever after 737 cases of the mosquito-borne tropical disease were found in this northeastern province.
— Bangkok Post
Thailand’s travel industry readies for relaunch
At Bangkok’s flower-garlanded Erawan shrine, right downstairs from my FT office, the female dancers who have figured in decades’ worth of tourist snaps are back in action.
— Financial Times
Chatuchak back in business
Shoppers and traders return to the Chatuchak weekend market, which has been allowed to reopen on the condition they follow health instructions to prevent a Covid-19 outbreak.
— Bangkok Post
Group commemorates assassination of Seh Daeng; organizer arrested on Emergency Decree
40 people gathered on 13th May to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the assassination of Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol who was shot by a sniper during a media interview.
— Prachatai English
Democrat Party Insists 2010 Crackdown was Legal
A spokesman for the Democrat Party on Saturday dismissed allegations that its former leader was at fault for ordering a military crackdown on Redshirt protesters 10 years ago.
— Khaosod English
Coffin maker resurrects spirit of sharing in Thailand province
A Nakhon Sawan coffin maker’s unique cupboards for the community pantry set up outside his shop have instantly become a sensation on the internet.
— Inquirer.net/ The nation/ Asia News Network
Eight curfew breakers arrested by Pattaya Police
Pattaya City Police warned that they arrested a total of eight people overnight this Friday night in Pattaya breaking the National Curfew.
— The Pattaya News
PM on board for THAI rescue under bankruptcy law
The government is considering rehabilitation for Thai Airways International under the bankruptcy law, as members of savings cooperatives start to fret about their investments in the ailing flag carrier.
— Bangkok Post
Thailand relaxes 2nd phase of restrictions for businesses and activities
The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration approved its second round of business resumption set for May 17.
— Pattaya Mail
Thailand stuck in a ‘vicious cycle’ which will lead to further military coups says leading academic
The former Chairman of a government commission that spent two years preparing a nearly 400-page report on the causes of the May 2010 Redshirt protests, violence and possible solutions, has this week admitted that it appears that ‘we haven’t learned a thing.’
— ThaiExaminer.com
14 5 million applicants meet criteria for 5,000 baht cash subsidy
According to the Ministry of Finance, about 14.5 million people, who applied to receive the government’s 5,000-baht cash handout, have had their online applications verified.
— Newsline (video)
Thais ‘yet to recover’ from bloodshed, says Abhisit
Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says he always feels a deep sadness whenever the May 19 anniversary of the 2010 protest crackdown rolls around, as it marks the culmination of one of the darkest chapters in the country’s political history; a chapter that fuels bitter divisions in society to this day.
— Bangkok Post
Thailand’s famed Maya Bay to remain closed until rehabilitation is complete
The Maya Bay, made world-famous after Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie “The Beach”, will remain closed as rehabilitation of the popular beach continues after enormous corals were destroyed through excess tourism.
— The Star Online
Drug Production Increasing in Northern Thailand’s Golden Triangle
The production of synthetic drugs from the Golden Triangle in Northern Thailand is continuing to hit record highs despite the covid-19 pandemic.
— Chiang Rai Times
Majority want emergency decree lifted: Poll
A majority of people want the emergency decree to be lifted now that the Covid-19 situation is much improved, but most want the curfew and bar closure maintained according to the result of an opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.
— Bangkok Post
DPM Prawit follows up on Rayong drought projects
Welcome back to Newsline. Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon has visited Rayong province to follow up on drought mitigation projects, stressing that water supply this year is sufficient for consumption.
— Newsline (video)
Asia virus latest: Aussie jails report drugs spike; China warned of second wave
Here are the latest developments in Asia related to the coronavirus pandemic
— Bangkok Post
The students in Thailand have come back as a political force; now they must focus and keep the momentum
They said it took a generation to come but that it was finally here. Thai university students, long consigned to the dorms and campuses by apathy and lack of interest, had finally rediscovered their political power.
— Thai Inquirer
Sex workers must be able to join social security scheme, says Empower Foundation
During the Covid-19 pandemic, most sex workers have no income and no social security but are able to apply for the government aid scheme, says the Empower Foundation in a statement on Tuesday (12 May), which also called for the legalization of sex work and for sex workers to be able to join the social security scheme.
— Prachatai English
Shoppers tracked as they return to malls
Shoppers returned to malls on Sunday after they were allowed to reopen following the improving situation of the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
— Bangkok Post
Samut Prakhan student severely injured in suicide bid
A 23 year old student at a prominent private university in the province of Samut Prakhan, just south of Bangkok, is in critical but stable condition after jumping from the fifth floor of her dormitory in an apparent failed suicide attempt.
— The Thaiger
Thailand’s rainy season officially begins May 18th
Thailand officially enters the rainy season tomorrow (Monday), said Meteorological Department director-general Squadron Leader Somsak Khaosuwan today.
— Thai PBS News
Gaur carcass found in forest
The carcass of a gaur has been found by local villagers in a forest in this northeastern province.
— Bangkok Post
No new Covid-19 cases in Phuket
No new Covid-19 infections or deaths were reported in this southern island province on Sunday, leaving the tally at 224 cases and three deaths, the provincial communicable disease committee announced.
— Bangkok Post
Unidentified foreigner arrested in Nonthaburi drug sting
77kaoded reports that police in Nonthaburi conducted a drug sting at a petrol station on Tiwanon Road late last week. They arranged to buy 20 grams of cocaine for 100,000 baht from a foreigner identified only as “Mike”, who arrived on a Yamaha motorbike.
— The Thaiger
Bangkok City Hall allows 10 more types of business to reopen
The Bangkok Municipal Administration, aka. City Hall confirms that more businesses in the city will be allowed to reopen today, including most shops at malls, in keeping with the second phase of the nationwide relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions.
— The Thaiger
Things to Know-Curfew extension by one hour, reopening of Malls, some gyms, public pools starts today
Today, May 17, 2020, officially starts the second phase of loosening of restrictions and easing some business closures due to the Covid19 Coronavirus Situation in Thailand.
— The Pattaya News
Thailand’s PM thanks billionaires for their help
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed his heartfelt thanks to the 20 Thai billionaires from whom he sought help during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
— Thai PBS News
BTS to extend operating hours to 10.30pm
The BTS skytrain system is to extend its operating hours to 10.30pm from Sunday night, to conform to the 11pm to 4am revised curfew.
— Thai PBS News
Opinion: Should Taxpayers Bail Thai Airways Again?
At a time when the public debates whether to rescue Thai Airways from its 200 billion baht debt or let it go bust, I have a confession to make about the airline.
— Khaosod English
Virtual Travel Experiences 2020
In the current climate of armchair travel, the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) would like to inspire travellers to go on a journey of the mind.
— Thailand Today
What a visit to a major shopping mall looks like in Pattaya, Thailand Post-Covid-19
The following is based on a visit to three newly re-opened Shopping Malls in the Pattaya, Thailand area on Sunday, May 17th, 2020.
— The Pattaya News
Pattaya motorbike taxi breaks through curfew checkpoint – VIDEO
A motorbike taxi in Pattaya broke through a police curfew checkpoint at around 10:30pm Friday.
— The Thaiger
Mukdahan border police seize 480 kilograms of marijuana
In a third major seizure in a matter of days, border patrol police seized 480 kilograms of compressed marijuana on the banks of the Mekong River in the northeastern province of Mukdahan.
— The Thaiger
Leading Cobots Innovator Universal Robots improves operational efficiency of Benchmark Electronics in Thailand dramatically by 25 Percent
The leading collaborative robots (cobots) company Universal Robots has empowered Benchmark Electronics in Thailand with a successful deployment of six cobots in their assembly and testing processes in the plant in Korat, Thailand.
— Thailand Today
A very different Ramadan for Isaan’s muslims amid the coronavirus pandemic
Muslims in the Northeast of Thailand are experiencing a very different Ramadan as the coronavirus outbreak upended their rituals and forced male followers to become religious leaders for their families.
— Isaan Record
Prerequisites for THAI to address ahead of rehabilitation process
Although it is likely that struggling Thai Airways International will have to apply for a court-sanctioned rehabilitation programme, under the country’s bankruptcy law, there are a number of prerequisites to address, including:
— Thai PBS News
Thailand Delists China, 3 Others From Disease Countries
The government on Friday night removed four countries and territories from a list of countries with a high degree of the coronavirus outbreak.
— Khaosod English
Remembrances of Red Trauma (9) – Awakened in May 2010
“Awakened” is a graphic novel by Claudio Sopranzetti telling the story of Nok, a manual laborer with a yearning for true democracy and rights.
— Isaan Record
Gulf Energy banking on LNG for growth
Gulf Energy Plc, Thailand’s top private power producer by capacity, is staking its future on liquefied natural gas (LNG) trading in anticipation that the state will open trading to the private sector this year, a decision that was delayed because of the coronavirus crisis.
— Bangkok Post
Can COVID-19 kick-start long-distance learning?
The debate over when Thailand’s schools should reopen has become highly politicized, but it has also led to an intriguing question of whether Thai students are prepared for an increase in “distance learning”.
— Thai PBS News
Wife of Cabbie Killed in 2010 Crackdown: ‘Abhisit Never Apologized’
44-year-old Pan Kamkong was caught and killed in a crossfire during a military crackdown on Redshirt protests in Bangkok in 2010.
— Khaosod English
Meet Rural Health Volunteers, the Unsung Heroes on Virus Frontline
As soon as a woman in her rural community registered a high fever, Auntie Arun alerted the local hospital doctors, who soon arrived in at least three cars, prepped to transport a COVID-19 patient.
— Khaosod English
Feeling lucky? Thai lotto returns tomorrow
We’re seeing a “16” and “5” coming up tomorrow when the Government Lottery Office gets back to the critical business of supplying the nation with lottery winners.
— Coconuts Thailand
Police investigating murder of a 3-year old girl in Muk Dahan
A special team of detectives has been assembled to investigate the murder of a three-year old girl, whose body was found in a forest on Thursday night, after being missing since Monday in Thailand’s northeastern province of Muk Dahan.
— Thai PBS News
Twitter launch @TwitterThailand to keep Thais connected with #WhatsHappening
Twitter today launch @TwitterThailand; a dual-language Twitter account for Thailand to keep people, partners and brands connected with #WhatsHappening in Thailand and around the world.
— Thailand Today
5 of Asia’s ‘Best Bars’ are in Bangkok: annual ranking
Bangkok’s oldest jazz institution held onto its place as one of Asia’s top watering holes as well as a Silom cocktail lounge, rum tiki bar and two Thonglor speakeasies.
— Coconuts Thailand
Feature photo Spiew SkchÂ
This week’s Thailand morning news feature photo focuses on feeding those impacted by COVID-19 #FeedThePeople
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).
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Thailand morning news for May 18 added by John Le Fevre on
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John Le Fevre
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.
Latest posts by John Le Fevre (see all)
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- COVID-19 in Asean: update for July 24 — Asean tops 230,000 cases, nudges 90,000 active – July 24, 2020
- Thailand morning news for July 24 – July 24, 2020