Covid-19 in the news (1) March-April 2020
A collection of links to news about Covid-19. Mostly Thailand centric and a few from elsewhere.
When I left Thailand on 1apr2020, I was optimistic that I would be back now (aug2020). Now I regret that I didn't stay.
But when I booked and boarded my flight, I didn't know there would be a visa amnesty. My prospects were the following: spending one day and 1900 THB to submit an application for extension of stay, one day to pick it up, and the rest of the month in my room (estimated 2000 THB for electricity for aircon), with nowhere to go and nothing to do. Food from restaurants for take home. I can have the same in Germany, for cheaper, without visa worries!
source: internet
Only after I left, the first visa amnesty came around. And the following visa amnesties were short notice, I would have worried for weeks if and how to leave Thailand.
But still: I got out, I can stay at my parents' place for free and enjoy entertainment not just in Germany, even Europe (one trip done already, more planned). Other don't have money for food or for rent, I just have to fill my spare time.
Further reading:https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
https://sawatdeenetwork.com/v4/showthread.php?21258-Coronavirus-Thailand
sticktickmanbangkok, e.g.
https://www.stickmanbangkok.com/weekly-column/2020/03/coronavirus-updates-from-the-ground/
Selected news in chronological order, headline and link, with some quotations in italic and some comments.
March 2020
Kasikorn Bank stops all foreign money exchanging nationwide in Thailand due to Covid19 Monday, 9 March 2020
https://thepattayanews.com/2020/03/09/kasikorn-bank-stops-all-foreign-money-exchanging-nationwide-in-thailand-due-to-covid19-fears/
‘Volunteer’ Ordered To Stop Spraying People At Victory Monument March 12, 2020
https://www.stickboybkk.com/news/volunteer-ordered-to-stop-spraying-people-at-victory-monument/
"Hundreds Of Monkeys Fight Over Food [Video]" March 13, 2020
https://www.stickboybkk.com/viral/hundreds-of-monkeys-fight-over-food-video/
Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially, and how to “flatten the curve” March 14, 2020
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/
Some Hospitals Apply ‘Farang Pricing’ for Coronavirus Testing March 16, 2020
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2020/03/16/some-hospitals-apply-farang-pricing-for-coronavirus-testing/
Pattaya mayor leads team in fight against COVID-19 By Pattaya Mail March 21, 2020
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattaya-mayor-leads-team-in-fight-against-kovid-19-292080
COVID-19: How Bangkok’s new stringent measures will affect you March 21, 2020
https://www.thaipbsworld.com/covid-19-how-bangkoks-new-stringent-measures-will-affect-you/
Thai government “in discussions” over stranded foreigners March 21, 2020
https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/thai-government-in-discussions-over-stranded-foreigners
Pattaya reverts to its ‘sleepy fishing village’ roots March 22, 2020
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattaya-reverts-to-its-sleepy-fishing-village-roots-292266
In Pictures—Airports Begin To Resemble Aircraft Graveyards Mar 22, 2020
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesasquith/2020/03/22/in-pictures-airports-start-to-resemble-aircraft-graveyards/
City exodus begins 188 new infections brings total to 599 published : 23 Mar 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1884190/city-exodus-begins
Borders reopened out of fear of riots published : 24 Mar 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1884830/migrants-let-through-shut-checkpoints
Thailand under a State of emergency – Prime Minister Published on 24-03-2020
https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/thailand-under-a-state-of-emergency-prime-minister
Laos Confirms First Covid-19 Cases March 24, 2020
https://laotiantimes.com/2020/03/24/laos-confirms-first-covid-19-cases/
Phuket restaurants takeaway only, areas in shopping malls closed in latest order 24 March 2020
https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-restaurants-takeaway-only-areas-in-shopping-malls-closed-in-latest-order-75409.php
Virus choices stark, say experts Contain spread, or 'end up like Italy' published : 24 Mar 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1884880/virus-choices-stark-say-experts
Restricted Travel Guide—Which Airlines Are Still Flying And Where Mar 24, 2020
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesasquith/2020/03/24/restricted-travel-guide-which-airlines-are-still-flying-and-where/
King of Thailand rents entire hotel in Germany for his harem 24th March 2020
https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/thailand/king-of-thailand-rents-entire-hotel-in-germany-for-his-harem-139541/
Thais protest as king takes holiday amid coronavirus crisis Wednesday March 25 2020
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/thais-protest-as-king-takes-holiday-amid-coronavirus-crisis-x7mlbrttj
Hundreds of Thais stranded in New Zealand, denied boarding without documentation Published 25-03-2020
https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/hundreds-of-thais-stranded-in-new-zealand-denied-boarding-without-documentation
100 people denied entry to Thailand 25 Mar 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1885810/100-people-denied-entry-to-thailand
9 Thai airlines stop services during Covid-19 crisis Published on 25-03-2020
https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/9-thai-airlines-stop-services-during-covid-19-crisis
Thai PM: State of emergency begins at midnight 25-03-2020
https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/thai-pm-state-of-emergency-begins-at-midnight
Face masks compulsory on all trains 25 Mar 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1885665/face-masks-compulsory-on-all-trains
https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3076758/thai-health-minister-blames-dirty-western-tourists
All doors closed to foreigners No curfew but public told to cooperate 26 Mar 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1886395
Economy seats sell out for business-class fares as travellers fleeing a worsening Covid-19 pandemic bid for limited flights to China 26 Mar, 2020
https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3076961/economy-seats-go-business-class-fares-travellers-fleeing-worsening-covid
Woman who coughed on $35K worth of grocery store food charged with four felonies March 26, 2020
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/grocery-store-throws-out-35k-worth-food-woman-coughed-twisted-n1169401
No public transport bus tickets until at least April 30 Published on 26-03-2020
https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/no-public-transport-bus-tickets-until-at-least-april-30
Travel Restrictions Create A Direct A380 Australia To London Flight Mar 26, 2020
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesasquith/2020/03/26/travel-restrictions-create-a-direct-a380-australia-to-london-flight/#44d6b0414a5b
Stay home or face curfew, says defence chief 26 Mar 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1887060/stay-home-or-face-curfew-says-defence-chief
Temporary immigration office opens 26 Mar 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1886940/temporary-immigration-office-opens
Egg exports banned for one week 26 Mar 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1887040
How To Tell If We're Beating COVID-19 Mar 27, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54XLXg4fYsc
good scientific (but repetitive)
Rückholaktion für Deutsche im Ausland:Zustände wie auf der Arche Noah 27. März 2020
https://www.sueddeutsche.de/panorama/coronavirus-luftbruecke-auswaertiges-amt-1.4860172
Repatriation of German citizens
Bangkok: SRT stellt den Zugverkehr auf 22 Strecken ab dem 1. April bis auf weiteres ein 28. März 2020
https://www.schoenes-thailand.at/Archive/48251
I din't find anything on English language news about stop of all train traffic in Thailand.
Stickman's Weekly Column › March 29th, 2020 Stuck In Pattaya
This week Thailand closed its borders to all foreigners except those who hold a work permit with the Thais basically saying, “We’ll let in those of you who are useful to us but not the rest of you.” If you hold a valid visa issued on the basis of being married to a Thai national and / or having children in Thailand, you cannot enter Thailand at this time. It’s the same for those with a retirement visa. And even those who parted with anywhere between 500,000 and 2,000,000 baht for a Thai Elite card, the door is firmly closed. Their country, their rules – and this week they showed their true colours: only those of you who are useful are welcome.
https://www.stickmanbangkok.com/weekly-column/2020/03/stuck-in-pattaya/
Pattaya City reduces Songtaew fleet from 712 to 200, limit of five
passengers a bus due to Covid19 and social distancing 29 March 2020
https://thepattayanews.com/2020/03/29/pattaya-city-reduces-songtaew-fleet-from-712-to-200-limit-of-five-passengers-a-bus-due-to-covid19-and-social-distancing/
What It’s Like to Catch, and Survive, the Coronavirus in Thailand March 30, 2020
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2020/03/30/what-its-like-to-catch-and-survive-the-coronavirus-in-thailand/
Pattaya Thais are still complaining about foreigners March 31, 2020
https://pattayaone.news/pattaya-thais-are-still-complaining-about-foreigners/
Elephants face being chained up and left to starve in Thailand after coronavirus crushed the country's tourism industry 31 March 2020
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8170933/Elephants-face-chained-left-starve-Thailand-coronavirus.html
April 2020
Isan roads eerily quiet during crisis 1 Apr 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1891075/isan-roads-eerily-quiet-during-crisis
Official announcement due “very soon” regarding visa extensions after frustration grows with long lines at Thai Immigration countrywide 1 April 2020
https://thepattayanews.com/2020/04/01/official-announcement-due-very-soon-regarding-visa-extensions-after-frustration-grows-with-long-lines-at-thai-immigration-countrywide/
Tourists get automatic visa extensions National Apr 01. 2020
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30385187
Thai PM says tourists will get automatic visa extensions Published on 01-04-2020
https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/thai-pm-says-tourists-will-get-automatic-visa-extensions
All shops in Bangkok must close at midnight published : 1 Apr 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1891060/all-shops-in-bangkok-must-close-at-midnight
Thailand stops 44 commercial trains services, Bangkok’s MRT services reduced By Pattaya Mail April 2, 2020
https://www.pattayamail.com/coronavirus/thailand-expand-halt-to-44-commercial-trains-bangkoks-mrt-services-reduced-293877
Civil Aviation Authority Suspends Incoming Flights Following Passenger Quarantine Revolt April 4, 2020
https://www.stickboybkk.com/news/civil-aviation-authority-suspends-incoming-flights-following-passenger-quarantine-revolt/
Pattaya hotels, beaches closed under new coronavirus restrictions By Pattaya Mail April 4, 2020
https://www.pattayamail.com/coronavirus/pattaya-hotels-beaches-closed-under-new-coronavirus-restrictions-294066
Thailand suspends incoming flights published : 4 Apr 2020 at 07:51
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1893010/thailand-suspends-incoming-flights
Flight ban extended again No inbound travel allowed till April 18 published : 7 Apr 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1894335/flight-ban-extended-again
source: link above https://www.thelocal.fr/20200407/permission-form-now-needed-for-anyone-entering-france
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1896575/bangkok-bans-alcohol-for-10-days-to-curb-covid-19
http://www.panorama-destination.com/thailand-news/visa-amnesty-for-foreign-nationals-in-thailand/
Questions about the recent Thailand Visa Amnesty answered By Pattaya Mail April 10, 2020
https://www.pattayamail.com/featured/questions-about-the-recent-thailand-visa-amnesty-answered-294937
Korat interprovincial bus services suspended published : 11 Apr 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1897825/korat-interprovincial-bus-services-suspended
Phuket ist die erste Provinz in Thailand, die eine vollständige Sperrung aller Gebiete verhängt 12. April 2020
http://thailandtip.info/2020/04/12/phuket-ist-die-erste-provinz-in-thailand-die-eine-vollstaendige-sperrung-aller-gebiete-verhaengt/
Phuket closed everywhere
Hungriger junger Mann bittet verhaftet zu werden 13.04.20
farang.com/de/pages/hungriger-junger-mann-bittet-verhaftet-zu-werden
Hungry Thai man asks to be taken into prison so he gets three meals a day
Bangkok's water festival venue before and during coronavirus – in pictures Tue 14 Apr 2020
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/14/bangkok-water-festival-venue-before-and-during-coronavirus
Thais erhalten 10 GB mobiles Internet gratis „Neujahrsgeschenk“ macht die soziale Distanzierung erträglicher 14.04.20
https://der-farang.com/en/pages/thais-erhalten-10-gb-mobiles-internet-gratis
Free mobile internet 10 GB for everyone
Thai gold prices skyrocket creating a mad rush to sell By Pattaya Mail April 16, 2020
https://www.pattayamail.com/business/thai-gold-prices-skyrocket-creating-a-mad-rush-to-sell-295747
Australian supermarket boss unleashes on hoarder who tried to return hundreds of toilet rolls, hand sanitisers 16/04/2020
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/lifestyle/2020/04/australian-supermarket-boss-unleashes-on-hoarder-who-tried-to-return-hundreds-of-toilet-rolls-hand-sanitisers.html
Coronavirus: How to understand the death toll 16 April 2020
https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/health-51979654
UPDATE: Phuket Zoo animals left abandoned and starving – VIDEO 17-04-2020
https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/environment/phuket-zoo-files-for-closure-animals-left-abandoned-and-starving-video
Thais left stranded overseas slam coronavirus policy confusion 'Fit-to-fly' rules leave Thai students, professionals, struggling to get home amid confusion over repatriation flights. 17 Apr 2020
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/thais-left-stranded-overseas-slam-coronavirus-policy-confusion-200416072630213.html
TAT expects 16m international tourists Revised outlook a far cry from pre-outbreak target as V-shaped recovery sought 18 Apr 2020 at 07:30
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1902275/tat-expects-16m-international-tourists
Bangkok temple ordered to stop handouts due to huge queues 19-04-2020
https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/cv19-asia/cv19-thailand/cv19-bangkok/bangkok-temple-ordered-to-stop-handouts-due-to-huge-queues
Pattaya Ghost Town - Will it ever be the same? Apr 19, 2020
https://youtu.be/eEAtS4r9PJg
Russian couple found living in cave in Krabi Samui Times Editor 20/04/2020
https://www.samuitimes.com/russian-couple-found-living-in-cave-in-krabi/
Coronavirus lockdown boosts numbers of Thailand's rare sea turtles Mon 20 Apr 2020
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/20/coronavirus-lockdown-boosts-numbers-of-thailands-rare-sea-turtles
Visas extended, relief measures approved 21 Apr 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1904435/visas-extended-relief-measures-approved
visa amnesty extended to 31jul2020
Hotels welcome back Chinese 21 Apr 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1903775/hotels-welcome-back-chinese
Jobless queue for food in Bangkok 22 Apr 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1905195/jobless-queue-for-food-in-bangkok
About 10,000 foreigners stranded on Surat Thani islands 22 Apr 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1905120/about-10-000-foreigners-stranded-on-surat-thani-islands
MISERABLE END Elephants starving to death in Thailand as tourist camps shut down and abandon animals now there’s no money coming in 22 Apr 2020
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11455354/elephant-starving-death-thailand-camps-closed-coronavirus/
March foreign tourist arrivals tumble 76.4% y/y published : 23 Apr 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1906000/march-foreign-tourist-arrivals-tumble-76-4-y-y
At breaking point, Thailand’s poor are killing themselves By Coconuts Bangkok Apr 23, 2020
https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/at-breaking-point-thailands-poor-are-killing-themselves/
Strikte Vorschriften bei Wiederaufnahme von Flügen Von: Redaktion DER FARANG | 23.04.20
https://der-farang.com/de/pages/strikte-vorschriften-bei-wiederaufnahme-von-fluegen
Strict rules for resumption of inland flights in Thailand
Coronavirus Koh Samui Foreigners giving food donations called into Koh Samui police station Samui Times Editor 24/04/2020
https://www.samuitimes.com/foreigners-giving-food-donations-called-into-koh-samui-police-station/
“Healthy stickers” to be required of all Buriram residents starting The Thaiger & The Nation 24-04-2020
https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/cv19-asia/cv19-thailand/healthy-stickers-to-be-required-of-all-buriram-residents-starting-may-1
statistics 25apr2020, source: Bangkok Post
The Future Vision of Pattaya Tourism Time for Reflection – Time for Future Visions April 25, 2020
https://www.eturbonews.com/571056/the-future-vision-of-pattaya-tourism/
Suvarnabhumi ready to reopen Flagship airport repaired, renovated as domestic flights resume on May 1 published : 26 Apr 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1907430/suvarnabhumi-ready-to-reopen
Emergency decree extended published : 27 Apr 2020 at 13:05
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1908545/emergency-decree-extended
Thailand to Gradually Restart Businesses April 29, 2020
https://pattayaone.news/thailand-to-gradually-restart-businesses/
Incoming flights ban extended to May 31 published : 27 Apr 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1908585/incoming-flights-ban-extended-to-may-31
Tales of the Pandemic Hunkering down in tourist-free Siem Reap April 27, 2020
https://southeastasiaglobe.com/siem-reap-covid-19/
US man and 12-year-old Thai son face life on the streets in India if they cannot return to Thailand right now April 27, 2020
https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2020/04/27/american-geoffrey-giuliano-thai-son-eden-homeless-india-repatriation-flights-thailand/
Feeding Asia’s elephants in a Covid-19 era Published on 27-04-2020
https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/cv19-asia/feeding-asias-elephants-in-a-covid-19-era
Alle Bundesländer führen Maskenpflicht ein - ab wann sie wo gilt Dienstag, 28.04.2020
https://www.focus.de/finanzen/recht/deutschland-uebersicht-immer-mehr-bundeslaender-fuehren-maskenpflicht-ein-wann-sie-wo-gilt_id_11906207.html
face masks compulsory everywhere in Germany in public areas
23 caught enjoying Pattaya beach published : 28 Apr 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1909200/23-caught-enjoying-pattaya-beach
Broke, stranded Russian tourist earns his keep at temple published : 29 Apr 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1909984/broke-stranded-russian-tourist-earns-his-keep-at-temple
Possible two day ‘window’ to purchase alcohol before bans re-imposed Published on 29-04-2020
https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/cv19-asia/cv19-thailand/possible-two-day-window-to-purchase-alcohol-before-bans-re-imposed
Still no long-haul bus services, but more commuter trains running published : 29 Apr 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1910028/still-no-long-haul-bus-services-but-more-commuter-trains-running
Life goes on at Bangkok’s largest fresh market despite shutdown (Video) Apr 29, 2020
https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/life-goes-on-at-bangkoks-largest-fresh-market-despite-shutdown-video/
Thailand again reports few new COVID cases, OKs reopening of some businesses Apr 30, 2020
https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/thailand-again-reports-few-new-covid-cases-oks-reopening-of-some-businesses/
Phuket exodus to begin tomorrow Thursday 30 April 2020
https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-exodus-to-begin-tomorrow-75910.php
Bangkok left high and dry after booze ban indefinitely extended Apr 30, 2020
https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/bangkok-left-high-and-dry-after-booze-ban-indefinitely-extended/
Thailand reopens restaurants and golf courses from May 3 April 30, 2020
https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Thailand-reopens-restaurants-and-golf-courses-from-May-3
Copyright 2020 ChristianPFC (except pictures newspaper headlines)
all above sounds as obituary to " Travel to Thailand in 2020 "
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