Covid-19 in the news (2) May-June 2020

Covid-19 in the news (2) May-June 2020

A collection of news (headlines and links) in chronological order, with a few citations (in italic) and comments.

May 2020

Alcohol ban to be lifted Sunday — with limits published : 2 May 2020 at 07:00 https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1911304/alcohol-ban-to-be-lifted-sunday-with-limits

 

source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQpJDVblFvI
Today Liquor Ban Lifted with Limit in Thailand this Happen May 3, 2020

Over 500 Thais fly home today and straight into quarantine Published on 03-05-2020
https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/cv19-asia/cv19-thailand/over-500-thais-fly-home-today-and-straight-into-quarantine

Shoppers rush out to buy booze amid fears of further bans Monday 4 May 2020
https://www.thephuketnews.com/shoppers-rush-out-to-buy-booze-amid-fears-of-further-bans-75953.php

More foreign flights allowed Air chiefs green-light repatriation missions 4 May 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1912072/more-foreign-flights-allowed

Dark Night: Photos Capture Death of Bangkok’s Nightlife in Pandemic May 7, 2020
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/nightlife/2020/05/07/dark-night-photos-capture-death-of-bangkoks-nightlife-in-pandemic/

It's time to face grim Covid-19 reality 7 May 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1913836/its-time-to-face-grim-covid-19-reality

Taking on Covid-19, South Africa Goes After Cigarettes and Booze, Too
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/08/world/africa/coronavirus-south-africa-tobacco-alcohol-ban.html only for subscribers

Bangkok's millionaires' club enjoys lockdown luxury Published 09 May, 2020
https://www.todayonline.com/world/bangkoks-millionaires-club-enjoys-lockdown-luxury

Hotels seek end to 14-day quarantine for arrivals from ‘COVID clear’ countries 9 May 2020
https://www.thephuketnews.com/hotels-seek-end-to-14-day-quarantine-for-arrivals-from-covid-clear-countries-76001.php

Klong Toey's struggle amid virus Slum-dwelling parents ponder the future of their children 10 May 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/1915448/klong-toeys-struggle-amid-virus

Chatuchak market opens to wary shoppers 10 May 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1915360/chatuchak-market-opens-to-wary-shoppers

Yellow tape makes Pattaya beach closures official May 10, 2020
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/yellow-tape-makes-pattaya-beach-closures-official-298919

Thailand: The Coronavirus Suicides Scholars warn that the number of people driven to suicide by economic hardship could exceed the number of COVID-19 deaths if the government doesn’t react. May 11, 2020
These professionals started to study suicides in the kingdom a few weeks after the government imposed emergency measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus, at the end of March. Based on the results of their research, there have been at least 38 suicide attempts linked to the lockdown, and job losses during the crisis, as of the end of April. Of those, 28 people died. The scholars warned that the number of suicide cases caused by economic repercussions could even exceed the number of coronavirus deaths if the government does not react quickly.
https://thediplomat.com/2020/05/thailand-the-coronavirus-suicides/

Extrapoliting this, more Thais have died from suicide after experiencing economical problems due to covid, than from covid itself. And even more have been saved from dying in traffic accidents:

https://www.stickmanbangkok.com/weekly-column/2020/04/shagging-strangers-during-covid-19/
Reader's comment: Looking on the bright side. So far in 2020, there have been 4,235 road deaths in Thailand, but the number of deaths has dropped significantly since the lock-down. Based on what we are seeing from the end of March there are about 10 fewer deaths a day. For the last 5 days of March, that is 50 fewer deaths, while the number of deaths in Thailand from the virus is just 9. So the virus has been a good thing for Thailand in that respect as so far ~41 fewer people have died in Thailand than otherwise would have. Should we hope the coronavirus lasts and continues to save lives in Thailand?!

Plastic piles up in Thailand as pandemic efforts sideline pollution fight May 11, 2020 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-thailand-plastic/plastic-piles-up-in-thailand-as-pandemic-efforts-sideline-pollution-fight-idUSKBN22N12W

Even Before Borders Reopen Thailand (Once Again) Considers THB 300 Tourist Levy For “Pandemic Insurance” May 12, 2020
https://loyaltylobby.com/2020/05/12/even-before-borders-reopen-thailand-once-again-considers-thb-300-tourist-levy-for-pandemic-insurance/

Coronavirus Survivors Told to Refrain From Sex for 30 Days May 14, 2020
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2020/05/14/coronavirus-survivors-told-to-refrain-from-sex-for-30-days/

Foreigner Caught Stealing Food.. But There’s A Twist May 14, 2020
https://www.stickboybkk.com/news/foreigner-caught-stealing-food-but-theres-a-twist/

China, HK, Macau and Korea off 'danger' list Arrivals in Thailand from designated countries subjected to extra Covid precautions 15 May 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1918864/china-hk-macau-and-korea-off-danger-list

How Many People Die Each Day? May 15, 2020
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/how-many-people-die-each-day/

Inbound flight ban extended to end of June Government now debating whether emergency decree should also remain beyond May 31 published : 16 May 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1919220/inbound-flight-ban-extended-to-end-of-june

Bangkok allows 10 more businesses to reopen Malls, restaurants, gyms on BMA list, with distancing required 16 May 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1919216/bangkok-allows-10-more-businesses-to-reopen

Inbound flight ban extended to end of June Government now debating whether emergency decree should also remain beyond May 31 16 May 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1919220/inbound-flight-ban-extended-to-end-of-june

Thailand Extends The Ban On Foreign Passenger Arrivals Until June 30, 2020 May 16, 2020
Just two weeks ago Thailand has extended this restriction until May 31, 2020 so now they racked it up another month which means no foreigners will be able to enter the country even if they hold long term resident visas such as retirement, employment or the Elite visa.
https://loyaltylobby.com/2020/05/16/thailand-extends-the-ban-on-foreign-passenger-arrivals-until-june-30-2020/
And more interesting information on development and current situation.

Farang in the free food queue May 18, 2020
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/farang-in-the-free-food-queue-300316

Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market coming back to life May 18, 2020
https://www.pattayamail.com/business/bangkoks-chatuchak-weekend-market-coming-back-to-life-300195

Amazing Trusted Thailand: TAT set for rebrand as foreign tourists expected to return in October May 19, 2020
https://inspirebangkok.com/news/amazing-trusted-thailand-tat-set-for-rebrand-as-foreign-tourists-expected-to-return-in-october/amp/

Ban on travel lifted, museums to reopen 20 May 2020
https://m.phnompenhpost.com/national/ban-travel-lifted-museums-reopen

Countries continue to ban travel well into June 21 May 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/1922028/countries-continue-to-ban-travel-well-into-june

Stranded Thais search for way home 21 May 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1921652/stranded-thais-search-for-way-home

Some Pattaya expats struggling with mall registration May 21, 2020
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/some-pattaya-expats-struggling-with-mall-registration-300852

Vietnam may welcome tourists in third quarter Sunday, 5/24/2020
https://en.thesaigontimes.vn/tinbaichitiet/76858/

Further reopenings set for June; Boxing, massage poised to return 25 May 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1923524/further-reopenings-set-for-june

As Thailand’s travel industry readies for relaunch, what can visitors expect?
https://cnaluxury.channelnewsasia.com/experiences/thailand-travel-industry-covid-19-12759144
No date, before 25may2020

Thailand looking at quarantine waiver for selected tourists May 25, 2020
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thailand-looking-at-quarantine-waiver-for-selected-tourists

Thai Government is warning on fake Thai Chana Covid19 contact tracing websites 25 May 2020
https://thepattayanews.com/2020/05/25/thai-government-is-warning-on-fake-thai-chana-covid19-contact-tracing-websites/

Government extends emergency despite opposition criticism 26 May 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1924560/government-extends-emergency-despite-opposition-criticism

Why Thailand isn't reopening to international tourists yet 27th May
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/thailand-international-tourists-covid/index.html

Will the flight ban be extended in July? May 27, 2020
https://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/05/will-the-flight-ban-be-extended-in-july/

Complete end to lockdown on July 1; State of emergency likely to end June 30; published : 28 May 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1925768/complete-end-to-lockdown-on-july-1

Researchers ponder why covid-19 appears deadlier in the U.S. and Europe than in Asia May 28, 2020
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/researchers-ponder-why-covid-appears-more-deadly-in-the-us-and-europe-than-in-asia/2020/05/26/81889d06-8a9f-11ea-9759-6d20ba0f2c0e_story.html

Foreigners allowed to enter Thailand on case-by-case basis May 29. 2020
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30388723

Fact Check: Is Thailand open to all international tourists starting July first? 29 May 2020
https://thepattayanews.com/2020/05/29/fact-check-is-thailand-open-to-all-international-tourists-starting-july-first/

Travel agents want tourists in July Virus-free nations prioritised in plan 29 May 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1925980/travel-agents-want-tourists-in-july

Private quarantine facilities at own cost offered to returning foreigners May 31. 2020
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30388808

Traveler Describes Entering Cambodia Via Korea Flight May 31, 2020
https://cne.wtf/2020/05/31/traveler-describes-entering-cambodia-via-korea-flight/

June 2020

Bars, playgrounds, boxing stadiums in Bangkok to stay closed until July Jun 1, 2020
https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/bars-playgrounds-boxing-stadiums-in-bangkok-to-stay-closed-until-july/

Another family kept apart by Thai red tape and quarantine confusion June 1, 2020
https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/another-family-kept-apart-by-thai-red-tape-and-quarantine-confusion

Four BTS stations will open on 4 June for free test-run service June 2 2020
https://www.timeout.com/bangkok/news/four-bts-stations-will-open-on-4-june-for-free-test-run-service-060220

Thailand plans ‘travel bubbles’ when borders reopen 2 Jun 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1928308/thailand-plans-travel-bubbles-when-borders-reopen

Rate of sexually transmitted infections falls amid Covid-19 pandemic Nightclub closures and fall in dating app use may be factors but HSE warns on reading too much into data Jun 2, 2020
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/rate-of-sexually-transmitted-infections-falls-amid-covid-19-pandemic-1.4267979

Pandemic leads to falling rents, glut 4 Jun 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1929064/pandemic-leads-to-falling-rents-glut

https://www.facebook.com/129946050353608/posts/3566870529994459/
8jun2020 information in Thai about which trains are running at the moment

Thai Airways pushes back resumption of international services to August 09-06-2020
https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/thai-airways-pushes-back-resumption-of-international-services-to-august

Bars, Pubs, Soapy Massages Won’t Reopen in ‘Phase 4’ June 10, 2020
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2020/06/10/bars-pubs-soapy-massages-wont-reopen-in-phase-4/

Pattaya expats settle down for the long haul June 10, 2020 https://www.pattayamail.com/featured/pattaya-expats-settle-down-for-the-long-haul-303409

Cambodia requires foreigners to pay for COVID-19 test, quarantine, treatment services June 10, 2020
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50732293/cambodia-requires-foreigners-to-pay-for-covid-19-test-quarantine-treatment-services/

Foreigners to be charged “$3000 deposit” for C-19 quarantine, tests Foreigners to be charged “$3000 deposit” for C-19 quarantine, tests June 11, 2020
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50732611/foreigners-to-be-charged-for-c-19-quarantine-tests/

Pattaya braces for slow reopening Thailand's famed tourist destination welcomes back local weekend travellers, which business owners fear may be financially unsustainable 11 Jun 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/1932984/pattaya-braces-for-slow-reopening

Bus Operator Confirms Ban on Foreign Travelers in Pandemic By Khaosod English - June 11, 2020
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2020/06/11/bus-operator-confirms-ban-on-foreign-travelers-in-pandemic/

Famed Thai temple bars foreigners entry over COVID-19 fears June 12, 2020
Signs seen Thursday morning at the main gate of Wat Pho, the Buddhist temple adjacent to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, said in English: “Open for Thai only,” “ONLY THAI PEOPLE,” and “NOW NOT OPEN FOR FOREIGNERS.”
https://apnews.com/1c6d2c7899c75e33d752b9383ef913f0

Ban on overseas entry to stay 'Low-risk' local flights don't need distancing 13 Jun 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1933936/ban-on-overseas-entry-to-stay

https://www.facebook.com/129946050353608/posts/3583366431678202/
14jun2020 information in Thai about which trains are running at the moment

'Keep foreign tourists out': Poll 14 Jun 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1934596/keep-foreign-tourists-out-poll
Does the NO refer to "foreign tourists" or to "soon"?

Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam... How some countries kept Covid at bay 14jun2020
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/14/thailand-malaysia-vietnam-how-some-countries-kept-covid-at-bay

Thailand announces Curfew will be eliminated effective from Monday, June 15 - Friday, 12 June 2020
https://thepattayanews.com/2020/06/12/thailand-announces-curfew-will-be-eliminated-effective-from-monday-june-15/

Business first, tourists later, say air chiefs Talks on restarting international flights 16 Jun 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1935288/business-first-tourists-later-say-air-chiefs

The Coronavirus Crisis The Dark Side Of Thailand's Coronavirus Success June 16, 2020
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/06/16/874198026/the-cost-of-thailands-coronavirus-success-despair-and-suicide?t=1595663886047

Official Entry Pricing For Foreign Travelers (COVID-19) June 16, 
2020
https://cne.wtf/2020/06/16/official-entry-pricing-for-foreign-
travelers-covid-19/
Article has pictures of the official documents with prices for testing, transportation, accommodation, food for foreigners entering Cambodia.

Overseas commercial flight ban might not end on July 1 Business people likely the first travellers 17 Jun 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1936052/overseas-commercial-flight-ban-might-not-end-on-july-11

International Flights May Resume By September: Aviation Chief June 18, 2020
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2020/06/18/international-flights-may-resume-by-september-aviation-chief/

‘Travel Bubble’ Plan For Foreign Experts & Business Travelers Immediately Dismissed, Flight Ban Might Be Extended by Jun 19, 2020
https://loyaltylobby.com/2020/06/19/thailand-travel-bubble-plan-for-foreign-experts-business-travelers-immediately-dismissed-flight-ban-might-be-extended/Thailand

Thailand Aims to Turn Away From Mass Tourism and Target the Wealthy June 19 2020
https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/thailand-aims-to-turn-away-from-mass-tourism-target-the-wealthy

Tourists banned from first wave of ‘travel bubbles’, says Anutin National Jun 19. 2020
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30389926

Bangkok bar raided, nearly 100 revellers charged with breaching emergency decree 19-06-2020
https://thethaiger.com/news/bangkok/bangkok-bar-raided-nearly-100-revellers-charged-with-breaching-emergency-decree

Thailand to turn away from mass tourism, target the wealthy Kingdom considers protocols for return of foreign tourists 19 Jun 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/1937704/thailand-to-turn-away-from-mass-tourism-target-the-wealthy

More talks urged on travel bubbles Slack standards in other countries a risk 19 Jun 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1937388/more-talks-urged-on-travel-bubbles

Thailand ‘travel bubble’ not for tourists, but for economy stimulation visitors June 20, 2020
https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thailand-travel-bubble-not-for-tourists-but-for-economy-stimulation-visitors-304779

Seven groups of foreigners expected to be allowed entry Jun 22. 2020
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30390085

https://www.nzz.ch/panorama/die-wichtigsten-grafiken-zum-coronavirus-in-deutschland-ld.1550682?intpro=lp_nzzde_fb_grafiken
NZZ Visuals 23.06.2020 Graphics about Covid in Germany

Macaque attack: Humans try to take back Thai city from monkeys Jun 24, 2020
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/macaque-attack-humans-try-to-take-back-thai-city-from-monkeys

All business to resume on July 1 24 Jun 2020
Pubs, bars and karaoke shops will reopen, but must close at midnight. Premises offering a bath-sauna-massage service [aka soapy] will reopen on the condition that customers and staff wear face masks and observe social distancing - except during "bathing time", Dr Taweesilp said.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1940316/all-business-to-resume-on-july-1

No chance of resuming international flights in July: experts June 24, 2020
https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/economy/no-chance-of-resuming-international-flights-in-july-experts-4119661.html

Auswärtiges Amt verschickt erste Rechnungen an Touristen
200 Euro für Mallorca, 1.000 für Australien – Reisende, die in der Corona-Pandemie zurückgeholt wurden, bekommen nun die Rechnung. Die Aktion kostete 94 Millionen Euro. 26. Juni 2020
https://www.zeit.de/gesellschaft/zeitgeschehen/2020-06/bundesegierung-touristen-rueckholaktion-kosten-coronavirus
German government sends bills to passengers of repatriation flights

Thailand to greenlight entry of several types of inbound travelers 26-Jun-2020
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-06-26/Thailand-to-greenlight-entry-of-several-types-of-inbound-travelers-RD9CFeGsWk/index.html

Bubble tourism wears flak Thais must let down guard to spur growth 26 Jun 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1941088/bubble-tourism-wears-flak

Italy bans hand luggage on flights 'for health reasons' Italian authorities have announced that hand luggage is banned on all national and international flights as of Friday June 26th.
https://www.thelocal.it/20200626/italy-bans-all-hand-luggae-on-flights-for-safety-reasons

Thai authorities mull visa amnesty rules after July 31 published June 28, 2020 https://www.pattayamail.com/news/thai-authorities-mull-visa-amnesty-rules-after-july-31-305553

source: link above

State of emergency extended until end of July Jun 29 2020
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30390469

Govt logs 7 new Covid cases, extends emergency 29 Jun 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1942784/govt-logs-7-new-covid-cases-extends-emergency

ทีมพีอาร์การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย 29. Juni การรถไฟฯ เปิดเดินขบวนทางไกล และขบวนรถนำเที่ยวเพิ่มเติม จำนวน 40 ขบวน ภายหลัง ศบค. ไฟเขียวผ่อนคลายมาตรการในระยะที่ 4 เริ่มเปิดให้บริการ 1 กรกฎาคมนี้
https://www.facebook.com/129946050353608/posts/3626882290659949/
in Thai, list of trains that will run again from 1jul2020

Public Announcement The Notification on Conditions for International Flight Permit to Thailand 30 June 2020
https://www.caat.or.th/en/archives/51825

August targeted for beach holidays Five locations may see pilot projects 30 Jun 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1942996/august-targeted-for-beach-holidays

Thailand to lift ban on international flights Wednesday Airport usage less than half of last year 30 Jun 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1943128/thailand-to-lift-ban-on-international-flights-wednesday

No copyright claimed 2020 ChristianPFC