A Singaporean's guide to living in Thailand

[Froggy]

Gonna be a very muted Songkran

Songkran had long been postponed to an indefinite date so there is no Singkran this month, no holiday whatsoever.

https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/cv19-news-and-updates/songkran-officially-postponed

 

[spotter542]

Those sua teng far far away de will celebrate one
Now no booze suck thumb lor

 

[Froggy]

Lockdown dinner at a friend's place last night. Had a great evening until curfew time

Dinner for two

 

[yinyang]

CP Group set to make face masks to donate to needy
Bangkok Post PUBLISHED : 11 APR 2020 AT 04:00

A surgical mask factory set up by Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group goes through a week-long test-run with production scheduled to begin next week. Supplies will primarily be donated to medical staff. photo supplied by CP Group

The Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group is expected to start producing surgical masks for donation to medical staff and others in need next week.
The machines and raw materials required for the production of surgical masks arrived in Thailand on a chartered flight, the company said on Thursday. The machines are currently going through a week-long test-run period.

The company aims to produce 3 million masks a month, which will primarily be donated to medical staff.
"An important raw material is melt-blown fabric, which is used to block germs. Under the current situation, it is a rare [commodity] and the price has risen ten-fold. Cooperation on procurement is needed from networks and allies in many countries, as we need the raw material for continuous production," the company said.

• Police insist on quizzing face mask whistleblower
• Police seize large haul of masks, gel
• Charoen Pokphand Group celebrates the virtue of ‘Gratitude’

The surgical masks will be comprised of three layers -- green hydrophobic spunbond nonwoven fabric, melt-blown fabric and white spunbond nonwoven fabric.

CP's senior chairman Dhanin Chearavanont announced last month that the company would be investing 100 million baht to build a factory to produce face masks to help combat Covid-19.

Apart from medical personnel, the masks will also be provided free of charge to those who have limited access to the vital equipment, which can help stop the spread of the virus.

 

[yinyang]

Socialising over drinks banned, deemed risky behaviour
Bangkok Post PUBLISHED : 10 APR 2020 AT 17:06

A woman wearing a protective mask aligns bottles on shelves inside a liquor store in Bangkok, after the capital announced a 10-day ban on alcohol sales from Friday. (Reuters photo)

Even small groups of people drinking together during Songkran would be in breach of the ban on social gatherings to prevent the spread of the coronvirus, and they would face legal action, a senior government official warned on Friday.
The warning follows reports that people rushed to stock up on alcoholic beverages ahead of the ban on sales in effect in Bangkok and many other provinces.

Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said police would not be reluctant to use their power under the Emergency Decree to crack down on social gatherings, regardless of the number of people present.

Violators of the prohibition on social gatherings are liable to a fine of up to 100,000 baht and/or a one-year jail term.
Dr Taweesilp said the covid response centre was worried about celebrations during Songkran, which falls on Monday this year.

• Number of emergency decree violators tops 5,000
• Friday: 50 new covid cases, one more death
• No extension of curfew hours despite many violations

Bangkok on Friday joined many provinces that have banned sales of alcoholic drinks around the clock to deter people from socialising, which could spread the coronavirus. The ban period varies, depending on the judgement of the provincial communicable disease committee.

Bangkok enforces the ban until April 20.
Provinces that have banned sales of alcoholic beverages include Buri Ram, Chai Nat, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Mukdahan, Nakhon Pathom, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Prachin Buri, Rayong, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Songkram, Suphan Buri and Surin.
The prohibition is aimed at reducing the options for people to gather in groups and risk spreading the virus, the centre said.

The Thai Lunar New Year is on April 13, and holidays were designated from April 13-15. The government has postponed the festival holiday to prevent the virus from spreading to more people. The new holiday dates have not been decided.

 

[Froggy]

Italian takeaway dinner with a friend last night

the morning after breakfast

 

[yinyang]

 

[Froggy]

Rarely is Bangkok sky so clear and blue, wonderful Saturday

 

[yinyang]

45 new Covid-19 cases point to declining trend in Thailand (UPDATED)
National
Apr 11. 2020

By THE NATION

Thailand’s total number of Covid-19 patients rose to 2,518 with 45 new cases confirmed over a 24-hour period, and two more deaths, Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said on Saturday (April 11). This compares with 54 new cases on Thursday and 50 on Friday.

Of the total, 1,135 patients have fully recovered and returned to their homes.

Of 45 new patients: 23 had contacts with previous cases, living mostly in Bangkok, Pattani and Phuket; nine are not related to the previous patients (one foreigner, two Thais from UK, three working in crowded places, one in a high-risk career, and two medical personnel); the source of infection of four patients is being investigated; nine had returned from foreign countries and are in state quarantine.
During the week from April 4 to 10, 495 patients were found nationwide: 144 persons infected with the Covid-19 were from previous cases, 56 per cent from family members, 23 per cent from working places, 18 per cent from friends or dining with other people, and 3 per cent from other infected persons living in the same community

A recent report said the 10 provinces with most number of patients were: Bangkok (1,280), Phuket (172), Nonthaburi (148), Samut Prakan (106), Yala (77), Chonburi (75), Pattani (74). Songkhla (55), Chiang Mai (40), and Pathum Thani (33).

Also, 72 patients are under investigation.
There are no Covid-19 patients in the provinces of Kamphaeng Phet, Chai Nat, Trat, Nan, Bueng Kan, Phichit, Ranong, Sing Buri and Ang Thong.

 

[Froggy]

45 new Covid-19 cases point to declining trend in Thailand (UPDATED)
National
Apr 11. 2020

By THE NATION

Thailand’s total number of Covid-19 patients rose to 2,518 with 45 new cases confirmed over a 24-hour period, and two more deaths, Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said on Saturday (April 11). This compares with 54 new cases on Thursday and 50 on Friday.

Of the total, 1,135 patients have fully recovered and returned to their homes.

Of 45 new patients: 23 had contacts with previous cases, living mostly in Bangkok, Pattani and Phuket; nine are not related to the previous patients (one foreigner, two Thais from UK, three working in crowded places, one in a high-risk career, and two medical personnel); the source of infection of four patients is being investigated; nine had returned from foreign countries and are in state quarantine.
During the week from April 4 to 10, 495 patients were found nationwide: 144 persons infected with the Covid-19 were from previous cases, 56 per cent from family members, 23 per cent from working places, 18 per cent from friends or dining with other people, and 3 per cent from other infected persons living in the same community

A recent report said the 10 provinces with most number of patients were: Bangkok (1,280), Phuket (172), Nonthaburi (148), Samut Prakan (106), Yala (77), Chonburi (75), Pattani (74). Songkhla (55), Chiang Mai (40), and Pathum Thani (33).

Also, 72 patients are under investigation.
There are no Covid-19 patients in the provinces of Kamphaeng Phet, Chai Nat, Trat, Nan, Bueng Kan, Phichit, Ranong, Sing Buri and Ang Thong.

@yinyang I like many Thais and foreigners living here wish these numbers are real as many of us have our reservations due to . . . . . go figure

 

[yinyang]

..I like many Thais and foreigners living here wish these numbers are real as many of us have our reservations due to . . . . . go figure

Understand local skepticism on the low nos. That's also due to low nos. tested (they admitted same),
and time bomb 12,000 of returnees now being held back.
The nos. today record low. And the spokesman speaks excellent angrit

Thailand reports 33 new coronavirus cases, 3 deaths Sunday
Bangkok Post PUBLISHED : 12 APR 2020 AT 12:00
UPDATED: 12 APR 2020 AT 13:16

A woman wearing a protective face mask rides her cart during the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak in Bangkok on Saturday. (Reuters photo)

Thailand reported 33 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, for a total of 2,551 cases, as well as three more deaths, taking the nation's toll to 38.
Two Thai men aged 74 and 44, and a woman aged 65 died, said Taweesilp Visanuyothin, a spokesman for the government's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).

The number of confirmed new cases was lower than the 45 recorded on Saturday, and marks the fifth straight day of declines since the 111 recorded on April 8. Because a relatively small number of people have been tested, however, it is impossible to say how far and how fast the virus is spreading, and it is essential to maintain frequent hand washing -- for 20 seconds -- and social distancing. The peak number of confirmed cases so far was the 188 recorded on March 22.


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

• 2nd confirmed Covid-19 case in Nakhon Phanom
• Sunday: 33 new coronavirus cases, 3 more death

Bangkok reported the most new infections -- 14 -- followed by Yala (5), Phuket (4), Pattana (3), Narathiwat and Samut Songkram (2 each). Chon Buri, Loei and Nakhon Si Thammarat each recorded one new case. A second case was recorded in Nakhon Phanom over the weekend.
The country has found virus cases in 68 provinces. Ang Thong, Bung Karn, Chai Nat, Kamphaeng Phet, Nan, Phichit, Ranong, Sing Buri and Trat have yet to report infections, according to the CCSA.

As the traditional Thai New Year will start on Monday, Dr Taweesilp called for no water splashing as it would spread the virus in the country.
The centre is not imposing a water celebration ban, he said, but is asking everyone to cooperate by not returning to their homes, pouring water to pay respects to the elderly and suspending all religious activities at temples.

The centre on Friday warned of legal action against social gatherings during the Thai Lunar New Year as the country is under the Emergency Decree.
Violators of the prohibition on social gatherings are liable to a fine of up to 100,000 baht and/or a one-year jail term.
The government has deferred the official holidays previously scheduled from Monday to Wednesday. New dates have yet to be decided.

• Government map and tally of coronavirus infections in Thailand

 

[rotikosong]

@yinyang I like many Thais and foreigners living here wish these numbers are real as many of us have our reservations due to . . . . . go figure

why do you believe the numbers are not real?

Why are the Thailand infection and death numbers comparatively so low? The infection numbers can be skewed by low number of tests performed but you can’t hide deaths (presumptive or tested infected). The hospitals also don’t seem to be inundated.

Is everyone then getting really sick then dying all at home? Given the prevalence of social media, hard to hide those too.

 

[spotter542]

This few days will be the quietest Songkran in Thai history

 

[Froggy]

 

[yinyang]

Katoeys sanuk and break the law

32 caught violating emergency decree in Pattaya
Bangkok Post PUBLISHED : 12 APR 2020 AT 15:37

Authorities round up 32 people holding a party at a house in Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri on Sunday. (Photo by Chaiyot Pupattanapong)

CHON BURI: Thirty-two people, most of them transvestites, were arrested on Sunday in a raid on a house in Bang Lamung district for violating the emergency decree prohibiting gatherings that may be conducive to the spread of Covid-19.

The raid on a two-storey luxury house in tambon Nong Prue occurred about 30 minutes after midnight and was conducted by a combined force of local, tourist and immigration police in response to a complaint from local residents.

In the house, they found 27 Thais, four Chinese and one Pakistani national, most of them transvestites. They were livestreaming themselves via the Kwai app, performing in various positions for members to view.

The authorities took their temperatures before taking them to Nong Prue police station,where they were charged with violating the emergency decree.

 

[yinyang]

28 new cases point to declining Covid-19 infections in Thailand over a week (Updated)
National
Apr 13. 2020

By The Nation

Thailand’s total number of Covid-19 patients rose to 2,579 with 28 new cases confirmed over a 24-hour period, and two more deaths, Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said on Monday (April 13).

The cases can be divided into three groups.

The first group of 18 had close contact with others previously confirmed as infected (mostly nine in Bangkok).

The second group comprised seven – one of whom had just returned from overseas, two who worked in crowded areas or close to foreigners, one who visited a crowded area, and three medical staff.

The last group of three returned from Indonesia and are now under state quarantine in Pattani and Yala.

Meanwhile, 70 people have fully recovered and returned home.

One of the deaths was a 56-year-old man, who had come into close contact with a previous patient. He was said to have influenza on March 14 and later was found to have Covid-19. His condition got worse and he experienced difficulty breathing. He died yesterday.

The other death was of a 43-year-old man who had diabetes. He had gone to a private hospital in Bangkok on March 31 with high fever, cough and diarrhoea and had returned home. On April 5, he was admitted to the same hospital and was found to be infected with Covid-19. He died of respiratory failure yesterday.

As of today, the total number of confirmed virus cases in the country stand at 2,579, with 1,251 under treatment, 1,288 having recovered and been discharged, and 40 dying.

Of the 28 new patients, 12 were in Bangkok, six in Phuket, two each in Yala, Satun, and Chon Buri, and one each in Chumphon, Nakhon Phanom and Nonthaburi.

Globally, there are more than 1.85 million confirmed cases and around 114,000 deaths to date.

 

[yinyang]

Coronavirus tames Songkran celebration
Bangkok Post PUBLISHED : 13 APR 2020 AT 15:32

Thippawan Intharapanya pours water on a Buddha image in her apartment room in Bang Sue district on Songkran. (Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya)

Thais celebrated the Lunar New Year in an unusually subdued way as the coronavirus kept them in their homes, without the customary boisterous water splashing and trips upcountry for family reunions.

Places usually chaotic with water splashing and the exchange of water gunfire, like Silom and Khao San roads in Bangkok, were quiet after the government cancelled the Songkran festival holiday to keep Covid-19 at bay.

Chang Arena in Buri Ram, known as Thundercastle, sits deserted on Songkran Day, after all activities were cancelled. (Photo: Surachai Piraksa)

Outside the capital, famous Songkran gathering places like Chang Arena in the Buri Ram municipality and Bueng Bua Yai in Bua Yai district of Nakhon Ratchasima were deserted.

Revellers usually throng popular areas to have fun after offering alms to monks in the morning to ensure a good start on the first day of the Thai New Year.

Some places, such as Wong Sawang market in Bangkok's Bang Sue area, still had people offering alms to monks.

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration demanded no water splashing and threatened violators with stern punishment, amid worries the festival could give fresh impetus to the Covid-19 outbreak.

It even suggested people go online to pay respect to their parents and other senior family members, instead of the traditional hand and foot washing at their homes, to keep travel to a minimum.

Centre spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin on Monday reiterated the warning there should be no complacency during Songkran, even though the country has reported fewer new infections over recent days.

Another 28 new cases werer reported on Monday, a drop from 33 on Sunday and 45 on Saturday.
"Please do not lower your guard," Dr Taweesilp said during the daily briefing.

Influential former politician and sports impresario Newin Chidchob warned people planning a reunion with their family in Buri Ram of the possible consequences for their parents and others.
"If you don't want to see your parents or loved ones put in quarantine, please stay put," he wrote on his Facebook account. "Don't travel to Buri Ram."

People offer alms to monks at Wong Sawang wet market in Bang Sue district on the first day of the Thai Lunar New Year. (Photo: Nutthawat Wicheanbut)

In Pathum Thani provice, Sunee Sukprasertchai, an elderly Mon resident, said she poured water on Buddha images at her house and strictly followed safe social-distancing.
She told relatives not to come to her house this year and used social media to give her blessings instead of seeing people in person.
She did not disclose her age.
Pathum Thani is one of the provinces where the Mon people have been settled. They usually mark Songkran with a six-day celebration.

 

[yinyang]

Froggy's therapist may get her dues

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30385933?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral

Bt5,000 handouts: ministry does not want massage, spa employees overlooked

The Public Health Ministry’s Department of Health Services Support will ask the Finance Ministry to consider Bt5,000 handouts for traditional massage and spa employees who have been affected by the government’s shutdown order and not covered by social security, director-general Dr Thares Karasnairaviwong said today (April 13).

“There are more than 120,000 employees registered with the department as service providers in health-related establishments and who are not under the social security scheme,” he said. “We will submit this list to the Finance Ministry to make sure they are not overlooked under the cash-handout campaign.”

The campaign offers eligible citizens, whose livelihoods have been impacted by the Covid-19 crisis, Bt5,000 a month for three months. To be eligible, candidates must be Thai nationals, aged over 18, be self-employed, freelance or a non-permanent employee and not covered under social security. The first batch of handouts started on April 10, while the website for registering will stay open until no more people register.

“We want employees in the traditional massage and spa businesses to rest assured that the department has not abandoned you and will do everything it can to make sure those affected by the government’s shutdown will receive proper compensation,” Thares vowed.

Massage therapists are considered a profession with a high risk of contracting Covid-19 as it involves physical contact with customers. Massage parlours and spas were among the first businesses ordered to close to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

 

[Froggy]

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Society/In-pictures-Thais-band-apart-to-slow-the-coronavirus2?utm_campaign=RN Subscriber newsletter&utm_medium=one time newsletter&utm_source=NAR Newsletter&utm_content=article link&del_type=3&pub_date=20200412150000&seq_num=4&si=%%user_id%%

In pictures: Thais band apart to slow the coronavirus
More than 80% follow safety guidelines, Public Health Ministry says​

AKIRA KODAKA, Nikkei staff photographer
April 11, 2020 13:11 JST Updated on April 11, 2020 15:16 JST

BANGKOK -- More than 80% of Thais understand and adhere to social distancing, according to a Ministry of Public Health survey. Thailand, famous for its sanuk, fun, put life on hold after the coronavirus began sweeping deep into the country. The pandemic has infected 2,518 people in Thailand and killed 35, according to official numbers as of Saturday.

People stand well apart while waiting for a bus in Bangkok on April 7.

Officers use riot shields for an extra layer of coronavirus protection at Tha Phra Police Station in Bangkok on April 2.

Delivery drivers wait at the Central Plaza Pinklao shopping mall in Bangkok on March 24.

A cashier serves a customer from a distance at a coffee shop in Bangkok on April 2.

Subway passengers keep their distance from one another at BTS Siam Station in Bangkok on April 7.

Tape marks where customers should stand in front of ATMs in Bangkok on April 2.

People sit apart as they wait for a train at Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok on March 25.

A hospital worker, right, speaks to a woman on April 2 as she waits to be tested for COVID-19. Chulalongkorn University Health Service Center in Bangkok set up a waiting area in a parking lot to accommodate additional patients.

Two men talk to each other in a park in Bangkok on April 2.

A man waits alone at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok on March 27.

A woman sleeps in the terminal of Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok on March 25.

 

[Froggy]

Left home 6am for Maptaput Industrial estate 3hrs from Bangkok. Stopped at a Macdonalds in the highway for breakfast asked the staff sweetly if she could allow me to eat in restaurant, “go to the corner on the left eat quickly and go”. Really wanna kiss her

My corner

It’s been a long time dining out

Really enjoyed the moment