Phuket closes entry, introduces curfew to fight COVID-19 spread
Phuket saw a recent spike in COVID-19 cases and to contain the spread, authorities have closed all beaches and malls, introduced partial border restrictions, as well as implemented curfews. CNA’s Saksith Saiyasombut with more details on these measures and the impact on Thailand’s tourist hotspot.
COVID-19: Thai army chief orders probe into boxing stadium cluster
The Thai army chief has ordered an inquiry into allegations that a military-run boxing stadium has ignored a government shutdown order. The venue has become one of the country's biggest clusters of COVID-19.
Thailand set to ban all travellers as it imposes state of emergency to combat COVID-19
Thailand is set to ban all travellers as it imposes a state of emergency to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is closing its doors to all but Thai citizens and foreigners with a work permit. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said emergency measures will come into force from March 26 and will last until at least until end-April. Those under five years old and over 70 have been instructed to stay home. Thailand has confirmed over 800 cases of COVID-19.
#COVID19: Thailand closes its land borders as migrant workers leave
Thailand is moving to close its land borders on Monday (March 23), to slow the spread of COVID-19. This comes after the capital and other provinces added the closure of shopping malls and other public venues to existing measures over the weekend. Thailand reported 122 new cases on Monday, bringing the total to 721.
Bangkok to shut down malls, more venues to contain #COVID19
Bangkok is closing more places to contain the spread of the #COVID19 pandemic. For the next 3 weeks beginning Mar 22, shopping malls and spas will be closed on top of bars, gyms, schools and universities. Supermarkets and pharmacies will remain open, restaurants can only be opened for deliveries and takeaway.
#COVID19: Impact of Singapore's expanded border restrictions on Thailand
New border restrictions in Singapore will take effect from midnight. Anyone who arrives from an ASEAN country will be issued a 14-day Stay-Home Notice. CNA looks at the impact on travellers from Bangkok.
Thai tourism feeling the pinch as coronavirus keeps Chinese visitors away
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the postponement or cancellation of several events in Thailand, including the MotoGP race and Songkran festivities in several provinces. Thailand’s tourism authority is expecting a drop of six million visitors compared to 2019. The COVID-19 outbreak has practically wiped out nearly all Chinese tourist arrivals. The Chinese make up more than a quarter of total visitor arrivals in Thailand. Around two million of them visited Phuket in 2019, but that number has now dropped by 70%. Thailand is one of the few countries in the region that has not shut its doors to the Chinese.
Thailand clarifies no mandatory self-quarantine needed for visitors from Singapore
Thailand has clarified that visitors from Singapore need not quarantine themselves if they are healthy. There had been confusion over the country's travel restrictions after a Facebook post by public health minister Anutin Charnvirakul suggested that visitors from 11 "high-risk places" would need to self-quarantine. The minister's post and entire Facebook page later disappeared without any explanation, leaving many -- especially tourists -- with unanswered questions. Mr Anutin has dodged questions on why he posted that document and why it disappeared so quickly, saying that revisions need to be made.
Thailand Postpones MotoGP Race and Bans Fans From Thai League Matches over COVID19 Concerns
Thailand has postponed the MotoGP race scheduled to take place on March 22 to prevent the spread of COVID19. The Thai Football Assocation has also banned fans from all league matches for the month of March.