Thai parliament to debate 2 trillion baht loan decrees for virus relief measures
The Thai parliament is reconvening for the first time since its recess on February 29th. They will debate on the government's three executive decrees, seeking about $61 billion in loans, to pay for COVID-19 relief.
COVID-19: Thailand extends state of emergency until June 30
Even as COVID-19 infections continue to fall, Thailand has extended a state of emergency for another month -- until June 30. The government said the emergency decree must remain, as the country prepares to restart more social and economic activities. Thailand reported three new imported COVID-19 cases on May 26. It has recorded a total of 3,045 infections and 57 deaths.
Thailand expected to extend state of emergency again as it enters race for #COVID19 vaccine
Thailand is expected to extend its emergency decree by another month until the end of June, as its cabinet convenes today. In the meantime, some COVID-19 restrictions are set to be eased further, in what the government calls the 'third phase' of reopening, beginning next month.
Thai central bank slashes key interest rate to record low
Thailand's central bank has cut its key interest rate to a record low of 0.5%. This is the third cut in 2020. The Bank of Thailand also added that a recession is highly likely. Q1 2020 GDP data showed a 1.8% year-on-year contraction -- the sharpest since late 2011, when Thailand was suffering from the flood crisis. Tourism, which accounts for roughly 11% to 12% of GDP, has been wiped out due to a ban on international arrivals that has been extended until end-June.
Thailand's Cabinet approves plan to restructure Thai Airways
A plan to restructure Thai Airways has been approved by Thailand's Cabinet. The plan replaces a previous rescue package where the airline would have sought a government-guaranteed loan. The national carrier was in trouble even before the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than S$7.5 billion of debt at the end of last year.
Thailand green lights more reopenings as COVID-19 cases continue to drop
Thailand is set to further ease restrictions, with more businesses allowed to reopen from Sunday. This comes as the country recorded zero daily new cases earlier this week. But seven new cases were reported today, all imported.
Thailand eases some restrictions, reopens selected locations
Today (Sunday, May 3) is the first day that selected businesses and venues in Thailand can reopen, after the government relaxed some of the restrictions aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19. Some locations like restaurants and parks have reopened to the public, but under strict health guidelines.