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CCSA: Over 200,000 people tested positive for Covid-19 via ATK last week

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) revealed that 201,554 people tested positive for Covid-19 via ATK last week with an executive committee to assess the situation on August 19.

Two hunger-striking youth activists freed on bail

Two youth activists facing lese majeste charges and detained for 94 days during which they went on a hunger strike over over two months were today (August 4) released on bail.

Murdered couple identified as Nigerian man, Vietnamese woman

Police this evening (August 4) identified the murdered couple found buried at a Korat forest last week as being a Nigerian man and a Vietnamese woman.

Japan protests after Chinese missiles land in its exclusive economic zone

By AFP and Reuters published by CNA

Japan lodged a protest after missiles fired by China during its largest-ever military exercises around Taiwan landed in its exclusive economic zone with China also scolding G7 ministers over Taiwan statement.

House budget committee okays planned purchase of 2 F-35A fighters

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

The air force’s move to purchase a first batch of two Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters got the green light from the House budget committee today (August 3).

Pirapan becomes top leader of new pro-Prayut party

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

A brand-new pro-Prayut party named Ruam Thai Sarng Chart Party today (August 3) chose former Democrat MP Pirapan Salirathavibhaga as its top leader.

CAAT warns airlines to beware of Chinese drills near Taiwan

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand notified airlines of a warning by China to avoid Taiwan airspace while it holds live-fire drills around the island in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit.

Two get life in jail in road rage killing over a smashed glass bottle

Two of three men who believed a glass bottle flung on the road during a quarrel between a couple was aimed at them and then reversed their vehicle and hit the victim twice killing him were sentenced to life imprisonment.

Third monkeypox case emerges in Phuket

A young German man who developed monkeypox symptoms soon after arriving in Phuket on July 18 has now tested positive and turned into the country’s third case.

Only 2 out of 5 air force wings likely operable over next 10 years

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

As the air force will likely be left with only two of five wings operable over the next decade ACM Napadej Dhupatemiya urged the House panel to spare the purchase of a dozen F-35A Lightning II jets.

Aunt Pao, 7 others get suspended sentence in anti-Prayut protest case

Eight defendants, including favourite protester Aunt Pao, had their one-year sentence suspended but placed on two-year probation for offences stemming from an anti-Prayut protest last August.

Chadchart: Soldiers ready to help with Bangkok floods

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said today (Aug. 2) that soldiers are ready to help with the flooding in the capital and communities now inundated are urged to quickly inform the authorities. 

Red Bull heir escapes cocaine charge, only reckless driving charge left

The repeal of the Narcotics Act of 1979 led to the cocaine use charge against Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya having expired with reckless driving charge to expire in 2027.

US House Speaker Pelosi arrives in Taiwan, defying Beijing

By Agencies and published by CNA

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday night (Aug. 2) while China said US’ actions in Taiwan were “extremely dangerous,” with this being the first such visit in 25 years. 

Retired general becomes top leader of United Nation Party

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

A retired army general has taken the helm of the one-MP United Nation Party with some retiring army generals and those who had also earlier retired expected to join this little-known coalition partner.

Mushroom farming scammers make off with 1.29bn baht

Police are tackling a mushroom farming swindle that led to 1,867 victims losing altogether 1.29 billion baht in the scam but the suspects have already fled the country.

Toll booth roof collapses after part of U-turn bridge falls on cars below

Just hours after a part of a U-turn bridge fell on top of cars on Rama 2 road last night (July 31) killing two persons, a section of the roof over Bang Pakong expressway toll plaza too collapsed today.

Former top Thai actor commits suicide

A Thai actor who was previously very popular shot himself dead at a house in Ayutthaya province this afternoon (Aug. 1) with personal problems or health issues likely leading to him killing himself.

Air Force repeats calls for procurement of F-35A fighters

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

The Thai air force again called for the purchase of a squadron of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters amid heightened regional competition.

99 Citizens Group urges Prayut to step down before eight-year term ends

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

The 99 Citizens Group called on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to quit before his eight-year term supposedly ends next month.

Over 60m baht assets seized in raids on 4 drug networks

A big police operation against four northern drug networks led to the seizure of large amounts of drugs and the impounding of 60 million baht in assets from one of them.

Drone explosion hits Russia’s Black Sea Fleet HQ

By AP and published by Nbc12.com

A homemade drone hit Russia’s Black Sea Fleet headquarters on the Crimean Peninsula  wounding six people while a missile strike killed a grain merchant who was one of Ukraine’s richest men.

Deputy police chief: Murdered man a foreigner, woman Thai

Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Suchart Teerasawat flew to Korat this morning (July 30) to personally check investigation of a murdered couple found buried in a forest and confirmed the man is a foreigner and the woman Thai.

Beware! Blocking an ambulance carries heavier penalty than you think

As a patient died recently after a woman driver blocked the ambulance’s way, a warning has been issued that if a driver’s action is the direct cause of death he/she may face murder charge.

Myanmar troops, Karens clash heavily for 7 hours near Thai border

Fierce fighting between Myanmar junta troops and Karen National Liberation Army is taking place less than a kilometre away from two villages in Tak province with there being many deaths and serious injuries on both sides.

MPs reminded of being representatives of people, not powers that be

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

After the recent aboutface on electoral system a leading academic today (July 29) reminded MPs that they are elected representatives of the people thus should not yield to the demands of the powers that be.

Couple found murdered in Korat believed to be foreigners

A naked couple was found buried at a community forest in Korat with police saying it is likely that they were foreigners with the woman having two tattoos that could help identify them.

China’s Long March booster rocket is falling to Earth, Thailand too affected 

By Matichon, The Verge, AP/Reuters via ABC News

A massive booster of China’s Long March 5B rocket is making an uncontrolled fall back to Earth from space on Sunday July 31 but there is a very slim chance of it crashing into Thailand.

Malaysia detains Thais who tested positive for marijuana

Three Thais who had crossed over to Malaysia during the current holiday were immediately detained at a police station and fined 50,000 after testing positive for marijuana.

13 others being watched after second monkeypox case emerges in Bangkok

The Public Health Ministry said 13 people are under observation after a Thai man in Bangkok  contracted monkeypox, thus becoming the country’s second case.

Three suspects arrested in food fraud raid 

Police rounded up three suspects in a food fraud raid in Pathum Thani where unbranded  monosodium glutamate (MSG) was found falsely-labelled for wholesale under a well-known brand.

Samut Prakan badly flooded after heavy rain

Parts of Samut Prakan province got badly flooded after torrential rain hit both this province and several districts in Bangkok this morning (July 28).

WHO recommends gay and bisexual men limit sexual partners to reduce the spread of monkeypox

By Spencer Kimball, CNBC

WHO said men who have sex with men should consider limiting their sexual partners to lower the risk of catching monkeypox and spreading it with this group at the highest risk of getting infected.

Trat police giving free helmets to those caught not wearing one 

Trat police kicked off a unique campaign whereby riders caught not wearing a crash helmet are given one for free but with a warning they will be hit with the full fine if again spotted zipping around without one on.

Chula varsity opens lab to test Monkeypox, result out in 24 hours

Chulalongkorn University opened a lab to test Monkeypox with the result available within 24 hours today (July 27) to enhance public safety.

Thai, foreign investors eager to buy hotels in Bangkok, major tourist cities

Both Thai and foreign investors are keen on buying hotels in Bangkok and tourist cities with Chinese buyers eyeing the ones in Phuket and Chiang Mai while others are looking at what is for sale in the capital.

Ministry moves to state that only marijuana inflorescence is a controlled herb

The Public Health Ministry recalled a letter sent to police on controlled herbs as it moves to review an announcement decriminalising marijuana to specify that only the inflorescence is controlled.

Thai doctor now ignores daily Covid tally amid big jump in ATK positive total 

A Chulalongkorn University doctor said today (July 26) that he now ignores the daily Covid tally because the total number of people who tested positive via ATK during July 17-23 soared over 200,000.

Prayut, Anupong irked at ‘renegade votes’ cast by some Palang Pracharath MPs

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda are appalled that some coalition MPs had voted no-confidence in the latter with there being a clear push to grab the interior portfolio for Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan.

Thaksin: Don’t cremate my dead body, let the battle be immortalized

Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra said on his 73rd birthday today (July 26) that he does not want his body to be cremated when he dies as he wants his struggle to be immortalised for his children and grandchildren.

Protest against execution of 4 activists held in front of Myanmar embassy

Flag-waving Myanmar citizens together with some Thais held a protest in the rain right in front of the Myanmar embassy on Sathorn road today (July 26) to condemn the execution of four political activists.

Asean dismayed over Myanmar’s ‘highly reprehensible’ executions

By Reuters and published by CNA

Asean blasted Myanmar for the execution of four political activists yesterday (July 25) while also being troubled by their timing, just a week ahead of the bloc’s next meeting.

Monkeypox ‘a mild disease that is difficult to control’

A top Thai virologist said Monkeypox is a mild disease that spreads through close contact especially sexual activity thus difficult to control.

BMA watching Nana area as part of Monkeypox measures

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is monitoring the Nana area where there is a Nigerian community as part of Monkeypox control measures with pharmacies too told to observe their customers for symptoms.

Student dashing across the road badly injured after being hit by car

A young female student who dashed across a road in Rayong province not heeding a warning from her caretaker to wait for a white car to pass was hit and badly injured by this same car today (July 25).

Myanmar executes four democracy activists, drawing condemnation and outrage

By Reuters and published by CNA

Myanmar’s junta executed four democracy activists today (July 25) in the country’s first executions in decades sparking widespread condemnation and anger. 

Monkeypox escapee held in Phnom Penh, declared persona non grata

The Nigerian man infected with Monkeypox who fled from Thailand to Cambodia has been arrested there and is undergoing medical treatment after being declared persona non grata.

Body of Thai-Belgian tourist who drowned while rafting found

The body of a Thai-Belgian tourist who drowned in Chiang Mai’s Mae Taeng river while whitewater rafting with two friends and a guide was found today (July 24) around 10.5 kilometres away from the accident spot.

Chadchart moving to fix budget allocation with community projects to get funds

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is moving to rectify budget allocation as in the past funds were mostly channelled to big projects with cash rarely going to small community schemes.

 

Prayut, all other censured ministers survive no-confidence vote

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

After four long days of censure debate Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and 10 other targeted ministers survived the no-confidence vote in parliament this morning (July 23).

Over 524,000 Thais worldwide give thumbs down to Prayut, all censured ministers

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

An international polling project saw 524,000 Thais worldwide voting “no confidence” in Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and 10 other cabinet members who barely survived a censure motion. 

Belgian tourist missing while rafting in Chiang Mai still not found

Rescuers have still not found a Belgian tourist who fell off a rubber dinghy while rafting in Chiang Mai’s Mae Taeng river yesterday afternoon with the search continuing today (July 23).

Monkeypox escapee has likely fled to Cambodia

Police tracked a Nigerian man who is Thailand’s first Monkeypox case to the border with Cambodia where his mobile phone signal was picked up and believe he has crossed over to the neighbouring country via a natural route.

Prayut held responsible for 21bn baht ‘foolish waste’ on engineless Chinese sub

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

A Pheu Thai MP blamed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for the “foolish waste” of 21 billion baht on a Chinese submarine that cannot be fitted with the specified German engine at today’s (July 22) censure debate.

Move Forward MPs call for release of lese majeste detainees at parliament

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

A brief demonstration was held by Move Forward MPs during the censure debate as they called for the release of two woman activists detained on lese majeste charges.

Phuket chasing Monkeypox-infected Nigerian man after he escaped 

Phuket police are hunting for a Nigerian man infected by Monkeypox who did not return to the hospital for treatment, switched off his mobile phone and moved out of a condo and a hotel he was staying in.

Woman biker dies while chasing gold chain snatcher

A race down a road in Sisaket  by a woman biker who was chasing a gold necklace snatcher zipping ahead on a big bike led to her losing balance and hitting a fence then later dying.

UN court rejects Myanmar claims, will hear Rohingya case

By AP and published by Toronto Star

The International Court of Justice ruled on Friday (July 22) that a landmark case accusing military-ruled Myanmar of genocide against minority Rohingya Muslims can go ahead.

Kickback cash allegedly ‘arranged to pay some MPs for their post-censure yea votes’

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

Hard cash has been placed at house within an army barrack to pay off some MPs for their votes in support of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and others targeted in the censure debate, a Pheu Thai MP said.

Prayut held accountable for spyware use against political opponents

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

Move Forward MP  Pijarn Chaopattanawong alleged that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has used Pegasus and Circles spyware against his opponents during today’s (July 21) censure debate.

Varsity suspends lectures for a day after torrential rain

Flooding woes continued in Bangkok after torrential all-night rain with Ramkhamhaeng University cancelling lectures at both its campuses while Bangkok Governor promptly visited heavily flooded zones.

Chadchart apologises for floods, tells people to head home early

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt apologised for the flooding in many areas of the capital and urged people to return home early this evening (July 21) while warning of more rain in the coming days.

Interpol issues red notice for Thai woman, Singaporean husband in 800m baht fraud case

Thai police are chasing a Thai woman and her Singaporean husband after Interpol issued a red notice for their arrest in a luxury watches and bags fraud case with losses reaching over 800 million baht.

Thaksin quickly lashes back at Prayut

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra slammed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for daring Pheu Thai Party to bring him home during the ongoing censure debate saying he does intend to do so.

Prawit’s coup remark triggers laughter during censure debate 

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

MPs burst out laughing when Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said during today’s (July 20) censure debate that he was not involved in the 2014 coup with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha having staged it.

Thai cryptocurrency exchange Zipmex suspends withdrawals

Thai cryptocurrency exchange Zipmex this evening (July 20) paused withdrawal of Thai baht and cryptocurrencies citing market volatility and financial problems caused by business partners.

Phuket holds tsunami evacuation drills to be fully prepared

Tsunami evacuation drills were held in two Phuket districts today (July 20) to prepare for the possibility of this natural disaster occurring again as it did in  2004.

US names Thai woman a ‘TIP Hero’ while moving the country up a notch

The US State Department moved Thailand up a notch in this year’s Trafficking In Person (TIP) Report with a Thai woman also named one of six “TIP Heroes” for fighting against human trafficking.

Prayut dares Pheu Thai Party to bring Thaksin back home

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha dared Pheu Thai Party to bring former premier Thaksin Shinawatra back home after some lawmakers said the latter was far more competent than him at the censure debate today (July 19).

‘Big Joke’ probing 6 million baht bribe paid by British detainee

Pol. Lt. Gen. Surachet Hakphan, or Big Joke, is investigating the payment of a 6 million baht bribe by a British detainee to a police officer who was his classmate at the police academy to help bail him out.

QR code scanning for Covid treatment introduced to cope with spike in Bangkok

As the number of Covid patients has climbed to 5,000 to 6,000 a day in Bangkok the Public Health Ministry has launched QR code scanning to access online treatment for mild cases.

Netflix tests another way to charge for password sharing

By Lucas Shaw, Bloomberg, published by MSN News

Netflix Inc. is testing a new way to tackle password sharing in five Latin American countries hoping this will generate additional revenue by getting customers to pay to share their Netflix account.

Chadchart: Film, music festivals not triggering new Covid clusters

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt denied movie and music festivals he had organised had created Covid clusters after the Public Health Ministry issued a warning.

Rural doctors: Big shortage of Covid drugs

Rural doctors said in their Facebook page today (July 18) that there is now an acute shortage of two key Covid medicines, Favipiravir and Molnupiravir, with one hospital scrambling to borrow supplies.

Pegasus phone spyware used to target 30 Thai activists, cyber watchdogs say

By Reuters and published by CNA plus The FCPA Blog

A joint investigation shows Thai pro-democracy activists have been hacked with Israeli spyware Pegasus. To protect yourself read an attached blog on how to do so.

 

Thai company acquires major European recycling company 

Thailand’s SCGP paid 78.19 million euros or approximately 2.75 billion baht to acquire 100% stake in Peute, the Netherlands’ largest independent paper and plastic recycling company.

Army trailer-truck carrying crashed chopper in another crash

An army trailer-truck carrying the wreckage of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that crashlanded in Songkhla on Friday was involved in another crash hitting a tow truck in Phatthalung tonight (July 17).

New type of teddy bear aphrodisiacal ecstasy pills seized at border

Seized in Nakhon Phanom last night (July 16) were a new type of ecstasy pills cutely shaped like a teddy bear but having aphrodisiacal properties and a large amount of sleeping tablets.

Activists hold unofficial vote for or against Prayut government in many provinces

Activists held an unofficial vote for or against the Prayut government in 34 provinces today (July 17) ahead of the marathon censure debate starting on Tuesday.

Prayut earns hefty allowances for chairing 52 govt panels

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

Aside from his salary Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is also raking in handsome allowances for chairing 52 government committees, a Thai Liberal Party member disclosed.

Lampang mourns doctor who drowned trying save tourists

People in Lampang province are mourning for Dr. Surasit Ponglaohaphan, or Mor Toh, who sacrificed his life in trying to rescue tourists drowning in the sea at Phuket’s Kata Noi beach.

Freshmen forced to dance naked in front of women during varsity hazing ritual

Southeast Asia University said today (July 16) it will be punishing senior students involved in forcing freshmen to dance naked with women looking on during an off-campus orientation ceremony.

Beer for sunflower oil? Munich pub finds way to beat frying crunch

By Reuters, published by The Straits Times

With the war in Ukraine having led to cooking oil shortages in Europe a Munich brewpub is now letting customers pay for their beer with sunflower oil to stock up supplies.

Army UH-60 Black Hawk crashlands in Songkhla, injuring 7 aboard

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

An army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashlanded in southern Songkhla province today (July 15) injuring seven soldiers including an army general.

Remains of Canadian man found at Pattaya grass field

The remains of a Canadian man who had been dead for at least 10 days were found in a big grass field in the middle of Pattaya with police investigating this mysterious case.

Big rush to attend tonight’s Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan

Planeloads of tourists are landing at Koh Samui airport today (July 15) to go to Koh Phangan for tonight’s Full Moon Party with others heading there on ferries from the mainland’s pier.

Thailand to offer land ownership to lure wealthy foreigners

By Reuters and published by The Straits Times

The Thai government is moving to allow foreigners full ownership of up to 1 rai land for residential use provided they invest 40 million baht.

Chatchart: Don’t link SRT refusal to screen movie at Hua Lamphong to politics

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittiphan urged the public not to link State Railway of Thailand refusing to allow use of Hua Lamphong station for a movie show on Sunday July 17 to  inter-departmental politics.

Doctor warns another big Covid wave is looming

A pulmonologist warned that  Omicron mutant BA. 5 is now rampaging through the country with this pointing to another big Covid wave setting in.

Drug-crazed gunman kills 3 in shooting spree at Chiang Rai village

A drug-crazed gunman killed three persons, including a four-year-old girl, and injured two others during a shooting spree at a village in Chiang Rai province.

Myanmar junta expels top UK diplomat for refusing to present credentials

Myanmar junta expelled senior British diplomatic representative, Pete Vowles, today (July 13) for refusing to present his credentials despite repeated requests.

Cash-strapped small hotels in Phuket appeal for help

Phuket’s financially-wracked small hotels with banks having already seized some owners’ assets appealed to the government for help.

Thai Economic MPs resign as govt whips following by-election defeat

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

Two Thai Economic MPs quit as government whips after the party’s defeat in the Lampang by-election to show withdrawal of support for the Prayut government.

Slingshot shooter fires marbles, bolts at maintenance train

A maintenance train driver and other members of the crew were injured by glass shards after a slingshot shooter fired marbles and bolts at it in the wee hours of this morning (July 13).

Councillor bailed out, denies sexual abuse charges

A Move Forward Party councillor for Bangkok denied charges of sexually harassing a teen girl and was released after posting 100,000 baht bail.

Group says it has video clip of a Bangkok councillor sexually abusing teen girl

The social welfare group Zendai has a video clip of a Bangkok councillor sexually harassing a teenage girl and will now report him to Bangkok Governor  Chadchart Sittipunt for further action.

Bangkok cables catch fire again in Lat Phrao area

A bunch of electrical cables caught fire in Lat Phrao area this morning (July 12) only a few days after a transformer exploded in Sampeng market and another did so in Chiang Mai on Sunday.

Thailand on verge of using voluntary chemical castration for sex offenders

By Reuters and published by CNA

Voluntary chemical castration is a step close to fruition after senators approved a bill on this procedure as means of tackling sex crime in the country.

Massive petition in pursuit of local autonomy lodged at parliament

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

Move Forward Party and Progressive Movement Group submitted a massive petition to parliament pushing for local autonomy through constitutional amendments.

Tests show BA.5/BA.4 subvariants surging in Bangkok

Latest tests by the Public Health Ministry showed a big upswing of BA.4/BA.5 Omicron subvariant cases in Bangkok reaching 72.3% but the rise is slower in the provinces. 

Ferry freed after running aground off Koh Phangan pier

A ferry full of passengers and cars ran aground near Koh Phangan this afternoon (July 11) but was freed after over three hours and safely docked at the popular tourist island.

Daily Covid tally soars to 7,526 cases, 19 deaths

Thailand’s daily Covid count spiked again this morning (Jan. 7) reaching 7,526 cases and 19 deaths compared to 5,775 cases yesterday.

69 provinces placed in orange Covid control zone

The Covid administration’s executive panel today (Jan. 7) placed 69 provinces in the orange control zone while eight provinces in the blue tourism zone remain unchanged.

Southern by-election to show strength of state mechanism, local business cliques: Academic

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

The upcoming southern by-election will show how effective state mechanism and local business cliques are in propelling Palang Pracharath Party’s candidates to victory.

Khao Yai hotel threatens to sue guest over below par review

A Thai woman who gave a Khao Yai hotel a score of 6 and wrote a review that displeased the management now faces a lawsuit and demand for 3 million baht compensation.

Covid control raised a notch as daily tally soars to 5,775

With the daily Covid cases jumping to 5,775 this morning (Jan. 6) the health authorities moved quickly to raise the alert level from 3 to 4.

Protesters jeer at Kla Party’s by-election campaign team

Protesters demanding the release of detained protest leaders were back outside the prison today (Jan. 6) and jeered at Kla Party’s campaign team but welcomed Pheu Thai Party’s crew as they drove past separately. 

Guard in condo rape case arrested after big forest manhunt 

The security guard of a Thonburi condominium wanted on the charges of raping a woman residing there has been arrested after a big manhunt in a forest.

Covid cases climbing in Chonburi, many clusters found

The daily Covid count in Chonburi rose to 529 cases today (Jan. 5) with several clusters found including one in Pattaya.

Police: Condo juristic person at fault for blocking entry to probe rape case

Police are taking legal action against the juristic person of a condo building in Thonburi where a woman was raped on Monday night but they were refused entry to investigate.

Healthcare volunteers allegedly turned into canvassers in upcoming by-election

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

Some of Chumphon province’s healthcare workers who have been working hard at curbing the spread of coronavirus have allegedly been coaxed to canvass for a candidate in the upcoming by-election.

House panel: Not enough evidence to back claim Prayut paid MPs 5m baht bribe

A House committee said there is not enough evidence to back the allegation that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha bribed MPs to vote for him during the censure debate last September.

Phuket expanding hotel isotation facilities as Covid cases rise

With the daily Covid count in Phuket jumping to 149 yesterday (Jan. 3) the authorities moved to approve 66 more hotels for isolation of patients with onsite teaching suspended till Jan. 14.

 

 

Chonburi chasing two infected Indian tourists

Chonburi provincial authorities put out an alert that they are searching for two Indian tourists who got a positive result at their second Covid test and cannot be found.

 

 

Thaksin foresees change of government in second half

Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra expects there to be a change of government in the second of this year which is going to be a tough year for the people but the situation will improve then.

 

 

Two Bangkok policemen commit suicide, motive unknown

Two policemen attached to separate Bangkok stations killed themselves over the past 24 hours with their motive for doing so still a mystery.

 

12 gamblers nabbed in raid at cemetery

A raid on a big gambling session at a cemetery on New Year’s Eve netted 12 participants with many others having managed to flee when the police showed up.

Tourists flock to Maya Bay on reopening after 3-year closure

Over 4,000 Thai and foreign tourists flocked to Maya Bay upon its reopening today (Jan. 1) after a three-year closure amid tight control by the authorities.

153 deaths in 1,339 accidents the first 3 days of New Year celebration

There were a total 153 deaths and 1,322 injuries in 1,339 accidents the first three days of New Year celebration and the authorities are now adjusting their control measures.

Thai Air Force plans to buy F-35 Lightning jet fighters

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

A mini-squadron of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning fighters could be coming to Thailand as the Thai Air Force has opted for this combat aircraft.

Thammanat disavows calendar made to ridicule Thammasat University

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

Palang Pracharath Secretary-General Thammanat Prompow denied ridiculing Thammasat University with a calendar catchphrase and vowed to take action against forgers.

Thailand ‘asks Karens to negotiate with Myanmar junta’

Thai security forces sent word to Karen National Union to hold talks with the Myanmar junta after the latter suffered heavy damage in the fighting across the border from Mae Sot district.

A pod of Irrawaddy dolphins spotted swimming near Koh Chang

IT SEEMS nature is not just taking back cities emptied by the coronavirus pandemic with marine life too fully enjoying the sudden human withdrawal as shown by a school of Irrawaddy dolphins spotted happily swimming near Koh Chang island, off eastern Trat province’s coast, Sanook.com reported today (27.4.2020).

The fourth Marine National Park Operation Centre in Trat said in its Facebook post dated April 24 that after the pandemic broke out the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation ordered closure of tourism nationwide.

Fund moves to expand rice for fish barter strategy nationwide

AS Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak is giving importance to reviving the economy at the grassroots level in face of the coronavirus pandemic, the National Village and Urban Community Fund Office is now quickly pushing the barter of goods between communities across the nation such as rice for fish, PostToday reported today ( 27.4.2020).

The Deputy Premier has set his sights on driving the local economy to reduce dependence on exports and sees that this fund, with its 12.9 million family members, is an important mechanism to spur to domestic economy.

PM Prayut tops coronavirus poll

AN opinion survey held by Super Poll and participated by 1,551 Thais nationwide placed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at the top of five big names in the government for resolving the Covid-19 outbreak giving him 35.7%, INN News reported today (26.4.2020).

The first of five big names from billionaires and important people those surveyed liked for helping resolve the coronavirus problems is Dhanin Chearavanont of CP Group with 22.4%.

More Thai workers wade home from Malaysia

Narathiwat – Thais workers stranded in Malaysia are still keen on returning home by natural routes with 25 more caught wading across a shallow point of Sungai Kolok River this morning (26.4.2020) and although immediately rounded up by Thai officers, they thanked them for taking good care of them, PostToday reported.

Early this morning Colonel Ekapol Leknok, task force commander of 48th Ranger Regiment, together with other senior officers patrolled and laid in wait at the three-kilometre-long  Bureng community on the Thai bank of Sungai Kolok River after being tipped off that more Thai workers stuck in Malaysia are going to cross over via natural routes after Malaysia extended the coronavirus lockdown.

Election Commission official infected with Covid-19

THE Office of the Election Commission of Thailand (EC) announced today (25.4.2020) that one of their officials has been confirmed to have been infected by the novel coronavirus with this person being asymptomatic and without any record of having traveled overseas, Sanook.com reported.

This official, who handles legal affairs at the Office of Investigation and Litigation, was confirmed to have been infected yesterday after being found to be so during active testing at a National Housing Authority block of flats on Chang Wattana road in Laksi district.

Friendly barter: Northern rice for southern salted fish

IN a sign of changing times Karens living on the hills in northern Thailand sent seven tons to rice to the Sea Gypsies living in Phuket’s Rawai village who in turn sent them a ton of salted fish with the northerners saying this transaction is to help the southerners and not focus on the value, PostToday reported today (25.4.2020).

Mr  Somsak Senapornphrai thanked the Karens for every grain of rice and said it will be distributed among Sea Gypsies in many areas.

Big battle to put out landfill fire in Pathum Thani

Pathum  Thani – A landfill fire that had been controlled yesterday again flared up today after dangerous gases deep in the big dump ignited leading to thick smoke covering the area and people forced to wear masks for protection, PostToday reported.

At 12.30 pm today Pathum Thani’s Deputy Governor  Chathip Rujarseri and other senior officials inspected the blaze at this five-rai rubbish dump in Soi Klong Sam, Klong Luang district, and found that firemen had to take turns to continuously fight the blaze. He instructed officials of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to use all possibly ways to extinguish it.

33 Thais caught illegally wading across the river to Thailand

Narathiwat – Rangers rounded up 33 Thais who were caught trekking through a shallow point of Sungai Kolok River from Malaysia to Thailand with the whole party being fined for illegal entry and to be quarantined for 14 days, PostToday reported this morning (24.4.2020).

Three companies of rangers who had been ordered by their Task Force Commander Colonel Ekapol Leknok to patrol and waylay any suspects in Bureng community, stretching across three kilometres on the Thai bank of Sungai Kolok River, caught this party of 33 Thais as they were crossing over to Thailand through the natural riverine route.

Lockdown a boon for Koh Samet

THE coronavirus pandemic has not just led to eerily deserted cities but has also emptied popular tourist destinations with the ever popular Koh Samet off Rayong coast certainly being among them, Sanook.com reported this week.

An inspection found that the amid the back luck brought on by the lockdown is a glimmer good fortune because it has led to the popular Hat Sai Kaew beach and the others at Ao Luk Yon, Ao Prao and Ao Khai bays having turned ever so beautiful with the seawater now very clear as nature has got an opportunity to recuperate and restore its natural balance.

Hospital director wants to turn abandoned airport into ‘Camp Covid’

THE director of a hospital in Bangkok suggested in a Facebook post that an abandoned airport be rented out and turned into a high-end disease control and tourism zone for one to three years until a vaccine against the novel coronavirus is produced, PostToday reported this morning (23.4.2020)

Maj Gen Dr Rienthong Nanna, director of Mongkut Wattana Hospital, said in his post such a centre will be another option for tourists flying to Thailand.

Southern border checkpoint shut again as Thai Lion Air gears up to resume flights

SUPREME Commander Gen. Pornphiphat Benyasri ordered the closure of Sadao checkpoint on the Thai-Malaysian border from midnight tonight till April 29 after an immigration police officer and a police detective got infected with the coronavirus, INN News reported this afternoon (22.4.2020).

In another development, Thai Lion Air announced this afternoon that it is ready to resume flights within the country from May 1 onwards, Thai News Agency reported.

Chuan’s wife blasts four tax thieves

DEMOCRAT Party members are busy searching for four swindlers identified with their initials by former prime minister and House Speaker Chuan Leekpai’s wife in a harsh expletive-ridden Instagram post which has now been removed, PostToday reported this afternoon (22.4.2020).

Mrs Phakdiporn Sutcharitkul hurled curses at the four individuals in a message she shared via Instagram, under her account name  @manuj_mae.

Infection highest in service sector as focus falls on foreign workers

AN analysis of Thailand’s coronavirus patients shows that the majority are from the service sector while the government is also moving to scan foreign workers after seeing a big jump of infections among Singapore’s migrant workers, PostToday reported this afternoon (21.4.2020).

Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said this analysis shows that the number of Covid-19 patients in the service sector totaled 395, followed by 308 cases among private business operators, 235 factory workers, 176 entertainment workers and 164 students.

Young woman in hot water over disorderly giveaway

PUBLIC-SPRITED philanthropists be warned that just helping the less fortunate among us without proper supervision during the current coronavirus pandemic can land one in deep trouble to go by the case of a young woman who is facing charges for doing just that recently, Sanook.com reported today (21.4.2020).

Plubplachai 2 police said they had taken the young woman to the public prosecutor to file charges for giving away goods to the homeless on Krung Kasem road near Hua Lamphong station on April 12 without arranging proper social distance leading to a risk of infection spreading.

Govt’s new giveaway: 100 minutes of free mobile phone calls for 45 days

IN a new move to reduce the expense for the public during the current coronavirus pandemic the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) joined hands with all mobile phone networks to introduce 100 minutes of free calls for 45 days with registration taking place during May 1-15, PostToday reported this afternoon (20.4.2020).

Mr Takorn Tanthasit. secretary-general of the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, said all five mobile phone networks have agreed to cooperate and help lift the burden of mobile users with the procedure being to dial*170* followed by the user’s ID card number with the giveaway kicking in as soon as confirmation SMS is received.

Transgender pretty’s house burgled for the third time

LAMENTING his bad luck was well-known “pretty” product presenter Mr Phatrakorn Kamlangsup, or Pippo TV Pool, 35, whose house in Ratttanathibet area of neighbouring Nonthaburi province was burgled for the third time on Sunday, Sanook.com reported today (20.4.2020).

When police are arrived they saw clear signs of a rear window of the two-storey wooden house having been pried open from the outside. Stolen was a large bag containing a Buddha image and several amulets worth over 10,000 baht.

Central gearing up to reopen stores on May 1

GETTING ready to reopen its branches on May 1 after being ordered temporarily closed as the country’s fought the coronavirus pandemic is Central Department Store which has sent a letter to its business partners to also start preparing, PostToday reported today (19.4.2020).

The letter importantly stressed that the partners make sure their sales workers are in good health in accordance to the requirements stated within an attached code of conduct guidelines and send them to report themselves on April 28.

Spokesman blasted for ‘not realizing people are starving’

ATTACKED for allegedly not realizing that people are hungry and starving was Dr Thaweesin Wissanuyothin, spokesman of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, who had earlier criticised a large crowd milling around close to  each other to get donations at Wat Don Muang without leaving appropriate social distance, Sanook.com reported today (19.4.2020).

Dr Rawat Wisarutwej, former director of the Department of Medical Services, lambasted Dr Thaweesin in a Facebook post for allegedly not realising the truth, which is that people are starving to death.

Foreign media still playing up false ‘infection by dead body’ report

FOREIGN media have not let up on a false hair-raising account that a Thai had been infected by the dead body of a coronavirus patient even through the Public Health Ministry has confirmed that this is not true, Voice TV reported today (18.4.2020).

ABC News website became the latest major media outlet to write about a letter to Editor of the Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine that a Thai forensic official had died after handling the body of a coronavirus victim under the headline, “Coronavirus’ reach from beyond the grave: Deceased body transmits Covid-19.”

Oxford University launches largest coronavirus drug trial

AN article published by The Oxford Blue newspaper today (18.4.2020) says the prestigious university has recruited 5,000 patients at 165 NHS hospitals around the UK to test how effective current drugs are in treating coronavirus infection.

Click here to read this important report.

Khon Kaen Hospital builds cheaper isolation stretchers

WITH the price of imported isolation stretchers badly needed to move coronavirus patients being very high Khon Kaen Hospital has created a Thai-made one which is four to five times cheaper, PostToday reported this morning (18.4.2020)

As imported isolation stretchers cost as much as 300,000 to 500,000 baht each, this hospital’s medical engineering team worked hard and successfully built one with local materials and equipment for only around 50,000 baht.

Para-rubber pillow manufacturers badly hit by pandemic

Trang – A para-rubber pillow manufacturer in this southern province has been so badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic he is dumping  a large stock piled up since January at cost price to get some liquidity, PostToday reported today (17.4.2020).

The Rubber Cooperative Bann Nong Krok, which is a member of the Rubber Authority of Thailand and is the only factory in Trang transforming latex into para-rubber pillows for sale within the country and overseas markets, is one of 40 such factories nationwide badly impacted by the ongoing pandemic.

Trucks barred from entering Bangkok while border crossings reopen tomorrow

NATIONAL police chief, Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda signed a regulation published by the Royal Thai Government Gazette website this morning (17.4.2020) forbidding all types of trucks from coming into Bangkok during April 18 to 30 to prevent the spread of coronavirus pandemic, according to Sanook.com.

Meanwhile the Interior Ministry has alerted all provincial governors that 23 border checkpoints in 21 provinces will be reopened tomorrow, Saturday April 18, including the five Thai-Malaysian border crossings to allow Thais to return home, Thai News Agency reported.

Ministry to start hunting for patients in Klong Toey and Bang Khen

UPON seeing the success in Phuket the Public Health Ministry is now going to launch carpet, or saturation, coronavirus tests to find patients in two Bangkok districts – Klong Toey and Bang Khen, Thai News Agency reported this afternoon (16.4.2020).

Dr Anupong Suchariyakul, a senior expert at the Public Health Ministry’s Department of Disease Control, said both types of tests, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the rapid variety, will be used in Bangkok after active targeted testing in Phuket had led to the number of cases increasing substantially.

Big hike! Gold prices rise by 200 baht this morning

THE first round of gold prices announced at 9.35 a.m. this morning (16.4.2020) saw a big jump of 200 baht in the local market, Sanook.com reported while also asking its readers whether they had got their profit yet.

Buying price of one baht weight ornament gold was fixed at 25,529.00 baht while selling price 26,700.00.

At the same time buying price of an equal weight of gold bars was set at 26,000.00 baht while selling price 26,200.00.

Rush to sell gold leads to dire liquidity crunch at shops

As gold prices held steady this morning (15.4.2020) after hitting an over seven-year high the previous session, Thai gold shops are in a bad shape after a big flood of sellers triggered a liquidity problem with some pondering temporary shut down or asking their clients to accept payment  later, Jitti Tangsitpakdi, chairman of the Gold Traders Association was quoted as saying by Rakha Thong Kham Wan Nee website.

Adding to the liquidity problem of Thai gold businesses is that exporters have not been able to sell gold overseas being hampered by many countries having locked down and airlines halting flights.

Bangkok Land boss Anant Kanjanapas dies of old age

BANGKOK Land Plc plunged into mourning after the company’s big boss Anant Kanjanapas died of old age at 80 in Bangkok Nursing Home Hospital (BNH) yesterday,  Sanook.com reported today (14.4.2020)

His family said they would be performing funeral rites for Anant after the lockdown is over with an announcement to be made later.

PM urges Asean leaders to launch special ‘coronavirus’ fund

THE Asean video conference summit got under way this morning (14.4.2020) with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha suggesting that five measures be adopted to battle against the coronavirus pandemic with one being the establishment of “Asean Response Fund,” PostToday reported.

Speaking to the Asean leaders from Government House, Gen Prayut mentioned that leading private sector research institutions such as McKinsey project that global GDP will shrink by 1.5% this year but if the pandemic drags on it could plunge by as much as 4.7%.

Hundreds flock to ministry after cash handout rejection

HUNDREDS of people who were refused the 5,000 baht a month coronavirus cash subsidy swarmed the Finance Ministry today (13.4.2020) to find out why they had been rejected, PostToday reported.

Out of the latest total of 27 million people who had registered at the website www.เราไม่ทิ้งกัน.com for the cash handout to self-employed and laid-off people affected by this dire pandemic, lasting six months, the officials had checked the qualifications of 7.99 million applicants, approved 1.68 million of them and reject 4.78 million.

AS the number of global cases of the novel coronavirus rose to almost 1.6 million cases today (10.4.2020) with over 95.000 deaths, and Thailand recording an additional 50 cases and one more death, fear gripped Saudi Arabia after around 150 members of the Saudi royal family got infected with the deadly virus.

Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman — the 34-year-old heir widely considered the real power behind the throne — and his ministers have been placed in quarantine for safety near the Red Sea, while his father, King Salman, 84, is in precautionary isolation near the city of Jeddah, New York Post quoted the New York Times as saying.

BMA getting ready to ban alcohol sales during April 10-20

BANGKOK Metropolitan Authority spokesperson Pol Capt Phongsakorn Khwanmuang said today (9.4.2020) that an announcement banning the sale of alcohol during April 10-20 by general shops or shops allowed to sell type 1 and type 2 liquor according to the Excise Tax law will be issued before the day is out, Channel  3 Thailand News reported.

Curfew not being extended as 2 more patients die

PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha today (9.4.2020) ruled out the extension of the 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew while getting ready to release more professions from the ongoing lockdown.

At 12.30 p.m. today Dr Thaweesilp Wisanuyothin, the spokesperson of the Anti-Covid-19 Pandemic Committee, said while Prime Minister Prayut decided to not extend the curfew at today’s meeting of this special panel, he urged the public to strictly follow all emergency measures, PostToday reported.

Gold seen soaring to $5,000 in medium term

WITH cities empty as the coronavirus rages across the globe, most people are not just focusing on survival but also their financial future, yet this could be put on sounder footing with investment in gold as suggested by an expert who sees it reaching $5,000 an ounce in a few years.

Kitco News quoted John Butler, author of “The Golden Revolution,” as saying that gold prices could climb to $5,000 in a few years as loose monetary and fiscal policies drag on to cope with the impact of Covid-19 and also to go by its historic performance during periods of declining economic growth

Trump pressure leads to India partly lifting malaria drug export ban

THE coronavirus pandemic appears to have triggered a global battle for badly-needed medicine and medical supplies with the latest skirmish, between US and India, ending today (7.4.2020) after the latter partly lifted a ban on export of the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, which has not yet been proven to effectively treat the deadly coronavirus infection.

US President Donald Trump had threatened to retaliate if India did not export the drug to US despite his personal request over a phone call to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, IndiaToday reported.

Dr Supavud: Likely jump in tourism in H2 will alleviate GDP slide

RESPECTED economist Dr Supavud Saicheua said in a recent Voice TV streaming television channel that even though the Thai economy is projected by Kiatnakin Phatra Research to slump by -6.8% this year, it is hoped that the situation will improve in the second half leading to 15 million tourists flocking to Thailand which would strengthen the country’s strongest economic engine.

Focusing on the Thai government’s handling of the dire coronavirus crisis, about which he has written a book entitled “Beating Covid 19” to help the public better understand the pandemic amid a flood of information pouring in everyday, Dr Supavud said tourism is the only engine running well with the others just staying stationary.

Dire warning from Trump and some travel tips

THE coronavirus death toll continues to rise reaching at least 64,606 worldwide today (5.4.2020) and we should all pray for the victims and do our best to cooperate with our government in fighting this deadly virus wreaking havoc everywhere.

US President Donald Trump honestly warned Americans that there will likely be a big spike in coronavirus fatalities in the coming days, as the country faces what he called the toughest two weeks of the pandemic, Reuters reported.

However it is important to remember that not all air travel can be put off and those who absolutely have to fly and have been checked that they are healthy enough to do so plus can actually find an airline to take them to their destination could follow some tips published by American website  Fm100.com to stay safe

A chocolate shop becomes a news site

Dear friends,

As my website, Love Chocolates Community, which I have been converting from an online chocolate shop into a news site over the past fortnight, has taken wing and as of today (5.4.2020) attracted its first four followers and the very first like, I think it’s time I told the world about this small online change.

Free ebooks to chase away the lockdown blues

WITH metropolises eerily empty as billions of people across the world are locked away at home, life can become really tedious despite having work and household chores to do, and while it’s great having television for entertainment one can really watch it for a certain length of time.

A good way to break the monotony is to read a good book, but as many people would not want to buy one with their income at risk, fortunately there some free downloadable books available.

Food supply fears as coronavirus pandemic rages on

With global coronavirus cases reaching over 1,016,000 cases today (3.4.2020) and at least 53,100 patients dead, a key issue is food security and adequate food supplies across the world as lockdowns disrupt logistic networks.

While battling this deadly pandemic, governments also have to focus on the outbreak disrupting global food supplies and causing labour shortages in agriculture worldwide, as reported by Reuters today.

While there are reassurances by the authorities and food firms that panic buying is nearing an end and supplies will be replenished, the key issue is the logistics of getting the food to the plate.

Luxury Swiss hotel has set up ‘quarantine apartments’

DESPITE a recent dire warning by World Travel and Tourism Council that the coronavirus pandemic could lead to 50 million job cuts in the global travel and tourism sector, an uplifting report today (2.4.2020) that a Swiss hotel is selling luxury quarantine with a $500 coronavirus test shows that there is a way out even in the worst circumstances.

Le Bijou, a luxury Swiss hotel brand, has adapted to the pandemic and innovatively unveiled “quarantine apartments,” CNBC reported.

A stay in one of the apartments ranges from $800 to $2,000 per night.

American health-care workers told to keep mum as another doctor dies

EVEN as the number of coronavirus patients jumped to 872,912 globally today (1.4.2020) with 43,271 having succumbed to this disease and 184,588 recovered, many doctors have died battling this pandemic while American health-care workers are being pressured to keep silent about their working conditions.

The grim tally in US today, 188,592 cases with an increase of 62 over the past 24 hours and 4,056 deaths with an addition of 3, raises dire concerns with the administration of US President Donald Trump warning on Tuesday that in the best case scenario between 100,000 and 240,000 Americans are still expected to be killed by COVID-19, according to Yahoo News and Worldometers.info.

Here in Thailand there were an additional 120 cases overnight taking the total of 1,771, and two more deaths pushed up the tally to 12.

More coronavirus deaths as governments battle on

GRIM is the situation in most parts of the world where the coronavirus multiplies so rapidly that even some doctors and medical staff treating patients have died.

In Thailand today (31.3.2020), the addition of 127 cases took to total to 1,651 while the sad death of yet another patient pushed the tally of those who have succumbed to this disease to 10.

US recorded its deadliest day since the outbreak yesterday (30.3.2020) with the death toll of 540 moving up the total to over 3,000 with the number of cases rising to 163,000, ChannelNewsAsia quoted Reuters as saying.

People listen from their homes as priests conduct Sunday mass from the roof of the church San Gabriele dell’Addolorata in Rome on March 29.Photo: Tiziana Fabi/AFP via Getty Images and published by CNN

Economies to go into a ‘deep freeze’

With the total number COVID-19 patients reaching 723,000 worldwide today (30.3.2020) and the death toll climbing to 34,018, global economies are in for some tough times with most like to plunge into a “deep freeze,”
one analyst told CNBC.

Above: 3D print of a SARS-CoV-2—also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes COVID-19—virus particle. The virus surface (blue) is covered with spike proteins (red) that enable the virus to enter and infect human cells. The spikes on the surface of coronaviruses give this virus family its name – corona, which is Latin for “crown,” and most any coronavirus will have a crown-like appearance. For more information, visit the NIH 3D Print Exchange at 3dprint.nih.gov. PHOTO: NIH (CC BY 2.0)

The scary coronavirus pandemic got scarier today (29.3.2020) with global death toll reaching at least 30,982, and cases across the world adding up to 669,310.

The five countries in worst shape are United States (124,686 cases), Italy (92,472), China (82,061), Spain (73,235) and Germany (58,247).

The data above was compiled by Johns Hopkins University as of 6:20 p.m. Beijing time and reported by CNBC.

Click link to the CNBC report:

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/29/coronavirus-latest-updates.html

Empty highways leading to Minneapolis during the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreeak on St. Patricks Day 2020. PHOTO: Chad Davis (CC BY-SA 2.0)