reader

From Bangkok Post Already reeling from shutdowns brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, the poor have found themselves facing increasing economic hardship since the government enforced social distancing measures and travel restrictions to flatten the curve of transmission three weeks ago. There have been numerous media reports depicting the depressing state of Thailand's poor. One such report concerned an electrician from Songkhla who deliberately walked towards police officers in Phuket with a methamphetamine pill in his hand, asking them to charge him and send him to jail for illicit drug possession because he had nothing to eat. The man said he was laid off but couldn't return to his family because Phuket was locked down not long after he lost his job. He was charged but it has not been reported whether he was jailed as he hoped. The government's measures to lock down cities, shut down businesses, restrict travel and impose curfews have resulted in the loss of jobs. Without income, food has become scarce among the poor -- many of whom can hardly afford to eat, let alone fill their stomachs. One such incident was that of a 25-year-old motorcycle taxi driver who was arrested last week for stealing 6,000 baht cash from a grocery store owner in Sathon district. Several reporters visited his home and found out he was the sole breadwinner for a family of six. There have been several reports of theft and burglaries in the past two weeks. The motives of many cases are linked to rising poverty and food shortages. Their plight is in stark contrast to how the middle-class, including white-collar workers, have been living during the outbreak. For them, food is not a problem. They can get food at department stores, supermarkets, grocery shops and convenience stores. They can even have food delivered without having to leave their houses. But for the poor, these are luxuries they can't afford. They survive off cheap food from street vendors, street stalls at markets or mobile food trucks -- many of which have suspended operations or closed down because of the government's restrictions on activities and movement. Recent news stories have proved that leaving the poor to deal with food scarcity by themselves can lead to social problems, such as increased crime, poverty and inequality. Without state aid, ultimately it won't just be their problem. https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1898460/virus-fight-sees-impoverished-go-hungry

From the Bangkok Post

One more reason to think twice before purchasing property in LOS. Developers struggle with ‘guaranteed returns’ in Covid-19 property crisis There is one key underlying fundamental for hotel branded residences returns, and the truism that best sums it up is that returns are a function of hotel trading performance and marketplace. In Asia, the largest branded residences market is Thailand. According to C9 Hotelworks market research, the country represents 29% of regional supply with key markets being Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai. In an evolving hotel ownership model that has developers passing on risk to residential property buyers, the question has to be what risks are inherent in this, given the current Covid-19 crisis? The answer is twofold in that some owners of existing units are currently under guaranteed return programs or those who are buying new projects and are expecting contracted returns. Here in Thailand there are a variety of rental programs ranging from top line rental revenue splits to bottom line profit splits between the hotel and unit owner, and the increasingly popular lease-back arrangement. The latter was thought to be beneficial to the operator so that tenure is ensured in the project, and for unit owners who thought the lease amounted to a fixed-rental guarantee. Commercially in Thailand, these types of contractual obligations are reflected in civil contracts and in the case of guarantees rarely are they backed by corporate undertakings, escrow accounts or bank guarantees. So in the case of a default, the only real remedy is a direct legal action. This sadly is often too costly or time consuming for single unit buyers to pursue. With Covid-19, if force majeure is considered to be in place, a court action will have to determine who’s right and wrong. So essentially, let’s just say it’s complicated. During this past week we have seen three different projects in Thailand suspend guaranteed returns to buyers, and you can expect the number to jump in coming weeks. The warning which is important for buyers of branded residences is that they are not purchasing a traditional real estate model, with the likely end game of capital appreciation. They are becoming de facto owners in a hotel, and as such need to carefully understand Thailand’s hotel supply and demand and performance metrics. Hotels are capital intensive and require a different standard of fit-out, operation and reinvestment vs pure residences. https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/thailands-developers-struggle-with-guaranteed-returns-in-covid-19-property-crisis

From Channel News Asia Hong Kong residents flout COVID-19 rules to throng popular sites HONG KONG: People in Hong Kong thronged beaches, ferries and outlying islands on Sunday (Apr 12), many of them violating a ban on gatherings of more than four people aimed at containing the spread of the new coronavirus. Clear blue skies lured people to popular areas across the territory over the long Easter weekend and many of them were without surgical masks. People in the city of 7.4 million have made a point of wearing masks in the past months. "We always stay at home and it is quite boring," said Banny Mak, 24, a local resident. "We are social animal(s), we need to go out for some fun. I think with proper protection (for) ourselves and to protect other people. I think it is already ok to go out." Hong Kong has recorded 1,005 cases of COVID-19, which has killed four people in the city. It banned public gatherings of more than four people for 14 days from Mar 29, after recording the biggest daily increase in new COVID-19 infections, and later extended that restriction until Apr 23. Continues at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/hong-kong-residents-rules-covid-19-popular-sites-12635444

From NYTimes An employee cleans an enclosure at Auntie Ju's shelter fro stray dogs in Bangkok. Donations of food and money have dramatically fallen off since the pandemic.

From The Thaiager New Covid-19 cases fall to 45 45 new Covid-19 coronavirus cases were confirmed at this morning’s briefing by the the Ministry of Public Health and the Covid-19 Coronavirus Situation Response Centre, a slight drop from yesterday’s 50 and Thursday’s 54. Two more deaths were also reported. The total number of infections since the outbreak began now stands at 2,518. 35 patients have died. The cases span 68 of Thailand’s 76 provinces. https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/new-covid-19-cases-fall-to-45-in-thailand ===================================================================================== Chon Buri struggles with severe drought As Thailand faces its worst drought in 40 years, officials in Chon Buri met yesterday to discuss a solution regarding lack of water and low water pressure in the province’s Sattahip district, south of Pattaya, also the home to a naval base. Responding to many recent complaints, Sathira Pueakprapan, a member of the council in Chonburi, told reporters that Sattahip area receives water from three main providers – the water works authority in Sattahip, Ban Chang and Pattaya.” “Many areas in Thailand are facing drought problems as well as residents in Sattahip. This is causing some areas to have no water and some to have weak water pressure. Additionally, these problems can be unpredictable and last for extended periods of time.” “We have confirmed that the overall water supply is still enough in the area until June which will be the end of the dry season. However, please save and conserve water in the interim period.” “We are trying our best to solve the water problems and divert water from the areas with higher levels of supply.” But a spokesman for Thailand’s Meteorological Department painted a bleak picture. “There is unlikely to be any rain until the beginning of the rainy season in May, and high temperatures brought on by the climate condition known as El Nino will prevail.” The TMD predicts 2020 is likely to be worse than 1995 and 2015/2016, when water needed to be drawn up from aquifers. Residents in Bangkok and surrounding areas were affected and competed for meagre water resources. Roads cracked, riverbanks collapsed and saltwater seeped into the groundwater in Pathum Thani province, affecting the local tap water supply. https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/environment/chon-buri-struggles-with-severe-drought

I received a first-person account from a friend who just completed an extended quarantine upon reentering Vietnam. He began his journey just as venues in Bangkok were closing and outbound buses were departing full. Vietnam authorities were initially overtaxed by the arrival at their border of so many returnees. Once transportation was organized, however, citizens were dispersed to quarantine locations set up in army bases and closed school facilities. Authorities then began shifting nationals to locations closer to their homes. For many, this was Ha Tinh province. Everyone was required to wear surgical masks and their condition regularly monitored, he said. Just as he was nearing the standard 14-day quarantine, he was told that contact tracing determined that a person he was in proximity to at a camp had tested positive and his stay would be extended for an additional observation period. He was tested twice during this time and registered negative on both. He was released to his home a few days later. He tells me that the food was good and new masks were provided daily. Upon release, everyone was given a washable cloth mask to take with them.

From Bangkok Post Focus shifts to sealing off zone where 2,800 tourists are staying ATTAYA: After a chaotic first day featuring traffic jams at overwhelmed checkpoints, Pattaya City officials have been forced to adjust their lockdown as they try to curb the spread of Covid-19. In addition to changing the locations of the checkpoints, authorities will focus their attention on securely locking down an inner part of the city where about 2,800 foreign tourists are staying and most of the infections have occurred, starting on Tuesday. The full lockdown to outsiders began on Thursday with five checkpoints set up on roads leading into the city. But there was an unexpectedly heavy impact on local residents even though they gave full cooperation to officials, Pattaya Mayor Sonthaya Khunpluem conceded on Friday. People entering the town were being screened at points on five main access routes: Soi Chaiyapornvithee, Motorway Route 2 in front of the Highway Police office, Soi Pornprapanimit, Soi Chayaporn, and Sukhumvit Road near the Office of the Public Prosecutor in front of Na Jomtien temple. As it turned out, many of the people arriving at the checkpoints had no intention of entering the town, but simply wanted to travel to adjacent areas such as Sattahip, downtown Chon Buri or other municipal areas linked with Pattaya City. More than 2,800 foreigners are still staying in the inner zone of the town and this is where the new effort will be concentrated. Of the 33 Covid-19 infections recorded in Pattaya, 26 were in this area, said the mayor. He ordered the five existing checkpoints on the east side of the town scrapped and the barriers removed. New checkpoints are expected to function more efficiently and help prevent the spread of the virus. The new checkpoints would be set up at Dolphin Circle; the entrance of Pattana Nua (North Pattaya) at the Prinya Sai 3 intersection; Pattaya Klang (Central Pattaya) at Soi Arunothai; Pattaya Tai (South Pattaya) at Soi Kophai; and Jomtien checkpoint on Jomtien Sai 2 Road. The checkpoints will be manned by combined teams of health officials, Bang Lamung district officials, volunteers and police who will strictly screen people entering the town. They will start operating from Tuesday and will be in place for three weeks or until the situation returns to normal, said the mayor. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1897390/pattaya-to-adjust-lockdown

Irfan Fandi is a Singaporean professional footballer who plays as a defender for Thai League 1 club BG Pathum United and the Singapore national team. He was featured today in the Singapore Straits Times with a Covid19 message to his many fans. He's currently trying to stay in shape in his Thai apartment. Here's some other pics: You can find more at his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/irfanfandi17/

From Bangkok Post Bangkok bans alcohol for 10 days Authorities in Bangkok have banned alcohol sales for 10 days to help prevent social gatherings that could spread the virus that causes Covid-19. The ban wiill be in effect from April 10 to April 20 and is the metropolitan region’s latest effort to contain a surge in infections since early March. The government reported 54 additional novel coronavirus infections Thursday, among the smallest daily increases in recent weeks, taking the total to 2,423. Just over half the cases are in the capital.

From Bangkok Post Thailand and the United States on Wednesday discussed “proactive” economic, trade and investment cooperation, which will be crucial for salvaging the economy in the aftermath of the new coronavirus pandemic. The discussion was carried out between Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Michael George DeSombre, the new US ambassador to Thailand, during the latter’s visit to introduce himself to Gen Prayut at Government House. The ambassador praised the Thai government for its success in implementing effective measures to bring down the number of new Covid-19 infections. Both sides expressed their gratitude towards the Thai-US active cooperation in various areas including security and public health over past decades. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, for instance, has the largest office outside the US in Bangkok, the US ambassador said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1895830/thailand-us-in-proactive-trade-talks

From Coconuts Bangkok The infamous beach town of Pattaya may seal itself off for three weeks starting Thursday. District chief Amnat Sricharoenannounced Tuesday that he has petitioned the provincial governor to close Pattaya’s borders to all transportation for 21 days starting Thursday to stem the COVID-19 pandemic. The popular gulf enclave is home to many foreigners, and its high numbers of commercial sex workers make it a premier destination for sex tourists. Pattaya has seen 23 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with one Russian national dying of the disease on April 1. Amnat said stricter measures, if approved, would include a travel lockdown on people coming or going for at least 21 days, with exceptions for needed deliveries. Drivers transporting necessary goods would be required to show identification and/or authorized documents at checkpoints. Pattaya’s usually raucous nightlife has already gone quiet under an overnight curfew. Thailand is under a state of emergency that allows governors to unilaterally issue orders to stem the spread of the virus. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1893510#cxrecs_s

From The Thaiager Thai Immigration seek visa relief for stranded foreigners Thailand’s Immigration Chief Pol Lt Gen Sompong Chingduang, is seeking cabinet approval for new measures to help foreigners in Thailand affected by the Covid-19 crisis. The proposal will be submitted to the cabinet for approval this week, he said. Cabinet meets each Tuesday. The proposals follow a difficult week for foreigners and immigration officials coping with long queues of panicking visitors trying to sort out their visas in a very non-social distancing environment. Long queues and frustrated tourists have been the norm at immigration offices around Thailand is recent weeks. The measures will focus on three groups of foreigners… Foreigners with resident visas who normally reside in Thailand but cannot return due to the Covid-19 crisis Foreign tourists who are unable to depart Thailand due to the crisis Visitors from neighbouring countries who hold a temporary border pass and got stuck in Thailand after the borders were shut Foreigners in the first group are typically required to return to Thailand within a year of their departure, however since they can not fly at this time, immigration will propose extending their compulsory deadline until after the pandemic subsides. The extension of the return period would not affect any immigration rights and benefits they usually receive when strictly following the one-year return period requirement though they are advised to return to Thailand as soon as possible after the crisis concludes. Foreigners who have been unable to leave and have reported to immigration authorities for a 30-day extension after their visas expired on March 26 or thereafter; their visas will be automatically renewed every 30 days until the pandemic subsides. Under the government’s social distancing policy, these tourists will no longer have to visit the immigration bureau if the policy is adopted, which would eliminate the risk of contracting the virus in a crowd, Pol Lt Gen Sompong said. This proposed measure, however, does not apply to those foreigners who are working and or have family in Thailand. They will still be required to report to immigration authorities regularly. Foreigners from neighbouring countries will be allowed to stay in Thailand until the borders are re-opened. They will be required to leave Thailand within seven days after the borders reopen. Other foreigners who are now in Thailand and affected by the Covid-19 crisis, but aren’t covered in the above three categories are advised to adhere to the usual laws. https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/thai-immigration-seek-visa-relief-for-stranded-foreigners

Rate of new infections continues downward trend From Bangkok Post Thailand has recorded 51 new confirmed coronavirus cases -- including 13 health workers -- and three additional deaths on Monday, a health official said. Total confirmed infections in the country now stand at 2,220, with the cumulative death toll at 26. The number of confirmed new cases was exactly half the 102 reported on Sunday, and the lowest number of new cases since March 20. With limited testing, it is impossible to say how fast and how widely the novel coronavirus is actually spreadinDr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said the 24th death was a Thai man aged 28 who was an employee at a company in Bangkok. A colleague of his wife had earlier tested positive for the disease. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1894195/thailand-logs-51-new-coronavirus-cases-3-deaths-monday

From Bangkok Post Incoming flight ban extended to April 18 The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has extended a ban on all commercial flights to Thailand until April 18 to support the country's campaign to contain the coronavirus. Thailand had banned passenger flights from Saturday to Monday. Hours before the order expired, the aviation regulator issued another announcement extending the ban to April 18. The ban will effectively delay Thais planning to return to the country after the current ban ends on Monday. They include 35 Thai nationals stranded at Incheon airport in South Korea and 10 at Haneda airport near Tokyo. Until that date, only state and military aircraft, emergency landings, technical landings and flights for humanitarian and medical purposes will be allowed, it said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1894300/incoming-flight-ban-extended-to-april-18

I liked Michael's dream better

From Architectural Digest ....of World-Renowned Hotel Designer Whimsical, wild, and wacky are but a few words that most aptly describe Bill Bensley’s unique design aesthetic and the exceptional hotels born from it. Credited with upping the ante on Southeast Asia’s hospitality design, he is one of the most intriguing artists in the field today. For the past 27 years, he and his husband’s Bangkok home, Baan Botanica, has been the canvas for his next five-star hotel, restaurant, garden, or spa. “Our house is constantly under renovation and I’m constantly experimenting with new things,” says Bensley. “If we screw up at home, that’s fine, but if we screw up with our clients and with our hotels, that’s no good.” With sustainability at the forefront of all his work, it’s also a part of his life at home. “Long before sustainability became a buzzword, I trained first and foremost as a landscape architect,” Bensley explains. “That influence is very much how we design architecture in that it’s designed to step lightly onto the earth.” This is most evident in his massive labyrinth of colorful, vibrant outdoor garden rooms. “We have two plots of land. On one of the plots, we have just outdoor gardens—with the exception of a glass greenhouse, which I use for my painting studio,” Bensley continues. All of the fertilizer used for the gardens is made up of kitchen waste and leaves, shredded and composted. Continues with photo tour https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/tour-whimsical-bangkok-home-world-renowned-hotel-designer

In the evening White House Covid19 briefings, no one has captured America's imagination more than Dr.Anthony Fauci, who has been director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984. He consistently corrects Trump's statements that he believes represent bad science and then goes on to describe why with a language and style that people can easily grasp. He has emerged as the nation's most respected authority on he subject, championing proven mitigation practices such a hand-washing and social distancing. He first became known in the mid-1980's for his work during the HIV AIDS crisis. His presence on the national stage has given Americans an authoritative yet folksy voice of reason. You can watch him here setting things straight after the president promoted a possible virus cure. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/fauci-disputes-trump-on-coronavirus-treatment-drugs/vi-BB11vSjT

From The Thiager Covid-19 coronavirus cases in Thailand rose to 1,978 with 103 cases confirmed since yesterday, and another 4 patients dying. Today’s number continues a the trend of new cases in Thailand levelling out. 104 new cases were reported yesterday, 120 on Wednesday, 127 on Tuesday. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-news-today-friday-april-3

Louisville Slugger reports that it hasn't exported any bats to Thailand.

From Nasdaq news Vingroup says to produce ventilators in COVID-19 fight HANOI, April 3 (Reuters) - Vietnam's biggest listed firm Vingroup VIC.HM said on Friday it will produce ventilators for the Southeast Asian country's fight against the new coronavirus. The company has entered into a licence agreement with Medtronic MDT.N for its P560 ventilator production, the company said in an emailed statement, adding that it would also produce low-cost open-source ventilators designed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Vingroup said it would be able to produce up to 55,000 units a month at its existing automobile and smartphone factories in Vietnam, including 10,000 P560 ventilators. Production would begin within weeks, it said, adding that the firm could also produce ventilators for foreign markets. Vietnam has reported 233 coronavirus cases as of Friday, with no reported death, the Ministry of Health said. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/vietnams-vingroup-says-to-produce-ventilators-in-covid-19-fight-2020-04-03

From Khaosod English Sex Workers Suffer Under Virus Shutdown BANGKOK — Anna, a 33-year-old sex worker, said she had no income for the past two weeks since Pattaya’s Walking Street was told to shut down per a government’s order to contain the coronavirus outbreak. She has about 11,000 baht left. Of those savings, 7,000 baht will have to go to rent, electricity, and water bills. “For short time [sex service] I used to charge 2,000. That’s for one to two hours. If it’s longer than five hours, I charge 5,000,” Anna, who identified herself as a transgender, said by phone Friday. “Now there’s no short time, long time, or social media appointment at all.” Anna is one of an estimated of 100,000 sex workers who are expected to be among the hardest hit under the business closure brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. They can’t apply for government compensation for “informal” workers either, since their work is not considered legitimate under the law, despite their ubiquitous presence around the country. Surang Janyam, director of an NGO that assists sex workers in Bangkok and Pattaya, warned that the lockdown could prove to be a disaster for tens of thousands of people working in the sex tourism industry. “My tears dropped on March 17. It’s not just about the dangerous pandemic but we could not prepare our hearts for what’s coming. I don’t know how they will make a living from now … and they have no welfare” Surang from Service Workers in Group Foundation said.“I cried the day the lights at Patpong turned dark.” In Pattaya, where an estimate 50,000 sex workers are now out of work due to the government measures to shutdown nightlife district, many have since returned to their home provinces, said Anna, who hailed from Loei province. The sex worker said she doesn’t want to return to her home province due to the stigma attached to not just sex workers, but the perception among the rural locals that anyone returning from the cities must be infected by coronavirus. Even in Pattaya itself, sex workers are facing additional stigma because they are thought to be possible spreader of coronavirus. “Hair stylists, cloth vendors, and even food sellers, do not want to be near me,” Anna said. Anna tried, but failed, to seek 5,000 baht monthly assistance promised by the government, since sex work is not listed as one of the professions in the online application form. Although prostitution can be found across Thailand, the profession remains illegal under Thai laws. “Pattaya used to never sleep. Now it’s asleep,” she said. Bangkok’s Soi Cowboy, a major red light district in Bangkok with 1,000 plus sex workers, also went silent after the are was shut down on March 17. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2020/04/04/no-job-no-compensation-sex-workers-suffer-under-virus-shutdown/

Excerpted from Bangkok Post Thai returnees told to report for state quarantine Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered 152 Thais who landed at Suvarnabhumi airport on Friday afternoon and refused to enter state quarantine to report themselves before 6pm on Saturday so that they can be put into state facilities. A total of 158 Thais — 103 from Japan, 11 from Qatar and 44 from Singapore — landed at the airport at 1pm on Friday, Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, a spokesman for the government's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said on Saturday. But only six of them agreed to be sent to a place prepared by authorities, which is a hotel in Bangkok. The remaining 152 refused to cooperate, saying they had not been informed about it in advance, and left for home. After a meeting on Saturday, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration decided to put all of thses returnees in state quarantine. The commotion at the airport on Friday occurred mainly because of the transition of rules. The group consisted of Thais who were able to fly home because they had obtained all the necessary documents — fit-to-fly certificates issued within 72 hours before boarding and letters from embassies confirming they are Thai nationals seeking to return home — when they boarded planes. Gen Prayut announced on Thursday evening all travel to the kingdom by both Thais and foreigners would be banned until April 15, effective immediately. After that period, he said all arrivals must be quarantined at state facilities. While recognising the importance of quarantine, they assumed they could do it at home. Some even claimed to have already booked hotel rooms for the purpose. Authorities have prepared facilities in Sattahip and two hotels in Bangkok for state quarantine. As a result of the confusion on Friday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand issued an announcement a few hours later temporarily banning all passenger flights from landing in Thailand until Monday to prevent further problems. It took immediate effect. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1893095/thai-returnees-told-to-report-for-state-quarantine

U.S. Department of Transportation Issues Enforcement Notice Clarifying Air Carrier Refund Requirements, Given the Impact of COVID-19 Friday, April 3, 2020 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation today issued an Enforcement Notice clarifying, in the context of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency, that U.S. and foreign airlines remain obligated to provide a prompt refund to passengers for flights to, within, or from the United States when the carrier cancels the passenger’s scheduled flight or makes a significant schedule change and the passenger chooses not to accept the alternative offered by the carrier. The obligation of airlines to provide refunds, including the ticket price and any optional fee charged for services a passenger is unable to use, does not cease when the flight disruptions are outside of the carrier’s control (e.g., a result of government restrictions). The Department is receiving an increasing number of complaints and inquiries from ticketed passengers, including many with non-refundable tickets, who describe having been denied refunds for flights that were canceled or significantly delayed. In many of these cases, the passengers stated that the carrier informed them that they would receive vouchers or credits for future travel. Because the COVID-19 public health emergency has had an unprecedented impact on air travel, DOT’s Aviation Enforcement Office will exercise its enforcement discretion and provide carriers with an opportunity to become compliant before taking further action. However, the Aviation Enforcement Office will monitor airlines’ refund policies and practices and take enforcement action as necessary. https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-department-transportation-issues-enforcement-notice-clarifying-air-carrier-refund

From Khaosod English Chinese Virus Conspiracy Theories Picked Up By Thai Media BANGKOK — A series of conspiracy theories promoted by the Chinese state media, which accused the United States of engineering the coronavirus as a bioweapon, is finding a large audience in Thailand thanks to uncritical coverage by some news agencies. From the accusations that US military hid vases of the virus in Wuhan to speculation that the US unleashed the coronavirus in Italy to stop them from using Huawei 5G network and an article written by a Holocaust denier – all of these outlandish claims were carried by some of Thailand’s most popular TV and news sites, a survey by Khaosod English found on Thursday. They were often lifted or translated directly from Chinese state media agencies, or suggested by news sites who challenge the audience to “connect the dots” and build dubious links between different events. A political scientist said the trend may reflect an increasingly pro-China stance among some Thai media, while a media watchdog said simple critical thinking would have easily debunked those hoaxes. “The US, China, and even Thailand are all affected so badly. If some country was going to use their virus as a weapon, then why was there no precaution put in place for their own people?” Thai Journalist Association chairman Mongkol Bangprapha said. “By common sense, it’s obvious that neither of the countries did it.” Yet reports on Nation TV, Banmuang, and some other media agencies imply it was the United States who manufactured and released the virus in a bid to contain China’s rise as a new geopolitical superpower – a narrative that’s rapidly gaining traction in Thailand. One example could be found In the March 16 episode of “Investigative Hour” program by Nation TV, titled “Covid-19: Biological Warfare or Conspiracy Theory?”, in which the show’s host discussed the narrative with a complete seriousness. The segment features an interview with Tanong Kuntong, Director of Communications from Bualuang Securities, who said the coronavirus – just like SARS, avian flu, and swine flu – was the latest form of biological warfare brought over by the West, similar to European explorers bringing Old World diseases to the New World. Continues at https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/04/02/chinese-virus-conspiracy-theories-picked-up-by-thai-media/