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From South China Morning Post Covid-19 travel bubbles may require flights to forgo transit passengers, commerce minister says Transit passengers may not be allowed on some flights between Hong Kong and its future travel bubble partners in order to ensure everyone on board is coronavirus-free, the city’s commerce minister has said. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau Tang-wah also noted, in a Sunday interview with local broadcaster TVB, that Hong Kong citizens travelling to some destinations, particularly larger countries, could face restrictions on their movements given how the Covid-19 situation can differ among regions. Yau also took aim at the ongoing “Made in China” row with the United States, as the city’s secretaries for administration, finance and labour used their official blogs to offer their own takes on how Hong Kong can tackle issues ranging from unemployment and a swelling budget deficit to the overall economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. As of Sunday, Hong Kong had recorded 5,023 coronavirus infections, with 103 related deaths. Earlier this month, the government announced it had been in talks with 11 destinations, including Japan and Thailand, to form travel bubbles, potentially throwing a lifeline to the struggling tourism industry but also raising concerns about the potential impact on public health. Tourism stakeholders have supported the concept but have yet to be given a timeline, leading some to warn the city’s embattled economy was in danger of collapse. But Yau said the city government needed to be cautious in negotiating such plans. “[We need to discuss] whether the planes can include people coming from outside Hong Kong [and the partner city] … and certain flights may only fly from this city to Hong Kong and back,” he said. “We have had initial discussions with 11 countries, and have discussed issues such as what I’ve called ‘double insurance’, requiring travellers to get tested before they fly and after they have arrived,” he said. Such tests must meet high standards, Yau added, otherwise, even one infected traveller entering Hong Kong could mean a turn for the worse in the city’s pandemic situation.

From Khaosod English Protesters Reinstall Plaque Symbolizing Democracy BANGKOK (AP) — Anti-government demonstrators occupying a historic field in the Thai capital on Sunday installed a plaque symbolizing the country’s transition to democracy to replace the original one that was mysteriously ripped and stolen three years ago, as they vowed to press on with calls for new elections and reform of the monarchy. The mass student-led rally that began Saturday is the largest in a series of protests this year, with thousands camping overnight at Sanam Luang field near the royal palace. On Sunday, they began marching to an undisclosed location, saying they want to hand over a petition to the king’s adviser. A group of activists drilled a hole in front of a makeshift stage in Sanam Luang and laid down a round brass plaque, commemorating a 1932 revolution that changed Thailand from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. “At the dawn of Sept. 20, here is where the people proclaim that this country belongs to the people,” read part of the inscription on the plaque. In April 2017, the original plaque vanished from Bangkok’s Royal Plaza and was replaced by one praising the monarchy. “The nation does not belong to only one person, but belongs to us all. Therefore, I would like to ask holy spirits to stay with us and bless the people’s victory,” student leader Parit “Penguin” Chirawak told the crowd. Another activist, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, said their demands do not propose getting rid of the monarchy. “They are proposals with good intentions to make the institution of the monarchy remain graciously above the people under democratic rule.” ============================================ From Bangkok Post Activists end rally after submitting demands Movement leaders to gather at Parliament on Thursday, call for general strike on Oct 14 Pro-democracy protest leaders ended their overnight rally early Sunday after presenting a list of their demands to the Metropolitan Police Bureau chief. However, activists plan to gather again on Thursday outside Parliament, while student leader Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak has called on the public to take part in a general strike on Oct 14 — the anniversary of the 1973 student uprising. The movement’s three core demands have been a new constitution, the resignation of the current government an end to harassment of critics of the government. After the demands were presented to the city police chief, Mr Parit announced the end of the rally, which had drawn tens of thousands of people to Sanam Luang since Saturday afternoon. However, he said protest leaders would gather again outside Parliament on Thursday, the second day of a two-day debate on motions to amend the constitution.

From Channel News Asia / Reuters The Thai protest leader who emerged with a kiss Tattep Ruangprakitseree (left) and his partner Panumas Singprom, also a member of the committee of Free People group, sit in a flat in Nonthaburi province, in Thailand, Aug 22, 2020. (Photo: REUTERS/Jiraporn Kuhakan) BANGKOK: It was with a kiss that student activist Tattep Ruangprapaikitseree first took centre stage in Thai politics. His embrace with his boyfriend at parliament as they campaigned for gay marriage rights last December shocked conservatives and stirred a social media storm. Nine months on, the changes he now demands for Thailand are even more fundamental for the protest movement challenging an establishment long dominated by the army and the palace. "I'm confused as to how I got here," Tattep, 23, told Reuters. Since mid-July, protesters have been calling for the departure of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, a former coup leader. They want a new Constitution, fresh elections and an end to the harassment of activists. Although there is no overall leader of the fragmented movement – and activists say they want to keep it that way – a Jul 18 protest by Tattep's Free Youth Movement unexpectedly drew some 2,500 people and helped to build momentum for almost daily demonstrations since. "At that time, there was no one leading the protest, so I decided to do it," said Tattep, also known by the nickname Ford. Tattep grew up in the heart of Bangkok. His father works as a delivery driver for a mobile phone app. When Tattep's mother died six years ago, they moved into one room in a shared house while he completed his studies. "I support him because the movement is for the country: It's not only about him," said his father, Somrak Ruangprapaikitseree. But his father worries the protests could turn violent, recalling the decade of bloody street turmoil before Prayut's 2014 coup. Tattep said his political awareness began during those protests, when pro-establishment yellow shirts shut down Bangkok in clashes with red shirt supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. While Tattep had initially hoped to be a pharmacist, he switched to political science and graduated from Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University this year. He and boyfriend Panumas Singprom met on Tinder and realised they had been going to the same political meetings. "We don't want to grow old and have our kids ask us, 'When the country faced injustice what did you do?'" said Panumas, who is often by his side. Last year's election fuelled calls for change after Prayut returned as prime minister in a vote his opponents said was unfair. Prayut says the vote was fair. As well as campaigning for LGBT rights, they set up a discussion forum on Facebook that became the Free Youth Movement – and later the Free People Movement to broaden its appeal. "Let it end in our generation," shouted Tattep as he took the stage on Aug 16 at a Bangkok demonstration of more than 10,000 people, the biggest yet.

From Bangkok Post Pro-democracy crowd settles in for overnight stay Thousands of protesters have gathered at Sanam Luang in Bangkok for what they say will be a two-day protest to press for a new constitution and an end to military-dominated government. The mostly young demonstrators, who began the day by assembling under a steady rain at the Tha Prachan campus of Thammasat University nearby, have also vowed to press for reform of the monarchy, an issue that has provoked strong reactions from more conservative segments of society. However, an increasing number of seasoned protest veterans from the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), after keeping a low profile for the past few years, have decided it’s time to throw their support behind the movement. This story will be updated regularly and readers can also follow live feeds on Facebook and Twitter. Continues with photos, timeline of events and video at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1988239/pro-democracy-crowd-settles-in-for-overnight-stay

I goal posts are changing by the day. From Bangkok Post Tourists must isolate in home countries The Ministry of Public Health on Friday unveiled its latest plan to reopen to visitors from abroad with 2,270 foreign tourists already reportedly planning to visit Thailand. Dr Chakrarat Pittayawonganon, director of the Bureau of Mental Health Strategy under the Department of Disease Control, (DDC) said in a press briefing yesterday that foreign tourists must present proof of a negative Covid-19 test no more than 72 hours prior to travel. They must also have quarantined in their country of origin and have health insurance for international travel and a specified minimum amount of money in their bank account as well as a record of not visiting crowded places prior to their departure. During their domestic quarantine, visitors must have been tested twice for Covid-19 at the beginning and end of the process. If both tests are negative for the virus, they will be allowed to travel to Thailand. The DDC said it planned to increase staff at international disease control checkpoints and allow people from low-risk countries to enter Thailand first. The department will provide training on Covid-19 control and prevention for entrepreneurs as well as the general public and government officers whose jobs place them in contact with foreign travellers. Related state bodies are currently deciding when these measures will take effect. Director-General of the Health Service Support Department, Dr Thares Krasnairawiwong, said 735 medical tourists from China, Myanmar, Oman, Australia and Cambodia were receiving treatment in Thailand after they completed a 14-day quarantine. The tourists were expected to generate around 25 million baht for the country, said the doctor. More than 2,270 foreigners from China, Myanmar, Japan and Kuwait have reportedly expressed their wish to enter Thailand, and are expected to generate 115 million baht in revenue. O

For those considering air travel, and long haul routes in particular, the following study answers many questions about potential for contagion, mask efficacy and related issues. From Harvard School of Public Health PDF can be accessed at the following link: https://cdn1.sph.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2443/2020/09/Face-Mask-Use-in-Air-Travel.pdf

From Bangkok Post The Ministry of Transport will remove tollway booths and remodel billing systems to incorporate vehicle recognition next year. Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob on Tuesday told reporters that the ministry's vehicle registration database will be shared with the Department of Land Transport, Department of Highways and Expressway Authority of Thailand under a memorandum of understanding to track vehicles using tollways and expressways when barriers and toll booths are taken away next year. He said a toll system without barriers and toll booths is being developed. According to the new system, called M-Flow, licence plate detectors will be used to later match the vehicle information in the licence registration database and bill motorists every month to post-pay without the assistance of barriers and toll booths, the minister said. "This system has another benefit ... we can check for illegal vehicles," he said referring to the linked database and the licence detection system. Laws will be amended so that failure to pay road tolls will be considered an offence, he said. Current users of M-Pass will be able to link their pass with their vehicle licence and pay the tolls automatically.

From The Cambodian Daily Thailand plans to allow a group of 500 Cambodian workers to return to work legally in Thailand for the first time since borders were closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, officials said on Tuesday. Ham Samkhan, chief of the Doung International Border Checkpoint, said officials met in Thailand on Thursday about a plan to allow 500 Cambodian workers to cross the border to work on fruit harvests. The original plan was for the workers to leave on Tuesday, but Thailand had yet to make its official request based on what was agreed in the meeting, Samkhan said.

From Vietnam News HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội will allow bars, karaoke parlours and discos to reopen from tonight after the city has gone four weeks without new local COVID-19 cases. Ngô Văn Quý, Vice Chairman of Hà Nội People’s Committee, announced the decision during a meeting on Tuesday, adding that the entertainment venues – shut since August 1 as the city battled a new wave of cases related to Đà Nẵng outbreak – must still comply with COVID-19 prevention and control regulations. The staff of the venues must wear masks the entire time they work, while customers must fulfil basic hygiene and hand sanitation requirements, Quý said. He also agreed with the proposal from Hoàn Kiếm District authorities to allow the pedestrian street around Hoàn Kiếm Lake to reopen starting September 18. Quý said while previous outbreaks in the city had basically been eliminated, the risk of COVID-19 in the city remains significant given its economic and social-cultural hub status, in addition to the expected resumption of international flights to six destinations in Asia – China, China’s Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Cambodia and Laos. When these flights resume, Hà Nội would receive about 2,000 foreign entries a week so municipal authorities must prepare quarantine facilities to ensure COVID-19 prevention and control, Quý said.

From The Diplomat A lowered voting age, and rising discontent with the country’s rusted-on political elite, are stimulating youth involvement in politics. By Crystal Teoh On July 5 and 6, a group of Malaysian youth associations successfully organized a virtual mock parliament. This event, known as Parlimen Digital, saw the involvement of 222 young Malaysians representing actual constituencies, who came together online to debate a range of topics, ranging from economic challenges to the state of the country’s education system. The initiative was born of the dissatisfaction about the government’s decision not to hold a virtual parliament sitting, despite the urgent need for debate over a number of pressing issues, not least how the country can best recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the new government called for a mere one-day sitting on May 18, in order to satisfy the constitutional requirement that the parliament meet at least once every six months or otherwise face dissolution. The sitting was also carried out without debate, in order to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infections. With this in mind, Parlimen Digital was created with two purposes: first, to serve as a platform for young Malaysians to engage in politics; and second, to prove that a virtual parliament session was possible in a Malaysian context. In the first 24 hours of registration, Parlimen Digital received an overwhelming 1,500 applications, which subsequently grew to nearly 6,300. More than 200,000 viewers tuned in as participants debated, voted and passed bills addressing various issues affecting Malaysia’s young population. About a week later, on July 14, the nation’s actual Parliament convened physically and drew widespread criticism on its first day as experienced lawmakers were kicked out while shouting matches erupted across the floor. Riding on the success of Parlimen Digital, groups of young Malaysians flooded social media with their frustrations on the juvenile behavior of their Members of Parliament. Some voiced their desire for a new generation of political leaders to takeover, disseminating the #MasaKita (#OurTurn) hashtag on Twitter. While youth-led political movements are not new to Malaysia, there has been a notable uptick of interest since March, when backroom politicking resulted in a change in the federal government. As it stands, Malaysia could soon face a snap election, given that the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin commands only a slim majority in parliament. As the country navigates a political crisis and a pandemic-stricken economy, young people in Malaysia have become increasingly impatient and frustrated with the state of their country’s leadership. The unifying theme is a feeling of frustration and disdain toward Malaysia’s current political elite. Young Malaysians are growing increasingly unsatisfied with the political climate of their country, which has long been dominated by senior politicians who have consolidated power and influence over many years, making it difficult for the younger generation to gain representation at the highest levels of politics. Just this year, 27-year-old Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq was ridiculed and heckled by senior politicians as he tried to speak in parliament, an incident which many saw as typical of the disdain with which older politicians treat the needs and perceptions of the country’s youth. Interestingly, Saddiq, who was also the previous Minister of Youth and Sports, recently announced his plans to establish the country’s first youth-based political party. Citing inspiration from Future Forward in Thailand, and En Marche under Emmanuel Macron in France, he hopes that this new party will be able gather young technocrats, professionals and politicians from various backgrounds, inside and outside parliament, in order to force the political establishment to take youth needs more seriously. He aspires for the party and the country to depart from an old style of politics based on “power, division or money and contracts” and move towards a style organized around a “politics of service.” Continues at https://thediplomat.com/2020/09/youth-moving-to-the-forefront-of-malaysian-politics/

The following article discuses pros and cons of teaching English in Thailand, and specifically in Phuket but with price comparisons to Bangkok. https://tastythailand.com/pros-and-cons-of-teaching-english-in-phuket-thailand/

Long stay tourist visa approved From the Thaiger and Thai Enquirer A long stay tourist visa has been approved by the Cabinet for those entering Thailand. Those issued the visa would be allowed to enter Thailand and stay up to 9 months. Visitors will be issued a Special Tourist Visa, known as STV starting next month, according to “Thai Enquirer”, but no exact date has been announced. Each visa will cost 2,000 baht. It’s good for 90 days and can be renewed twice, adding up to a total of 270 days, according to initial reports. Government spokesperson Traisuree Trisoranakul says the visitors must still go through a 14 day quarantine. “Tourists who qualify for the STV must intend to stay in Thailand for a long period of time, comply with Thai Public Health measures of undergoing state quarantine or alternative state quarantine for 14 days, and show evidence of the hotels that they will be staying in.” The visa is aimed at assisting the tourism industry which is estimated to bring in about 1.2 billion baht per month. Traisuree predicts around 1,200 tourists per month will enter under the new visa. Visitors will be issued a Special Tourist Visa, known as STV starting next month, according to “Thai Enquirer”, but no exact date has been announced. Each visa will cost 2,000 baht. It’s good for 90 days and can be renewed twice, adding up to a total of 270 days, according to initial reports. Government spokesperson Traisuree Trisoranakul says the visitors must still go through a 14 day quarantine. “Tourists who qualify for the STV must intend to stay in Thailand for a long period of time, comply with Thai Public Health measures of undergoing state quarantine or alternative state quarantine for 14 days, and show evidence of the hotels that they will be staying in.” The visa is aimed at assisting the tourism industry which is estimated to bring in about 1.2 billion baht per month. Traisuree predicts around 1,200 tourists per month will enter under the new visa. The visas will cost 2,000 baht and will last for 90 days. When expired, the Immigration Office will allow for the visa to be extended up to two times with a cumulative total of 270 days. This will continue in effect until September 30, 2021. The target group for this scheme is tourists that are capable of long term visits to Thailand. Traisuree also says that according to their estimation, there will 100 tourists entering Thailand per week and 1,200 tourists per month once the scheme starts. The estimated income from this scheme would be 1.2 billion baht per month. Tourist that are interested in visiting Thailand must contact companies that are under the TAT so they are able to keep track and handle the visas of incoming tourists. However, the exact date in October has yet to be announced.

Is he bigger than a bread box?

From Thai Examiner Thailand’s Education Minister Nataphol Teepsuwan has disclosed that a further 10,000 foreign English language teachers are to be invited to Thailand to help in his efforts to transform the country’s beleaguered education system and to attract inward investment. The announcement is a volte-face from the policy of the previous junta government which emphasised teaching Thai teachers the language and reducing the number of foreign teachers in the system. The Thai Minister of Education has revealed that the government has approved funding for the recruitment of ten thousand native English language speakers in addition to seven thousand already working within the country’s severely challenged education system. Mr Nataphol Teepsuwan was appointed to the cabinet in July last year and since his appointment has shown an interest in reaching out to countries outside Thailand for help in recalibrating the Thai education system particularly to attract inward investment. Ailing Thai education system needs reform Thailand’s education system derives in character from a huge public network of schools and institutions established throughout the kingdom overseen by a cumbersome and top-heavy state bureaucracy which includes not only the ministry of education but a range of other state agencies in addition to oversight from provincial administrations. The system is facing a crisis with lower educational standards being achieved and rising problems including the key and intractable issue of teachers falling into debt. In addition, there is also a divergence between the standards of education across establishments at all levels from well funded international schools in Bangkok to the poorest public schools in rural areas. Despite this, Thailand’s system of education is quite elaborate and sophisticated in many respects but the system, including the vocational education sector is designed for a society in Thailand which is still looking inward with an emphasis on careers in the military, police or the civil service and old fashioned divisions in societal roles. It is also a well-disciplined environment with a great commitment shown by families and students at all levels of a society which highly values education. The minister made his statement this weekend while addressing a conference of international schools in Bangkok.

From Thai Examiner Thais losing Baht 8 billion per day Thailand is facing a mounting bill for its draconian policy of sealing off the kingdom from foreign tourism and normal passenger flights. A Krung Thai Bank report this week warns that it might take Thailand at least 4 years to recover while its daily losses and impact on GDP may even rise in the first quarter of next year without dramatic action due to last year’s historical base. The economic impact of this situation has already become structural. Krung Thai Bank, through its economic analysis unit, is warning that Thailand could be on the verge of a structural economic change due to the loss of its vast foreign tourism industry, formerly one of the most significant in the world, which it predicts may not return to anything like normality until 2025 as the economic impact of Covid 19 virus measures appear to be more severe than anticipated. As the Thai government ponders on whether it will take a chance and reopen the kingdom to even a limited and controlled form of foreign tourism, the economic analysis arm of Krung Thai Bank has revealed that the kingdom is losing over ฿ 8 billion a day on lost tourism revenue alone since early April.

From Bangkok Post No military roadblocks to stop protesters NAKHON RATCHASIMA: There will be no military roadblocks to stop protesters from the Northeast travelling to an anti-government demonstration scheduled for Sept 19 at Thammasat University's Tha Phrachan campus in Bangkok, 2nd Army spokesman Maj Gen Rachan Prachantasen said on Monday. Maj Gen Rachan said the 2nd Army's intelligence units have closely monitored political movements in the Northeast Region to assess whether the situation could turn violent. Since the dissolution of the National Council for Peace and Order, the military is no longer responsible for maintaining law and order at various protest venues. Such responsibility is now in the hands of police and administrative officials, he said. The military would help only when security roadblocks are needed. As for the planned demonstration on Sept 19, there would definitely be no such roadblocks to stop protesters from the Northeast reaching it, simply because the people have the right to freedom of expression in a democracy, Maj Gen Rachan said. Protests have been held at different times in various provinces in the Northeast, with groups of people travelling to those provinces to help set up stages for the local protesters. From the 2nd Army's assessment, some protesters from the Northeast would travel to Bangkok to join the Sept 19 demonstration, but not in large numbers.

From Channel News Asia Rising night temperatures a potentially major health issue in Asian metropolises BANGKOK: Prasert Saisamphan’s home used to be a breezy space, surrounded by trees. Now, the 65-year-old finds it hard to breathe, surrounded by confining concrete and the dust of a growing city. “When I was about 20 years old, condominiums were not built here yet. The weather was nice and cool. We only used a fan in the evening. No one had an air-conditioner in my house,” he said. “Now, there’s less air. It feels like I can’t take a deep breath.” The view from Prasert’s house in Klong Khlang in central Bangkok is dominated by the towering pylons of an expressway, and in the distance, seemingly ever-growing residential towers. “It’s hot this year. It’s so hot that the electricity charges significantly rise. It’s so hot that I installed water sprinklers on the roof. It’s so hot that I need water spray. It feels doubly hot compared to last year,” said Jurairat Kruephimai, another local resident. The heat they feel is not imagined. The effect of a phenomenon known as the urban heat island (UHI) is in force in Bangkok, causing the maximum temperatures to rise higher than the surrounding areas. It is particularly felt at night. Roads, buildings and other concrete urban infrastructure absorb solar radiation during the day and release it slowly at night, causing an increase in temperature. Vehicles add to the issue as well as the clearing of green spaces to make way for new construction. Dr Sigit Dwiananto Arifwidodo from Kasetsart University has extensively studied UHI in the Thai capital. In 2012, one of his studies found that the maximum temperature difference between urban and rural areas was 7 degrees Celsius. And up to 2018, he noted that temperatures amplified by UHI continued to increase year on year. “Higher temperatures because of the urban heat island effect are rising every year. At first, we were surprised,” Dr Arifwidodo told CNA. “When we map it out, the area that is a hotspot is getting bigger and bigger. The latest one where we used the data from 2018, it’s almost the whole of Bangkok.” Bangkok is not alone in having to contend with the UHI problem - it is increasing in regularity and magnitude across Asian cities, as urban areas expand, green areas decrease and poor air ventilation stifles dense spaces. While hot temperatures in the day pose risks for workers exposed to prolonged periods outdoors, research shows that it is at night when more damage can be done, in the form of heat stroke or exhaustion. Continues at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/urban-heat-island-asia-bangkok-singapore-climate-change-health-13098858

You are in 3-way heaven. Was your Freshboy guy Lao by any chance?

First drink at Hotmale Go-Go 400 and cocktails 450 as of Friday.

From The Nation Lands on Silom Road are the priciest, according to data on estimates in Bangkok gathered from 2016-2019 and reported by the Treasury Department on its website. Silom had the highest estimated price at Bt700,000-Bt1 million per square wah (4 square metres), followed by lands on Phloen Chit Road (Bt900,000 per sq.wah) and lands on Rajdamri Road (Bt750,000-Bt900,000 per sq.wah). Meanwhile, the cheapest lands in Bangkok are farmlands in Bangkhuntian district, which are estimated at Bt500-Bt10,000 per sq.wah. The 10 roads with the costliest lands in Bangkok are: 1. Silom Road (Bt700,000-Bt1 million per sq.wah) 2. Phloen Chit Road (Bt900,000 per sq.wah) 3. Rajdamri Road (Bt750,000-Bt900,000 per sq.wah) 4. Rama I Road (Bt400,000-Bt900,000 per sq.wah) 5. Wireless Road (Bt500,000-Bt750,000 per sq.wah) 6. Sathorn Road (Bt450,000-Bt750,000 per sq.wah) 7. Yaowarat Road (Bt700,000 per sq.wah) 8. Thaniya Road, Pattanapong Road, Pattanapong II Road (Bt600,000 per sq.wah) 9. Narathiwas Rajanakarin Road (Bt280,000-Bt600,000 per sq.wah) 10. Ratchawong Road, Sampeng Road (Bt550,000 per sq.wah)

Fresh Boy Thailand Go-Go Boy in Patpong フレッシュボーイ バンコク September 5 at 4:00 AM · Fresh Boy Bangkok Patpong We will open from 7th July 2020.

Freshboys. Name may have momentarily escaped you but I know they boys haven't.

Great to hear that Lucky Boys is now open! That HM beer bar is doing so well seems to prove what I've long suspected ever since Twilight closed: people gravitate to venues where you can sit outside and watch the world--or our chunk of it anyway--pass by. Thanks for the updates.

From The Diplomat There are risks, but the region has a lot to gain from the international race to find an effective vaccine By Sebastian Strangio There are risks, but also advantages, to sitting at the center of the intensifying geopolitical tug-of-war between China and the United States. As the world strides forward in the search for an effective coronavirus vaccine, Southeast Asia is set to become the focus of outside powers eager to win the region’s support and neutralize China’s own efforts to claim the mantle of global public health leadership. In the new game of “vaccine diplomacy,” in Southeast Asia and further afield, much of the early movements have been made by Beijing. Extending its earlier campaign of “mask diplomacy,” which saw it shower its Southeast Asian neighbors with masks and personal protective equipment to combat COVID-19, China and some of its top drug-makers have begun assuring the region of access to a successful Chinese vaccine. On August 24, Premier Li Keqiang promised the lower Mekong countries — Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar — priority access to vaccines produced by Chinese companies. The following day, state-owned drug maker Sinovac announced that it had partnered with Indonesia’s PT Bio Farma to develop the distribution of a vaccine that is currently undergoing trials in the country. The Philippines has also been offered early access to a Chinese vaccine, and Malaysia is currently in negotiations for a similar arrangement. Despite the recent assurances by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that any COVID-19 vaccines produced in China will be made available as “global public goods,” there are reasons for Southeast Asian governments to tread cautiously. Reports have suggested that Beijing could use the promise of access to extract concessions on important issues, from China’s controversial damming of the upper reaches of the Mekong River to its extensive maritime and territorial claims in the South China Sea. Yet if the region is wary and agile in its approach to Chinese offers, it stands to benefit from the intense competition that Beijing’s campaign of “vaccine diplomacy” is likely to prompt. One sign of this emerged late last month, when the Australian government announced a $58 million injection into the GAVI international vaccine alliance, which helps coordinate the COVAX scheme designed to secure rapid and fair global access to COVID-19 vaccines. Specifically, Canberra’s down payment was intended to ensure access to vaccines for Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Timor Leste, and Vietnam, in addition to eight Pacific Island nations. Coming a few days after Prime Minister Scott Morrison vowed to help the nation’s “Pacific family” get access to a proven vaccine, the Australian commitment should be seen in the context of its growing consternation about China’s inroads in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Russia also recently approved the limited distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine, trollishly dubbed Sputnik V, after the Soviet satellite that beat the United States into orbit in 1957. Vietnam, which is also in the early stages of developing its own vaccine, has already committed to purchase up to 150 million doses of Sputnik V. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte also offered to have himself injected with the new Russian vaccine, despite the widespread skepticism about its safety and efficacy. Despite all of its concerns about China’s growing clout in Southeast Asia, the United States has been slower off the mark. Last month, Duke University and the American pharmaceutical company Arcturus announced a partnership with Singapore to develop another vaccine (known as Lunar-Cov19), which is currently in its first phase of clinical trials. Another U.S. company developing a vaccine, Novavax, announced a deal in early August to partner with the Serum Institute of India. In general, however, the Trump administration has taken an “America First” approach to the COVID-19 vaccine question, while spurning multilateral forums like the World Health Organization that are trying to coordinate global access and distribution. Even as research labs based in the U.S. press forward with vaccine trials, Washington has turned its back on the global coalition fighting the disease. Still, there is plenty of time for the U.S. to reverse course. As a recent commentary from the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies pointed out, after a slow start in the provision of pandemic-related support to Southeast Asia, Washington quickly caught up with Beijing’s efforts. In June, Washington quadrupled its COVID-19 funding commitment to Southeast Asia from $18 million to $77 million, making it the largest individual donor country to the region, at least in terms of monetary value. All this suggests that the U.S., where pharmaceutical companies are currently trialing a number of potential vaccines, will eventually emerge as an important partner of Southeast Asian countries in their quest to secure access to the life-saving jabs. As the world’s researchers close in on a lasting inoculation against the novel coronavirus, the Southeast Asian countries will likely come under pressure from China, the U.S., and other governments to “pick a side” in the game of competing vaccines. But they are also in a position to play these powers off against one another, thus spreading their risk and ensuring access to effective vaccines when they finally emerge. “Vaccine diplomacy” is a reminder that while geopolitical tensions carry undeniable risks for Southeast Asia, they also bring opportunities — if the region’s governments are canny enough to seize them.

From Bangkok Post Risk plan can handle any new infections Thailand will have to tolerate the possibility of new coronavirus cases when it reopens its borders to international tourists, but the country can minimise the impact and avoid a bruising level of unemployment with risk management, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). After the country reported its first local transmission in 100 days last week, the TAT downgraded its 2020 estimates to 70 million domestic trips from 80 million, contributing 418 billion baht in revenue, a decrease of 61% from 2019. International arrivals remain unchanged at 6.7 million, the same forecast before the border closure, with revenue of 332 billion baht, down 65% from 2019. "We have to bring in tourists by the last quarter as the domestic market alone cannot keep tourism workers employed. If we keep delaying their entry, around 2.5 million jobs out of 4 million will be at risk," said TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn. To reopen the country to tourists, the government should implement a careful plan and improve communications to avoid local opposition, said Mr Yuthasak. The current plan is to open the country to international tourists with a limited number of arrivals and locations. Arrivals have to comply with strict safety and health measures and the same screening and surveillance procedures as Thai returnees. If the pilot model succeeds, Thailand will allow more tourists and more destinations to join the scheme. "We cannot avoid new cases, but the most important thing is to have risk management in place. If there are five cases among 5 million tourists, and we can contain those infections with stringent measures, that would be a good balance between public health and business survival," he said. Meanwhile, the TAT plans to propose to the cabinet next week a special tourist visa scheme for long-stay visitors that costs around 2,000 baht and can be extended up to 270 days. The TAT is working with the private sector on the next step, finding safety measures viable for short-haul visitors who cannot stay for a two-week quarantine. This plan require need bilateral agreements with targeted countries, said Mr Yuthasak. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said zero infections is an unrealistic target for the tourism industry. The country should find a balance between risk and gain, she said. The Public Health Ministry must inform the public alternative state quarantine (ASQ) hotels in tourism destinations will have the same standards as those in Bangkok, said Mrs Marisa. If certified hotels operated with no problems the past few months, the plan to welcome tourists to those ASQ properties will not trigger new cases, she said.