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Trying to predict the future is often an exercise in futility but I won't let that keep me from giving it a try. When what eventually became known as Covid19 first began to get the attention of posters, the general sentiment of the board was that it's being overblown and the Silom/Patong scene would muddle through. Not an unreasonable assumption because at the time it was almost exclusively a China-centric issue. The first indications that it might be a bit more serious than that was a steady decline in tourists arriving into Bangkok. But most, myself included, assumed it would be a temporary setback. Fast forward a few months and we know that was short-sighted. I decided the best way to go out trying to discern the future was to look to the past. First--and probably most important--was the 1997 Asian financial Crisis. Here's an excerpt from Wikipedia (specific to Thailand's experience) I believe is noteworthy: From 1985 to 1996, Thailand's economy grew at an average of over 9% per year, the highest economic growth rate of any country at the time. Inflation was kept reasonably low within a range of 3.4–5.7%.[32] The baht was pegged at 25 to the U.S. dollar. On 14 May and 15 May 1997, the Thai baht was hit by massive speculative attacks. On 30 June 1997, Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said that he would not devalue the baht. However, Thailand lacked the foreign reserves to support the USD–Baht currency peg, and the Thai government was eventually forced to float the Baht, on 2 July 1997, allowing the value of the Baht to be set by the currency market. This caused a chain reaction of events, eventually culminating into a region-wide crisis.[33] Thailand's booming economy came to a halt amid massive layoffs in finance, real estate, and construction that resulted in huge numbers of workers returning to their villages in the countryside and 600,000 foreign workers being sent back to their home countries. The baht devalued swiftly and lost more than half of its value. The baht reached its lowest point of 56 units to the U.S. dollar in January 1998. The Thai stock market dropped 75%. Finance One, the largest Thai finance company until then, collapsed.[35] On 11 August 1997, the IMF unveiled a rescue package for Thailand with more than $17 billion, subject to conditions such as passing laws relating to bankruptcy (reorganizing and restructuring) procedures and establishing strong regulation frameworks for banks and other financial institutions. The IMF approved on 20 August 1997, another bailout package of $2.9 billion. Right after the 1997 Asian financial crisis income in the northeast, the poorest part of the country, rose by 46 percent from 1998 to 2006. Nationwide poverty fell from 21.3 to 11.3 percent.[ By 2001, Thailand's economy had recovered. The increasing tax revenues allowed the country to balance its budget and repay its debts to the IMF in 2003, four years ahead of schedule. The Thai baht continued to appreciate to 29 Baht to the U.S. dollar in October 2010. I'm not saying that the Covid19 crisis will rise to this level. It could very well run a course not unlike it is doing now in China. Yes, it was a crushing blow to the Chinese economy but conditions appear to be on the rebound. Although it's likely there will be hiccups along the way, we'd like to believe that the worst is behind them. If we agree that the first cases were detected (but not widely reported) in November that means the episode has taken roughly four months to stabilize. If Thailand can continue to pursue strong containment measures, there's little reason not to believe that it can have a similar outcome. But Thailand is a least a few months behind the curve compared to China so a it seems reasonable that it could achieve stabilization by June. But what would "stabilization" look like on the ground? I think we know what it won't be like: a magical return to business as usual overnight. More likely, it will be a slow rebound that may track track China's evolving progress as it claws its way back. The government announced yesterday that it's prepared to borrow heavily to stimulate the Thai economy. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) could once again emerge as a prime source of the needed funds. So how would this all translate to the status of the bars and other venues in the Silom/Patpong? That I find a bit more challenging because all jobs are not going to return at the same time or at the same rate. I'd think that jobs in the malls and food vending might be among the first to start climbing. Tourism would lag for several reasons. Tourists who would normally be counted upon return again may have lost their jobs or had their incomes reduced. Some of those who are able to travel may still have lingering fears about the virus. As airlines begin to slowly ramp up service, they'll likely be very cautious about increasing capacity. Although they'll all be looking for cash flow, there main objective will be optimum fleet utilization as opposed to engaging in fare wars with competitors. In other words, don't necessarily look for huge bargains. So aviation-related jobs will definitely tick up but at a restrained pace. The same with hotels. The results will be that those who made their living in these industries could well decide to look elsewhere. As for the entertainment zones and massage shops get the go-ahead to resume business, it's not impossible that young Thai men and women may look upon these occupations more favorably. They did, after all, once dominate these jobs. But what actually happens may be altogether different.

From Bangkok Post World's largest producer idled for last 10 days by Malaysian lockdown KUALA LUMPUR: A global shortage of condoms is looming, the world’s biggest producer warns, as a coronavirus lockdown has forced it to shut down production. Karex Bhd makes one in every five condoms used globally. It has not produced a single condom from its three Malaysian factories in the past 10 days because of the lockdown imposed by the government to halt the spread of the virus. That’s already a shortfall of 100 million condoms, normally marketed internationally by brands such as Durex, supplied to state healthcare systems such as Britain’s National Health Service or distributed by aid programmes including the UN Population Fund. The other major condom-producing countries are China, where the virus originated and led to widespread factory shutdowns, and India and Thailand, which are seeing infections spiking only now. “We are going to see a global shortage of condoms everywhere, which is going to be scary,” Karex chief executive Goh Miah Kiat told Reuters this week. https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/1887890/global-condom-shortage-looms

CNN Headline of the day: Why Walmart is seeing a rise in sales for tops, but not bottoms during the coronavirus crisis

From South China Morning Post European, US travellers scramble for flights as Asia’s key transit hubs close Phil Hopkins found himself dashing to find new flights after Hong Kong, one of Asia’s busiest transit hubs, on Monday announced it was banning stopovers and closing its borders to visitors. While his 25-hour flight from Surabaya back to Boston was meant to be a simple one, with a single stop in Hong Kong as he was flying Cathay Pacific, his journey swelled to four flights via Jakarta, Tokyo and Chicago – lasting a mammoth 34 hours and 30 minutes. “This is a very difficult situation. I was very surprised that they closed a major airport to all transit,” the 30-year-old American said. “Luckily I have been watching the news closely.” sia’s key transit airports are now no-go zones, swept up by lockdowns and sweeping travel restrictions as governments look to curb the spread of Covid-19. Hong Kong has joined Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia in banning short-term visitors, while major airlines have announced plans to cut all but a handful of flights. Katie Wingfield, 49, was coming to the end of a six-week trip across New Zealand and Australia, but the closure of Hong Kong as a transit hub meant her flight to London via Perth was no longer possible. There was a “mad scramble to find flights”, the British national said, as Hong Kong and Singapore were both closed to transit – the island nation having closed its borders to short-term visitors on March 22. Wingfield’s only remaining option was to pay A$19,000 (US$11,380) for two business-class tickets on Qatar Airways to London via Doha, the last major transit hub that is still open. In fact, Qatar Airways has in recent days been adding more flights on top of the 150 daily services it currently operates to get more people home, particularly those living in Australia. David Flynn, founder of online travel news website Executive Traveller, said: “As more and more airlines reduce flights and in many cases abandon routes, having a major gateway airport suddenly declared off-limits to transit passengers is sheer travel trauma.” Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines, two major Asian carriers reliant on transfer passengers, have already slashed flight schedules and by next month will operate just 4 per cent of their planned services. In other virus-stricken countries in the region, including mainland China and South Korea, travel options via major airlines are few and far between. Emirates and Etihad this week grounded all flights, cutting off two connector airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Hong Kong is the worst-affected airport in terms of the number of flights cut so far, with an 81 per cent reduction in passenger capacity, according to aviation data company OAG. The airport is still the world’s busiest cargo airport, however, and has had more freighter flights than passenger flights over the past week. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3077252/coronavirus-european-us-travellers-scramble-flights-asias-key

From Coconuts Bangkok Health minister under fire again After scolding foreigners who don’t wear masks and saying that they’re “dirty”, the public health minister was in hot water again yesterday when he criticized healthcare workers who are infected with COVID-19. Answering a question to a reporter on Thursday regarding measures to prevent medical personnel from becoming infected with COVID-19, Anutin Charnvirakul criticized infected medical staff for not “taking good care of themselves.” “We’re not happy,” Anutin said. “Health personnel should set an example for the public [on how to protect themselves against the virus]. They should always be on alert and, especially at this time of an outbreak, they should best protect themselves.” Eleven healthcare professionals in total were reported to have been infected with COVID-19. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/health-minister-under-fire-again-saying-infected-medical-staff-werent-being-careful/

From Bangkok Post Pattaya pub becomes community kitchen PATTAYA: The coronavirus pandemic has turned a pub in this resort city into a community kitchen serving free food for workers who have lost jobs when the global tourism industry ground to a halt. Surajai Attanart, owner of the Differ Night Pub, and his workers feed up to 1,000 residents who have fallen on hard times due to the pandemic that has infected 530,000 worldwide, killed more than 24,000 and prompted many countries including Thailand to close their borders. Thailand’s measures to suppress the spread of the disease have left many without jobs as many businesses, mainly in entertainment and spas, were closed down. Like many others, Surajai’s business is hurting, but he wanted to contribute to the community. “On our part, we’re giving out free food to people who have borne the brunt of the situation. At least, (this way), they can save around 40 to 50 baht for a meal per day, adding a lifeline for them,” Surajai, 43, told Reuters. About a thousand lunch boxes are packed daily in the pub’s kitchen, where dozens of the remaining workers gather to prepare ready-to-eat meals. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1887855/pattaya-pub-becomes-community-kitchen

From The Nation Bus ticket sales suspended until April 30 Ticket sales for all public transport buses will be suspended from March 26 to April 30 in compliance with the government’s declaration of a state of emergency which takes effect on Thursday (March 26), the president of Transport Co Ltd, Jirasak Yaovatsakul, said He added that the company will also enforce social distancing by leaving empty alternate seats on the buses and keep a distance of at least one metre between persons at all bus terminals. After the state of emergency was announced on Tuesday (March 24), people rushed to buy bus tickets. All tickets have been sold out beyond April 30. “We cannot provide additional buses and all available buses have been used. Complying with the social distancing policy halves the number of passengers per bus,” added Jirasak. “Those who haven’t reserved tickets should refrain from coming down to bus terminals hoping to get one, since all ticket booths will be closed until April 30,” he said. “Those who had bought tickets earlier can still travel as per schedule. You can also postpone or cancel your trip and apply for refund as per the conditions of Transport Co.” Jirasak added that some operators of private buses and vans have submitted appeals to suspend their service during the state of emergency. “If you have already bought tickets from these operators, please contact them directly to ask for refund or postponement of your trip.” https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30384845

From Bangkok Post Vietnam quarantines tens of thousands in camps HANOI: Vietnam has sent tens of thousands of people to quarantine camps as waves of overseas citizens return home to escape a coronavirus pandemic spreading in Europe and the United States. Even though Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's poorer nations, its efforts against the virus, praised at home, have ensured its tally of infections is lower than those of many neighbours. By Thursday, those quarantined numbered 44,955, including nearly half in military-run centres, down about 15% from Monday's figure, official data showed, as many among the first influx to return home early in March were discharged. "All passengers undergo quick screening," a medical official at Hanoi's Noi Bai airport told Reuters. "Those with symptoms are taken to hospital, and the rest are sent to quarantine camps, where they will share a room with 10 to 20 others on the same flight." Vietnam has reported just 148 infections, its health ministry says, with no deaths. Its proven infection rate is lower than any regional nations except Myanmar and Laos, where testing has been limited. Official figures show Vietnam has tested more than 30,000 people. The current phase of the battle against the virus is "decisive", Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has said, in an effort government statements describe as the "spring general offensive of 2020". Vietnam took a textbook approach in its early response strategy, based on its experience as the first country outside China to be hit by the Sars outbreak of 2003, said Todd Pollack, an infectious diseases specialist at Harvard Medical School. "Quarantine of individuals who have contact with a case or are coming from a high-risk area is definitely a key strategy, especially since people infected seem to be infectious at the very start of symptoms," added Mr Pollack, who works with a Harvard initiative in Hanoi, Health Advancement in Vietnam (HAIVN). Vietnam began its mass quarantine programme on March 16, when it began compulsory testing and quarantine measures for arrivals from virus-hit areas. https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/1887100/vietnam-quarantines-tens-of-thousands-in-camps

From NYTimes Can you become immune to the coronavirus? As the number of people infected with the coronavirus surpasses 450,000 worldwide, and more than 1 billion are locked in their homes, scientists are wrestling with one of the most pressing questions of the pandemic: Do people who survive the infection become immune to the virus? The answer is a qualified yes, with some significant unknowns. That’s important for several reasons. People who are confirmed to be immune could venture from their homes and help shore up the workforce until a vaccine becomes available, for example. In particular, health care workers who are known to be immune could continue to care for the severely ill. Growing immunity in the community also is the way the epidemic ends: With fewer and fewer people to infect, the coronavirus will lose its toehold and even the most vulnerable citizens become more insulated from the threat. Immunity may also bring an early treatment. Antibodies gathered from the bodies of those who have recovered may be used to aid those struggling with the illness caused by the coronavirus, called COVID-19. On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of plasma from recovered patients to treat some severe cases. A day earlier, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that New York would become the first state to begin testing serum from people who have recovered from COVID-19 to treat those who are seriously ill. “It’s a trial for people who are in serious condition, but the New York State Department of Health has been working on this with some of New York’s best health care agencies, and we think it shows promise,” Cuomo said. The body’s first line of defense against an infectious virus is an antibody called immunoglobulin M, whose job is to stay vigilant in the body and alert the rest of the immune system to intruders like viruses and bacteria. Continues at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/health/coronavirus-immunity-antibodies.html

From South China Morning Post Long-term look at coronavirus impact on male sex hormone Doctors in the central Chinese city of Wuhan plan to embark on a long-term study of the effects of the coronavirus on the male reproductive system, building on small-scale research indicating that the pathogen could affect sex hormone levels in men. Though still preliminary and not peer reviewed, the study is the first clinical observation of the potential impact of Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, on the male reproductive system, especially among younger groups. In a paper published on the preprint research platform, the researchers – from Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University and the Hubei Clinical Research Centre for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health – said they analysed blood samples from 81 men aged 20 to 54 who tested positive for the coronavirus and were hospitalised in January. Using the samples, the team looked at the ratio of testosterone to luteinising hormone (T/LH). A low T/LH ratio can be a sign of hypogonadism, which in men is a malfunction of the testicles that could lead to lower sex hormone production. Testosterone is the main male sex hormone critical for the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics including testes, muscle, bone mass and body hair. Luteinising hormone is found in both men and women, and best known for its ability to trigger ovulation. The median age of the participants was 38 and roughly 90 per cent of them had only mild symptoms. The samples were collected in the last days of their stay in hospital. Common symptoms of hypogonadism in men include abnormally large breasts and erectile dysfunction. The condition can be cured. Erectile disorders caused by a T/LH ratio lower than 0.87 can be relieved effectively by testosterone treatment, according to a study in peer-reviewed journal Archives of Sexual Behaviour in 1997. “Since more than half of the people with Covid-19 were reproductive-aged, more attention should be paid to the effect of Sars-CoV-2 on the reproductive system,” the Wuhan researchers said in their paper, referring to the official name for the new coronavirus. Continues at https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3077113/wuhan-doctors-plan-long-term-look-coronavirus-impact-male-sex

From Nation Multimedia Foreigners in transit given grace period on documents Covid-19 preventive measures have been relaxed for the next few days for foreign travellers transiting via Thailand to a third country within 24 hours. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced on Wednesday (March 25) that transiting foreigners no longer need to produce a medical certificate proving they are free from infection and an insurance policy to cover medical treatment. They do, however, need to show a “Fit to Fly’’ health certificate and must remain in a designated transit area and strictly comply with applicable disease-control measures. The exemption takes immediate effect and will be withdrawn on March 31. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30384815?utm_source=homepage&utm_medium=internal_referral

From Flyertalk Wait Before You Take a Voucher for Your Canceled Flight Was your flight canceled by the coronavirus outbreak? Airlines have made it easy to get a voucher for your canceled flight. But, warn the very frequent fliers on FlyerTalk, by doing that, you could be disqualifying yourself from a cash refund. “After reading several airline coronavirus policies,” one FlyerTalker pointed out earlier this week, “I noticed that there are no mentions of refunds for flights or routes canceled by the airline. They only mention that you will get a credit that can be used later if the customer decides to cancel. “Don’t fall for it, the airlines are trying to get customers to cancel first, which would disqualify from a refund.” While a voucher is an easy way to settle over a canceled flight–some airlines will even do it automatically–it restricts your options. Airlines like them because they can settle with you without you or them having to hop on the phone. But, if you prefer cash you should know that you don’t have to take a voucher instead. The Law Is on Your Side Laws in the United States and the European Union outline when customers are entitled to cash refunds. In the US, the Department of Transportation (DOT) explains: “If your flight is canceled and you choose to cancel your trip as a result, you are entitled to a refund for the unused transportation – even for non-refundable tickets. You are also entitled to a refund for any bag fee that you paid, and any extras you may have purchased, such as a seat assignment.” In the European Union, interpretative guidelines for EU261 has been released since the COVID-19 crisis surfaced. The guidelines state: “It appears that various carriers are offering vouchers to passengers, who do not want to (or are not authorized to) travel anymore as a result of the outbreak of Covid-19. Passengers can use these vouchers for another trip with the same carrier within a timeframe established by the carrier. This situation has to be distinguished from the situation where the carrier cancels the journey and offers only a voucher instead of the choice between reimbursement and rerouting. If the carrier proposes a voucher, this offer cannot affect the passenger’s right to opt for reimbursement instead.” The full interpretation can be read here. The same passenger rights exist in Canada as well, and it is suggested that customers check the local laws to determine if they are entitled to a refund for airlines operating in countries other than the US and EU. How to Get Cash for Your Canceled Flight To avoid getting stuck with a voucher, the very frequent fliers in the FlyerTalk forum advise that you wait it out. One said, “Don’t cancel, let the airline cancel the flights, then you can demand a refund. With the current coronavirus crisis, most flights will be canceled or incur significant schedule changes that qualify for a full refund.” Another explained how the waiting game has worked out for them: “This is exactly what I am doing, waiting out the airlines. When this began I had 8 non-refundable tickets across American Airlines, United Airlines, Swiss International, Turkish Airlines, KLM, and EasyJet. At the beginning, none of the airlines would give a refund, only vouchers. Now a couple of weeks later I have recovered about $3000 as airlines cancel flights and adjust their schedules.” What If My Flight Isn’t Canceled? The one con of waiting out the airlines is if the carrier does not end up canceling the flight. At this point, if you do not wish to fly, your options are to rebook travel for a later date or take the voucher. In some cases, your credit card company may be able to help you out and reimburse your flight, but it is not guaranteed. https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/dont-take-a-voucher-for-your-canceled-flight.html

From Bloomberg News Thailand Faces Biggest Economic Contraction Since Asian Crisis The Bank of Thailand left its benchmark interest rate unchanged after an emergency cut last week, while projecting the worst contraction in the economy since the Asian financial crisis more than two decades ago. The bank slashed its growth forecast for this year, now expecting the economy to shrink 5.3% compared with an earlier estimate of 2.8% expansion. Exports and tourism, the key drivers of Thailand’s economy, have both been hard hit as the coronavirus outbreak spreads around the world. The policy rate was maintained at a record low 0.75% Wednesday following a 25 basis-point reduction at an unscheduled meeting March 20. Four of the seven monetary policy committee members voted to hold, two called for a cut and one wasn’t able to attend. “We believe they can cut by another 25 basis points. They could have used all the space they have now,” said Burin Adulwattana, chief economist at Bangkok Bank Pcl. “The economy is on the brink of a recession with huge downside risk, so it’s time to do all they can.” Bank of Thailand Assistant Governor Titanun Mallikamas said Wednesday that policy makers stand ready to lower rates further if needed and will keep a close watch on markets, including the baht exchange rate. In a statement delivered through the Bank of Thailand’s Facebook page due to social-distancing precautions, he said the economy would recover only next year. The benchmark SET Index extended gains after the decision, surging 6.3% to 1,099.32 as of 3:32 p.m. in Bangkok. The baht fell 0.3% against the dollar, paring an earlier loss of as much as 0.5%. Quantitative easing is looking more likely for Thailand’s central bank, in our view. Conventional policy ammunition is running low. The road ahead is long for the recovery of the country’s all-important tourism sector. https://www.msn.com/en-us/finance/markets/thailand-faces-biggest-economic-contraction-since-asian-crisis/ar-BB11FKx5

From Bangkok Post Emergency decree bans entry to foreigners Foreigners will be banned from entering the country under the emergency decree being invoked to combat at the coronavirus pandemic. The emergency decree comes into effect at midnight on Wednesday, and remains in force through April 30. The decree bans all foreigners from entry at all entry points - the exceptions being shippers, diplomats, drivers, pilots and others permitted by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Thais stranded in other countries will be allowed to return, it added. People under the age of five years and over 70 are encouraged to stay home, and public gatherings are banned, under the announcement. The decree authorises Gen Prayut to chair the centre to fight the virus, with the permanent secretaries of public health, interior, commerce and foreign affairs to help him. The supreme commander of the armed forces has been given responsibility for security affairs. "Only necessary measures will be issued, to prevent the spread of the virus," the announcement said. Gen Prayut said all shops selling food and essential consumer goods can remain open. He warned that anybody taking advantage of the situation for their own benefit will face stern action - an apparent reference to hoarders. More measures are expected to be announced. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1886270/emergency-decree-bans-entry-to-foreigners

From Aljazeera Bangkok slum residents prepare for worst as virus grips Thailand Bangkok, Thailand - As the world grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, the phrases on everyone's lips are "social distancing", and "self-isolation", but for Bangkok resident Maliwan Kamdaeng that is a near- impossible task. The 44-year old is one of 100,000 people living in Bangkok's largest slum community, Khlong Toey, a sprawling settlement in the centre of the city. In the mornings, Maliwan works in the city at a large logistics company where she spends time with people from all over Thailand's capital. Now that the number of cases in Thailand has reached nearly 600, she is afraid that she is at risk of contracting the virus from her colleagues. "We're all scared about getting it at work. We think it's far away. But we're still very scared," she told Al Jazeera from the front porch of her home, a house stitched together with cracked wood and sheets of tin squeezed snugly between dozens of other makeshift homes. Inside, her young children were tossing a ball around while her mother watches a soap opera on television. Maliwan's concern is not only that she might get sick and expose her children to the virus, but that her office could suddenly close leaving her without any money. "I'm the main provider for the family," she said. When asked how many people she provides for, she could not help but laugh. Working from home is not an option. "I'm taking care of eight people right now. Five children, and three adults. I can't stop working. If the office closed down, I would have to find another way to make money. Maybe wash clothes, or look on the internet for something else I could do from home. I'd have to find work around here that I could do from home," she said. Maliwan's mother is 74 and healthy. "She's very strong. But there are elderly in every house around here," she said with a pause. Those most vulnerable to the coronavirus are the elderly and people with serious underlying illnesses such as diabetes or cancer. But people who lack access to healthcare, or live in a setting where sanitary systems are not adequately developed, can also be at risk. Continues at https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/bangkok-slum-residents-prepare-worst-virus-grips-thailand-200322074123038.html

From Coconuts Bangkok Starting tomorrow, anyone boarding commuter rail in Bangkok must wear a mask, officials ordered today. The Transport Ministry on Tuesday issued an order that all passengers boarding any type of train including the state railway, BTS Skytrain, MRT and Airport Rail Link must wear face masks at all times to help reduce the further spread of COVID-19. No similar announcement has yet been made for the city’s extensive bus services. Supplies of masks will be available for free or at “affordable prices” at some stations such as BTS Siam, MRT Silom, MRT Phra Ram 9, ARL Phaya Thai and ARL Makkasan for those who do not have one. Thailand on Tuesday reported new 106 COVID-19 cases and three deaths, bringing the total to four deaths since January and 827 cases, 766 of which remain hospitalized. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/masks-mandatory-for-all-bangkok-rail-passengers-transport-ministry/

From Bangkok Post Migrants let through 'shut' checkpoints Thousands of migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam returned to their home countries after authorities reopened land borders which had been ordered shut to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The government's temporary ban on cross-border travel between Thailand and neighbouring countries failed, as it was forced to reopen shuttered crossings to allow the growing number of migrant workers which had gathered at border checkpoints to cross, out of fear of causing a riot. Most of the migrants worked in Bangkok, but decided to leave after the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ordered businesses -- including shopping malls -- to close until April 12 as part of its effort to urge the public to stay home during the outbreak. Under the closure order, only supermarkets and food retailers at other markets are allowed to open, and restaurants can only offer take-outs to its patrons. According to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration estimates, about 90% of those who left Bangkok over the weekend were migrant workers. In Chiang Rai, the border was reopened after a group of about 100 workers from Myanmar arrived at the Mae Sai checkpoint -- which links to Tachileik in Myanmar -- only to find the border has been closed. "We must go home, or we will starve to death in Bangkok," said a 28-year-old woman in the group who was recently laid-off due to the shutdown. Their insistence forced the governor and immigration officials to grant them exemptions and allowed them to cross the border into Myanmar. In Tak, more than 4,200 Myanmar workers were allowed to cross back into their country through the checkpoint at Mae Sot district. Meanwhile, the atmosphere was tense at Sa Kaeo's Aranyaprathet checkpoint near Cambodia, where police had to prevent more than 400 Cambodian workers from protesting against the border closure. A bus terminal in the Nakhon Phanom Municipality was also packed with stranded workers from Laos and Vietnam. They were later allowed to pass over the 3rd Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge to Khammouane province in Laos. Meanwhile, Thai workers returning home from Bangkok are being told to go into 14-day self-isolation. The situation eased after Thai and Cambodian authorities decided to reopen the border temporarily to let the workers through. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1884830/migrants-let-through-shut-checkpoints

From Bangkok Post Lockdown leaves migrant workers exposed A partial lockdown in Thailand to limit the spread of coronavirus exempts construction, exposing thousands of migrant workers to the deadly disease, human rights groups warned on Monday. Thailand has more than 700 coronavirus cases, a health ministry spokesman said on Monday, the majority in Bangkok. The government has shut down malls in Bangkok for 22 days and extended the closure of schools, bars and cinemas in the capital to curb the outbreak. Several provinces also implemented similar measures. But construction work on high-rise apartments and office complexes continues, with hundreds of migrant workers seen heading to work in the morning, only a few wearing face masks or bandanas around their nose and mouth. "Very little allowance is being made for migrant construction workers — they are not being given masks or hand sanitisers or any information about the coronavirus," said Brahm Press, director of MAP Foundation, a migrant rights charity. "They should be allowed to return home if they choose to without any penalty, and come back when it is safe. They live in such cramped quarters and have limited access to healthcare; if the disease reaches them, it would be disastrous," he said. A spokeswoman for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration did not answer calls seeking comment. Elsewhere in the region, Malaysia has included construction sites in its restrictions, fining one company and asking others to shut down, while Singapore has also allowed building work to continue. Authorities must not overlook migrants who face difficulties in accessing healthcare and in protecting themselves against the virus, a Southeast Asian network of parliamentarians for human rights (APHR) said on Monday. "It is those who are the most vulnerable who will suffer the most. No one should be left behind during this crisis," said Eva Sundari, an APHR member. Thailand has more than 3 million migrant workers, according to the International Organization for Migration, with rights groups putting the figure higher. Construction is the top employer of migrant workers, with workers from Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos making up most of the nearly 600,000 documented migrants in the sector, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). The workers generally live in refashioned containers or shacks of tin and plywood at the sites or nearby, with poor sanitation and limited access to potable water. Thailand has more than 3 million migrant workers, according to the International Organization for Migration, with rights groups putting the figure higher. Construction is the top employer of migrant workers, with workers from Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos making up most of the nearly 600,000 documented migrants in the sector, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). The workers generally live in refashioned containers or shacks of tin and plywood at the sites or nearby, with poor sanitation and limited access to potable water. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1884785/lockdown-leaves-migrant-workers-exposed#cxrecs_s

From CNN In its second statement, the group clarified that it would keep some routes open, and the original statement was deleted from the Emirates website and social media accounts. The reason for the change was not clear. The routes to remain open included Britain, the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, Switzerland, Bangkok, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, Australia, South Africa and Canada, the carrier said.

From Channel News Asia DUBAI: Emirates announced on Sunday (Mar 22) that it will “temporarily suspend" all its passenger operations from Wednesday in light of the COVID-19 outbreak that has forced countries to close their borders. The deadly coronavirus has caused the world to go "into quarantine", affecting business for the airline, the chairman and CEO of the Emirates Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said. "As a global network airline, we find ourselves in a situation where we cannot viably operate passenger services until countries re-open their borders, and travel confidence returns. The reduction in basic salary for most employees will range from 25 per cent to 50 per cent. The presidents of Emirates and dnata, a cargo handling company under the Emirates Group, will take a 100 per cent basic salary cut for three months. “Rather than ask employees to leave the business, we chose to implement a temporary basic salary cut as we want to protect our workforce and keep our talented and skilled people, as much as possible," Sheikh Ahmed explained. "We want to avoid cutting jobs. When demand picks up again, we also want to be able to quickly ramp up and resume services for our customers." https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/emirates-flights-suspended-covid-19-coronavirus-12565320

NOTE -- The author takes a page from Trump's playbook (blame China) while he gives voice to to a Pattaya based website that mixes old anecdotal stuff with a whiff of xenophobia. From South China Morning Post Has Thailand had enough of Western tourists and their ‘entitlement’? Thailand needs tourism. The industry that brings travellers to the country’s beaches, back alleys and Buddhist temples employed almost 6 million people, raked in US$109.5 billion and accounted for one in every five baht spent in 2018, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. But, according to a recent post on the website Pattaya Unplugged, which claims to be “the Number One Tourist info source in Pattaya”, the Land of Smiles is faking its warm welcome when it comes to visitors from the West. The snappily titled opinion piece (“Ten reasons why Western foreign tourists are not wanted as badly by the Thai Tourism Ministry versus Indians, Chinese, Russians, Koreans, etc.”) catalogues why the Southeast Asian nation doesn’t care for Western visitors – understood here to mean those hailing from Europe, North America and Australia. Compiled by an American living in Pattaya, those reasons were gleaned from “many talks with people from many different backgrounds and cultures [...] not just the view from a barstool”. Some points the writer makes are close to correct, if horribly elucidated. Ignoring the subtext of in-group superiority in the statement, “There are simply more of them then [sic] us”, statistics show that Thailand does receive significantly more non-Western arrivals than Western ones. According to Ministry of Tourism & Sports data, 27.3 million of the nation’s visitors in 2019 came from East Asia (including Southeast Asia), with 2.4 million from South Asia, while Europe, the Americas and Oceania accounted for 6.7 million, 1.6 million and 900,000, respectively. Similarly, “We often don’t spend as much as people think” has some truth to it. In 2017, Chinese tourists each spent US$192.84 per day in Thailand. The next most extravagant visitors hailed from the Middle East, who dropped US$190.60 on average in a day. Taking up the rear as the tightest tourists were those from Europe, who each parted with just US$125.47 per day. However, Western tourists do tend to stay for significantly longer – Europeans for 17 days versus eight for the Chinese – and it all adds up. Although it is not easy to quantify whether Western tourists do, indeed, “tend to complain more online, troll, write negative reviews and feedback and bicker”, it is possible that “Western foreigners are more demanding in person” with “more of a sense of entitlement than many other countries”. Certainly, beleaguered Barcelonans, who have been overwhelmed by travellers streaming in from France, America, Britain, Italy and elsewhere in Spain, can empathise. It is not the Chinese who have caused “touristphobia” in the Catalan capital, but an unsustainable influx of Westerners. The 10th point on the Pattaya Unplugged list contends that most non-Western visitors are not sex tourists, which is not to say that all Westerners are, but, according to the writer, “Most Russians and Chinese have zero interest in the red light district and come with families”, a fact that apparently “angers many of the long standing visitors and fans of the red light district”. “Some western [sic] foreigners would prefer to come and sit in a bar for two weeks s**tfaced [...] The tourists coming here for family activities and businesses are generally wanted much more then [sic] the barstool crowd.” Finally, some sense! Ultimately, however, there is little value in applying an us-versus-them mentality to Thailand’s international arrivals, or indeed to weighing the worth of one nationality against another. In times like these, when the coronavirus outbreak is crippling Asia’s tourism industry, surely every visitor should be given a big, authentic smile. The 10th point on the Pattaya Unplugged list contends that most non-Western visitors are not sex tourists, which is not to say that all Westerners are, but, according to the writer, “Most Russians and Chinese have zero interest in the red light district and come with families”, a fact that apparently “angers many of the long standing visitors and fans of the red light district”. https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3064751/has-thailand-had-enough-western-tourists-and-their

From Bangkok Post 188 new cases brings total to nearly 600 Thailand reported 188 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, its largest daily increase, taking the total to 599 cases, a senior Public Health Ministry official said. The majority of the new infections are connected to a previous cluster of cases from Lumpini boxing stadium, ministry spokesman Taweesin Wisanuyothin told a news conference. Seven are in serious condition, he said, while one has already recovered. "Most of the new cases were found in Bangkok and were among young people who continue to have social activities, which can lead to more infections," Dr Taweesin said, urging the public to stay home. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1884025/thailand-reports-188-new-coronavirus-cases-brings-total-to-nearly-600

Excerpted from Bloomberg News The Bank of Thailand is seeking to backstop market stability after a jump in bond yields stoked concerns that stresses are building up. The monetary authority pledged late Friday to ensure sufficient liquidity for markets to function well as it unveiled an emergency interest-rate cut to counter the economic shock of the coronavirus outbreak. “We have been running down international reserves and providing baht liquidity to facilitate the normal functioning of the financial market,” Bank of Thailand Assistant Governor Chantavarn Sucharitakul said in an email. The coronavirus crisis has created funding stresses across the world after upending a range of investments and sparking a dash for cash. There are indications high net-worth investors in Thailand have been making mutual fund redemptions, according to Maybank Kim Eng Securities (Thailand) Pcl. The reduction in the policy rate to 0.75% from 1% takes effect March 23. In its statement, the central bank said the overall financial system is stable but added the coronavirus outbreak had affected the functioning of Thai markets. The Thai stock market has plunged 29% this year and the baht is Asia’s second-worst performing major currency. The yield on the 10-year Thai government bond jumped to 1.68% on March 20 from 0.83% on March 9. Foreign investors have pulled out a net $4.6 billion from stocks and bonds so far in March, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The central bank has said that it spent more than 100 billion baht ($3.1 billion) from March 13 to March 19 to buy government bonds. Foreign reserves were $229.2 billion on March 13, down $7.1 billion from a week earlier, the biggest such drop since 2008. https://www.msn.com/en-us/finance/news/bank-of-thailand-vows-market-stability-after-jump-in-yields/ar-BB11vjva

From Channel News Asia The factors behind a coronavirus disaster ROME: Why Italy? Loads of people have been wondering why the beautiful Mediterranean country has become the new epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic. Experts list a range of reasons - from Italy's relatively high age to its strained healthcare system to some old fashioned bad luck - that add up to a disaster not seen in generations. None of the answers alone explain why the nation of 60 million accounts for over a third of the nearly 11,500 deaths officially reported across the 7.7-billion strong world. But other countries will want to examine each of these factors and address them through various preventive measures in their bids to avoid becoming the next Italy. One of the first factors almost everyone who looks at the figures points to is Italians' average age. It is high. The median age of the overall population was 45.4 last year - greater than anywhere else in Europe. It is also seven years higher than the median age in China and slightly above that of South Korea. Figures released Friday showed the age of Italians dying of COVID-19 averaging out at 78.5. Almost 99 per cent of them were also suffering from at least one pre-existing condition or ailment. Italy's mortality rate among those infected with the virus is thus a relatively high 8.6 per cent. "COVID-19 fatalities are hitting older age groups hard," University of Oxford professor Jennifer Dowd noted on Twitter. "Countries with older populations will need to take more aggressive protective measures to stay below the threshold of critical cases that outstrip health system capacities," Dowd said. Yet Japan's median age of 47.3 makes it an even older nation than Italy - and it has just 35 officially registered deaths. So age is clearly not the only factor. Continues at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/why-italy--the-factors-behind-a-coronavirus-disaster-12563756