Thailand news for the week
Images adapted from: Dailynews, Khaosod, TOPLINE Music Official, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
Congratulations! We’ve survived another week of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To make sure you haven’t missed anything, we’ve listed down 9 stories that took place in Thailand from 13th-17th April 2020, ranging from current affairs updates to funny news to lighten your spirits. Here we go.
Current Affairs
The overall situation seems to be on good tracks, with the number of infections across the country getting lower every day. As of 19th April, there are 2,765 total reported cases and 47 deaths. 32 new cases were reported today, with no new deaths.
Here’s what else to keep your tabs on.
1. Thailand’s Curfew Could Be Lifted If Infections Continue To Drop
As the country sees a decline in daily COVID-19 cases, the government chaired a meeting to discuss whether the nationwide curfew should be lifted. There have been no official announcements yet, but we could see an ease in precautions across the country if the situation is stabilised and under control.
Read the full article here
2. Man In Bangkok Arrested For Selling Fake COVID-19 Certificates
Image credit: Nation Photo
Last week, we saw 2 men getting arrested for selling fake COVID-19 kits. This week, a man was caught selling fake COVID-19 medical certificates to people in order for them to apply for medical leave amid the outbreak. The man was arrested at his place of residence with evidence.
Read the full article here
3. Man Stuck In Malaysia Tries To Swim Back Home In Thailand
With the Thai-Malaysian border having been closed until 18th April, many Thai workers in Malaysia were left waiting to return home.
However, one man was desperate and wanted to make his way back home as fast as possible. He spent over 2 days finding a way to escape Malaysia to get back home to Satun, and ended up swimming across the border. He was eventually rescued by a local fisherman and had to be put under quarantine.
Read the full article here
Wholesome News
Besides serious news that we scroll through every single day, here are some inspiring and feel-good stories that made our week.
4. Local Hawkers Donate ฿1.15 Million To Help Hospitals Fight COVID-19
Image credit: Dailynews
Amid the COVID-19 outbreak which has led to difficult situations for many, these 2 elderly hawkers who own duck noodle store in Chonburi donated over ฿1 million in savings to local hospitals to help support medical workers.
Read the full article here
5. University Students Made DIY Face Shields For Medical Personnel
Image credit: King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi via Bangkok Post
With a shortage in face masks around the country, a group of students at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi teamed up to make face shields for hospitals in need. They founded a project called ‘Shields For Heroes’ to gather volunteers and help produce face shields for hospitals in need.
Read more here
6. TuktukX Services, A Delivery Service For Tuktuk Drivers
With COVID-19 affecting tourism in Thailand, Tuk Tuk drivers have been faced with a dip in revenue. Thankfully, a Bangkok tourism agency launched TuktukX – a same-day delivery service that allows tuk tuk drivers to become delivery men and earn more income to feed their families.
Read the full article here
Funny News
Some say laughter is the best medicine – here are some stories that cracked us up in these trying times.
7. Man Uses Toy Car To Get His Food Because Social Distancing
Social distancing is a great way to help control the transmission of COVID-19. On top of keeping a safe distance, this smart fellow decided toput his remote-control car to good use and used it to collect food from his delivery man.
Read the full article here
8. Man Arrested In His PJs During Curfew
Image credit: Khaosod
As the nationwide curfew doesn’t allow people to go out during nighttime, many find it hard to go day by day at home.
One man in Chiang Mai couldn’t help the loneliness and decided to bring his bike out for a spin after the curfew and ended up getting arrested…in his cute Stitch PJs, which amused netizens.
Read the full article here
9. Viral Meme Stars Released A COVID-19 Song
Jong Ra Wang Na Ja, COVID Na Mai Chai Fee
Translation: Be careful, COVID-19 is not just a joke
Image credit: TOPLINE Music Official
After an old-school song Super Valentine sprung back to life by going viral on TikTok, luk thung stars Jane, Noon and Bow have released their new song inspired by Super Valentine and COVID-19 called ‘Super Spreader’. With a catchy beat and lyrics that send a message, this is our new fave bop to listen to at home.
Read the full article here
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