Heavily dependent on tourism and exports, Thailand is one of Asia’s worst-hit economies by the coronavirus. Now as a second wave strikes, an unpopular government is desperately trying to avoid more economic damage
Thailand contended with a multi-pronged crisis in 2020 – the COVID pandemic, an economy flatlined by it, and a youth-led pro-democracy movement demanding widespread reform to Thai society and its once untouchable monarchy. Vijitra Duangdee reports for VOA from Bangkok-VOA NEWS Subscribe Our You Tube Channel
Thailand until last Thursday had contained the number of COVID-19 infections to only about 4,200 since the first case was detected here in January – compared with much higher numbers in its neighbors Indonesia, the Philippines and Myanmar
Authorities from the New Mon State Party (NMSP), an opposition party that signed the Myanmar government’s nationwide cease-fire agreement in 2018, said that Mon national education schools within its territory in Mon state have remained opened because they believe that students and teachers are not at risk of infection
As Thailand’s economy struggles to recover from the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, renewed anti-government demonstrations have sprung up across the country. Activists are demanding amendments to the constitution, the dissolution of parliament and a stop to the harassment of rights activists. The rallies were temporarily halted earlier this year when the COVID outbreak curbed large gatherings
Across the Mekong Delta fishermen, farmers and their families are hoping the current wet season will end a long running drought. Its effects are being felt in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and here in Cambodia where rainfall has been way short of expectations
Thailand’s tourism industry accounts for about 20% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. As restrictions ease, many workers in the service industry are facing a growing struggle, with depleted savings and rising debts
Thailand has announced the 10th case of the coronavirus as government authorities say the outbreak is still under control. Meanwhile, Asian airlines such as Chinese Eastern Airline are still taking passengers home to China’s epicentre in Wuhan, despite a ban on outgoing flights from the epicentre
The legalization of marijuana for medical use in Thailand has created confusion over who can produce it and what qualifies consumers to legally use it. The National Assembly approved the legislation late last year, but the regulations governing the new law have yet to be put in place. Steve Sandford spoke to independent producers of cannabis oil as well as consumers affected by the new law as the government’s deadline for users to register drew to a close this week
Voters headed to the polls across Thailand in a landmark election on Sunday. As Steve Sandford reports from Bangkok, initial results indicate the military-backed party is in the lead