April 16, 2021 Thai Enquirer Summary Covid-19 News
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
April 16, 2021 Thai Enquirer Summary Covid-19 News The 3rd wave of Covid-19 seems to be increasing at levels not seen in Thailand with the numbers rising by the day. The numbers have been rising at the highest pace among the population although the numbers had been higher when the 2nd wave had hit the Samut Sakhon migrant workers. Yesterday saw 1,543 confirmed cases, the sharpest increase since the start of the pandemic and the fourth record rise this week, prompting the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) to prepare new restrictions that would include closing schools and clubs. The new confirmed cases were found in 62 provinces, with the highest number in Bangkok at 409, followed by 278 in Chiang Mai and 98 each in Chonburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha is scheduled to chair a meeting of the CCSA’s main committee to consider new plans to divide up all provinces either red or orange Covid-19 control zones based on seriousness, which is to be proposed by the National Communicable Disease Committee today. On the discussions of the proposed new restrictions include: The possibility of a partial lockdown proposal and tougher Covid-19 restrictions in several other areas expected to be designated as “red zones” in order to bring spiralling Covid-19 infections under control. Eighteen provinces in the red zone including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Samut Prakan, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Samut Sakhon, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Phuket, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nonthaburi, Songkhla, Tak, Udon Thani, Suphan Buri, Sa Kaeo, Rayong and Khon Kaen are proposed to be designated as the “red zone”. The remaining 59 provinces will be in the orange zone. Activities involving over 50 people would be prohibited in 18 provinces, including Bangkok, classified as red zones and the remaining 59 provinces as orange. People will need to consider working from home for 2 weeks if they live in a red zone area. The proposed closure of entertainment venues, clubs, bars, massage parlours and schools nationwide for at least 2 weeks. Restaurants would not be able to serve alcohol and must close by 21:00 hrs in the red zone. Shopping malls will also close at 21:00 hrs and the banking association said branches outside malls will shut at 15:30 hrs and limit customer numbers. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam has dismissed the possibility of a curfew in some provinces, saying that it is not needed. He thinks colour-coded zones for Covid-19 control measures are efficient at this stage. Thai police were also told to work from home after the Royal Thai Police has reported that more than 252 police officers have been infected with Covid-19 so far, and 1,561 officers are in quarantine. Police deputy spokesperson Pol Colonel Sirikul Kritphittayaboon reported that 177 police officers nationwide have been hospitalized after contracting the virus. On the 5th day of Songkran’s infamous “7 dangerous days”, there were 330 road accidents resulting in 37 deaths and 328 injuries reported across Thailand. After 5 days of the Songkran “7 dangerous days” there have been 1,795 accidents reported. 1,818 people were injured on the roads of Thailand in the last 5 days, with 192 road deaths reported nationally. Nakhon Sri Thammarat has become the most dangerous province, with its 76 road accidents being the most of any province as well as its 82 injuries topping the list of injuries by province. The most deadly provinces were Bangkok, Khon Kaen, and Pathum Thani. Panya Ramintra golf course seems to have become yet another hotspot for virus outbreak as some of the golfers have been infected with virus from the ‘caddies’ at the golf course. The golf course that was slated to open tomorrow has already said that it would remain closed until April 24 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Economic News Thailand is witnessing the 3rd wave of Covid-19 outbreak and on Google mobility store traffic in retail and recreation has already dropped 12 per cent by April 11 when compared to late February. Maybank Kim Eng securities came out to say that this means potential earnings D/G for consumer related stocks (retailers, F&B & tourism). While this is a big event among locals, going through 3rd wave is not unique to Thailand, some countries are on their 4th wave. “The relevant aspect is how the general population react as this affects the degree of slowdown in economic activity. With this noise it is likely that SET will open lower 1st day after Songrkan, continuing sell-off on Monday,” Maria Lapiz Managing Director, Head - Institutional Research Dept| Consumer/Materials Sectors said in a note to clients this morning. She recommends bottom fishing and increase bias towards cyclicals as global outlook is much more upbeat especially relative to domestic affairs. Top Picks: SCC, PTTEP, IVL, PTTGC, SCGP, HANA, SCCC, SCB, SAWAD, and SPALI. The Thailand Consumers’ Council (TCC) has opposed the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s planned extension of 30-year contract concessions on the BTS skytrain Green Line. Saree Aongsomwang, secretary-general of the TCC, said reviewing the 30-year extension was not an urgent issue and the cabinet should first ask the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to provide details about its proposal. The BMA wanted to offer the current operator a 30-year extension on its concession, currently due to expire in 2029, to operate the core section of the Green Line between Mor Chit-On Nut and National Stadium-Saphan Taksin, in exchange for the BTSC shouldering the BMA’s debts of almost 100 billion baht. BTS Group had reportedly offered to freeze the fare cap at 65 baht and share the 200 billion baht in revenue with the state. The TCC has proposed 25-baht flat-rate fare for the BTS system to make the electric mass railway system accessible to everyone. Saree said the idea was totally feasible. Saree invited the public to join the TCC’s petition campaign which will be opened until April 19. The group will gather the names in support of its petition to submit them to the Prime Minister’s Office. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) feared that the fresh wave of the Covid-19 outbreak would drag down gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021 to less than projection of 4 per cent. FTI vice-chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul said the FTI is concerned by the fresh wave over the GDP growth forecast. He said the government’s plan to achieve economic growth of 4 per cent this year is unlikely to materialise. Economic growth figures the country will achieve depends on how well the government can control the outbreak crisis, Kriengkrai said. The FTI predicted that economic damage would likely be less than 0.5 per cent of GDP if the outbreak situation is contained within 1 month. However, if the crisis was dragged on longer, the FTI will have to reassess the economic outlook, especially if it will affect the reopening plan for foreign visitors. Business tycoons supported the idea of offering private sites to accommodate the national vaccination program as hospitals may not be able to accommodate too many people at the same time, says the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC). TCC board chairman Sanan Angubolkul said over 200 businesses nationwide have offered their premises as Covid-19 vaccination centers to help speed up inoculations, based on the criteria of convenience, ease of access, connection with public transport, sufficient parking and ability to accommodate at least 2,000 people per day. All facilities should also be enough space to ensure social distancing, and will be linked to medical personnel and emergency services to deliver urgent cases to hospital within 15 minutes. Despite concerns about new infections, Phuket has announced there will be no local lockdown. However, the island province is asking the public to strictly observe stringent anti-Covid-19 measures there. Deputy provincial governor Piyapong Chuwong said the resort island will not go into lockdown but Covid-19 control measures will be stepped up. The announcement came after Pitakpol Boonyamalik, a public health inspector, asked the provincial communicable disease control committee to adopt strict anti- Covid-19 measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Mr Piyapong said emergency operation teams will be formed to ensure compliance by tourists and all sectors are encouraged to adopt stringent anti-coronavirus measures to curb its spread. The Central Bankruptcy Court has approved the extension of the submission period of the rehabilitation plan for low-cost carrier Nok Airlines Plc to May 15, 2021 from April 15, which is the last extension of time as permitted by law, according to CEO Wutthiphum Jurangkool. Nok Air has been granted a 2nd and final 1-month extension, until 15 May, to submit its rehabilitation plan. Nok Air says it requires more information for the draft rehabilitation amendment to “prepare a complete and comprehensive rehabilitation plan”, one that is appropriate for its airline business amid the Covid-19 pandemic and will receive creditors’ approval. The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) voiced grave concern over an influx of workers who will return to the capital on public transport after Songkran holidays from today amid the height of the ongoing outbreak. EconThai vice-chairman Tanit Sorat said he would call a meeting with relevant agencies today to prepare measures to facilitate workers returning to work next week. EconThai is also concerned about the possibility of more employees in the retail and service sectors facing layoffs due to changing behaviour of consumers amid the pandemic.