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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

From Coconuts Bangkok Bars throughout Thonglor, epicenter of infections, skirt shutdown order Around tables they sat drinking and sharing food last night, steps away from locations where dozens are believed to have been infected with COVID-19 in one of the capital city’s biggest outbreak clusters. A survey of Bangkok’s trendy Thonglor district on the first Friday night since its bars and nightlife venues were ordered shut found customers patronizing numerous venues either defying the order or operating through a loophole. The Thonglor Police Department earlier Friday said it was enforcing the order but for one giant exception: If a bar happens to sell food, then it’s fine. “We’re asking for cooperation,” said an officer answering the phone who declined to give his name. “But no bars and nightclubs dare risk to open at this time anyway or else they would get into trouble when a patron is found to have become infected with the virus.” But dare, they have. A day earlier on Thursday, several bars were seen with patrons at stools and tables. Asked about specific bars that have remained open since the order came into effect Wednesday, the officer asked if they were “a bar-bar or a semi-bar and restaurant.” “If it’s a restaurant too, then the venue can still open because the order only applies to bars and pubs,” he said. That would seem an academic distinction when it’s not alcohol but proximity that has infected dozens in what has become one of the viral epicenters of Bangkok. On Friday night, I counted at least 13 Izakaya-style Japanese bars open, with patrons seated together sharing snacks and beer towers. There were also at least three conventional bars openly flaunting the ban. One famous after-hours joint where carousing can stretch into the morning had its sign turned off but the doors open, and people seated inside. Asked if they were supposed to be open, an employee at one recently opened rooftop bar said with a grin, “Supposed to close!” As I was leaving, two cops emerged from the elevator. “Are you open?” one called out before instructing it to close. One of the officers told me they had ordered “many, many” venues to close Friday night. Continues at https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/bars-throughout-thonglor-epicenter-of-infections-skirt-shutdown-order/ ================================================================ From Bangkok Post 89 new cases in highest daily jump, total 411 The Public Health Ministry reported 89 new cases on Saturday in the largest daily jump since the coronavirus outbreak, bringing the total to 411. Of the new cases, 51 were linked to existing patients. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1883525/89-new-cases-in-highest-daily-jump-total-411

Excerpted from Coconuts Bangkok A representative of the Chatuchak Weekend Market said today that extensive efforts have been made to clean and disinfect the sprawling site where everything from live animals and food to furniture and clothing is sold, which on peak weekends draws more than 100,000 shoppers. “We know it’s tough, but the market’s team disinfects the market every day,” the admin of the market’s Facebook page wrote in reply to inquiries. “Rest assured that our market is free from the virus, and we’ll fight this together.” On Tuesday, the government ordered all entertainment venues including bars along with schools, gyms, massage parlors, large events closed or canceled through the end of the month. The order did not include shopping malls, which remain open as well. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/chatuchak-weekend-market-to-remain-open-as-thailand-racks-up-50-more-covid-19-cases/

NOTE -- I just watched "Santi-Vina" and enjoyed it. This link will take you to the Thai Film Archive site and access to the films mentioned below. https://www.youtube.com/user/FilmArchiveThailand ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From Khaosod English BANGKOK — A host of films deemed to be “historically and culturally significant” are now available to view for free on YouTube. The Thai Film Archive is continually adding films to a Covid-19 playlist on their YouTube channel, which includes the feature length “Santi-Vina” (1954) and clips of the oldest Thai film with a katoey (transgender woman) from the same year. “Very few people have seen it ‘Santi-Vina,’ since the film was lost for so long. Young people in quaratine at home should try watching Santi-Vina, as well as other films, for education,” Orawan Chawasilp, a public relations office from the film archive said. Undoubtedly the main feature of the Covid playlist is “Santi-Vina,” the first Thai feature shot in color on 35mm with sound. It was lost for six decades and only recently restored and briefly screened at Scala Theater in 2016. Read our review here. Many other films on the playlist are documentary film clips that entered the National Film Registry for preservation in October, such as “Muay Thai” (1963) which records the teachings of Bua Wad-im, a Thai boxer known for his Korat style of muay thai. Love Thai ghost movies? “Prai Takian” (1940) is considered to be the genre’s prototype, complete with slapstick humor. The restored 12-minute clip from “It Happens Because of a Katoey” (Katoey Pen Het) (1954) is the oldest-known Thai film with a transgender woman. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/arts/2020/03/20/classic-thai-films-available-on-youtube-for-quarantine-watching/

From Khaosod English BANGKOK — The United States government said Friday it donated about 2 million USD for the Thai government to fight against the coronavirus epidemic. The funds were made available to Thailand by the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID. The newly appointed American ambassador to Thailand said the relief highlights yet another cooperation between the two countries amid the pandemic, which infected at least 300 people in Thailand so far. U.S. officials also donated masks, gloves, goggles, and other essential equipment to Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, the statement said. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/03/20/us-donates-2-million-to-thailand-for-combating-virus/

From Bangkok Post Policies for Covid-19 face suspension Several insurance companies are poised to suspend sales of Covid-19 insurance products with a lump-sum payout as policy sales approach their threshold of 500,000-750,000. Some insurers have paused sales to revise protection conditions, including implementation of a 14-day waiting period, after coronavirus insurance products sold briskly, said Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn, secretary-general of the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC). The popularity of the policies exceeded expectations, with sales soaring the past few weeks with the spike in the number of infections, he said. The OIC has approved 25 firms to sell coronavirus insurance, with 20 already launching products. As of March 18, more than 2 million Covid-19 insurance policies were taken out, with the most popular being a lump-sum payout for insured people diagnosed with the virus. The other type covers medical bills. The OIC will tighten its approval process for future launches of lump-sum payout products. "The honeymoon is over after we offered fast-track approval for Covid-19 insurance products in recent weeks," Mr Suthiphon said, adding that he expects the free insurance coverage to no longer be available. At the Thai General Insurance Association's meeting on Wednesday, participants expressed concerns about the insurance policyholders' moral hazard and insurers underestimating risks. The OIC is closely monitoring insurers and policyholders, Mr Suthiphon said, as coronavirus insurance could encourage policyholders with high sums insured to expose themselves to the virus hoping to make claims, with insurers rejecting their claims if that is the case. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1882540/policies-for-covid-19-face-suspension#cxrecs_s

Although returning Thais do not need Covid19 test results or proof of insurance, they face multiple hurdles as they try to re-enter their home nation. Most of the Thais who find themselves in this situation are frequently contract or day-to-day workers. Much of the remittances they generate end up with their families in the north and northeast of the country. The government should be welcoming them home. Yes, quarantine them for safety but do not punish them for being citizens who had to leave the country to find a decent job.

Since the test must be dated no more than 72 hours prior to departure, doubt there's much chance of it. And the logistics of having to get verified test results within that time frame makes the whole idea of booking an international ticket all but impossible unless you're prepared to pay the most expensive, last-minute fare. And try finding the required insurance policy showing minimum coverage for coronavirus of not less than US$100,000. The new rule is just another way of saying don't even think about coming.