News
Over the weekend, Thai and Chinese Twitter users were on confrontation over a drama by a Thai influencer who said he liked a set of photos taken from four countries, including Hong Kong. With his big base of Chinese fan club, the comment ignited anger by Chinese netizen.–Matichon, Khao Sod, The Matter
An opinion piece in English could be found here: https://www.thaienquirer.com/11284/opinion-on-china-thai-netizens-contradict-official-diplomacy/
Updates related to COVID-19:
- Yesterday, Thailand reported 33 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, for a total of 2,551 cases, as well as three more deaths, taking the nation’s toll to 38.
- An opinion survey carried out by Suan Dusit Rajabhat Univerisity or Suan Dusit Poll said a majority of people are anxious about the COVID-19 outbreak and are not confident in the government’s handling of the situation. A huge majority — 89.30% — said they worried about the situation, while 10.70% said otherwise. Asked whether they felt assured regarding the government’s ability to stem the spread of COVID-19, 58.75% were not confident — 36.09% not particularly confident and 22.66% not confident at all. On the other side, 33.07% said they were quite confident and 8.18% very confident.
- The FB Page of Chinese Embassy posted a status in defence of the editorial in Bangkok Post on 10 April 2020, https://www.facebook.com/ChineseEmbassyinBangkok/posts/2939694312744021 The editorial could be found here: https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1896845/who-china-must-own-up#cxrecs_s
- Most of Thailand’s provinces have banned sales of alcoholic beverages, heeding a central government call to discourage festive celebrations for the Thai New Year as the country seeks to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
- Education Minister Nataphol Teepsuwan has abandoned plans to purchase tablets for students with schools closed nationwide closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. He cited that there is a loophole within the scheme.
- The spokesman of the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) faced criticism when he said on Friday that the 5,000 THB aid would make life easier for those who live in the provinces as they also grow vegetables in their own backyards, which should help them save money during the pandemic. His remark drew flak from critics — mostly from anti-government groups. They criticized on the ground that the beloved spokesperson romanticised the livelihood of peoples in the countryside and that he is defending the government policy.
- The meteorological department has warned people in 47 provinces, including Bangkok of the summer storms in all region, but Southern Thailand.–all media outlet
Politics
- Pheu Thai Party heavyweights and former Future Forward executive break ceasefire to criticise the handling of the pandemic - Coalition partner set for reckoning over management of ministries responsible for medical supplies and essential goods.–Bangkok Post
Business
- The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the state planning unit, has been ordered to revise the 20-year national strategy (2018-37) and the 12th national economic and social development plan (2017-21) to keep abreast of changing social and economic trends caused by the global economic slowdown and the pandemic.–Bangkok Post
- This afternoon, there is a report that the PM will chair a meeting with the Thai Board of Investment (BOI) to consider measures expediting the investment in medical supplies with incentives, including tax.–Daily News, Manager
ASEAN/World
- A report from the Government House said that on 14 April 2020, PM Prayuth will join a teleconference summit with ASEAN+3 leaders. Last week, Foreign Minister Don has proposed the establishment of COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund to procure medical kits and support vaccine research.–Manager, Than Settakij, MCOT, Daily News
