What's the government response timeline for Thailand?

Thailand's Department of Disease Control announces: patients with pneumonia who were treated and have not improved, have unknown cause of illness, are in critical condition, or are fatal cases with unknown causes, they will be tested for COVID-19 infection. https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/file/news/news_no37_020363.pdf

Thailand's Department of Disease Control starts reporting information on coronavirus close contacts, but there are no details on whether a limited or comprehensive contact tracing is at place. https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/file/situation/situation-no60-030363.pdf. See also: https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/file/news/news_no37_020363.pdf

Recommend self quarantine for travellers from risk countries. https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/file/situation/situation-no62-050363.pdf

Travelers who departed from China (including Macau and Hong Kong), Republic of Korea, Italy, and Iran are required for self-quarantine. https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/file/situation/situation-no63-060363.pdf

Gov's Information Center for COVID-19 Response Measures set up. Gives daily press briefing. https://thailand.prd.go.th/ewt_news.php?nid=9101&filename=index

Bangkok: Cancels recreational events. http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG200310151702873

Recommend universities move to online teaching. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1879460/universities-urged-to-move-classes-online-until-may

Buri Ram province: All activities gathering more than 50 people in one venue banned for 30 days. https://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/easy/1880165/buri-ram-province-locked-down

Buri Ram province: All activities gathering more than 50 people in one venue banned for 30 days. https://pinoythaiyo.com/2020/03/16/buri-ram-governor-orders-lockdown-of-province-to-combat-covid-19/ https://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/easy/1880165/buri-ram-province-locked-down (not archivable)

Bangkok: Entertainment venues close for 14 days. https://www.timeout.com/bangkok/news/bars-and-entertainment-venues-in-bangkok-will-be-closed-for-14-days-031720 https://www.thaipbsworld.com/covid-19-entertainment-venues-to-be-closed-for-14-days-sporting-events-suspended/

Schools and universities across the country will be closed for two weeks from Wednesday 18th March. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-thailand/thailand-closes-schools-bars-puts-off-holiday-to-fight-coronavirus-idUSKBN2140VB https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/324136/thailand-government-announces-closure-of-some-border-crossings-march-18-update-12

The government is campaigning for people to stay at home to help reduce the spread of Covid-19. https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thailand-calls-on-people-to-stay-home-stop-covid-19-spread-292220

"The prime minister has asked people to stay home. In this period, we would like Thai people to stay at home." https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thailand-calls-on-people-to-stay-home-stop-covid-19-spread-292220 https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Bangkok-ramps-up-measures-to-contain-coronavirus-spread

Thailand from Sunday will ask all visitors, regardless of nationality, to present medical certificates declaring they have tested negative for coronavirus. https://www.ft.com/content/0b1be0b7-e677-3e31-a3a0-773d16ad1672 https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1882315/health-certificates-required-of-all-visitors (not archivable) https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/03/26/thailand-closes-border-bans-entry-for-foreigners/

9 Thai airlines stop services during Covid-19 crisis. However as this is not public transport I have left this as no policy. https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/9-thai-airlines-stop-services-during-covid-19-crisis

Travel ban for international travellers to Thailand as of 25th March. https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/03/26/thailand-closes-border-bans-entry-for-foreigners/ https://www.thephuketnews.com/emergency-decree-bans-entry-to-foreigners-75440.php Thailand has banned entry for all non-resident foreigners amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/03/26/thailand-closes-border-bans-entry-for-foreigners/

Thais began living under a state of emergency on Thursday – with social gatherings and foreign travellers banned, domestic travel restricted, and only essential services provided https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3076985/coronavirus-thailand-braces-life-under-state-emergency-prayuth

Thais began living under a state of emergency on Thursday – with social gatherings and foreign travellers banned, domestic travel restricted, and only essential services provided https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3076985/coronavirus-thailand-braces-life-under-state-emergency-prayuth

From 26 March governments gives one daily announcement/press briefing, which will include a situation report and recommendations for the public to follow, as Thailand enters the state of emergency. https://thailand.prd.go.th/ewt_news.php?nid=9193&filename=index

Phuket: bans people and vehicles from leaving and entering the province, effective until 30 April or further notice. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1888860/phuket-lockdown-until-april-30

Nonthaburi province: curfew (11p.m.- 5a.m.). https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1890250/nonthaburi-imposes-night-curfew

Cash support of THB 5,000 for 3 months starting Apr to Jun 2020 for labor, temporary workers, freelance not registered under Social Security System (SSS). Individuals under SSS will received 50% of previous salary if the employer temporary halt employment. https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/thailand-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/5000-baht-per-month-for-informal-thai-workers https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

The GSB has allocated 30 billion baht (US$918 million) in low-interest loans for individuals, and there is a reduction in the Social Security Fund (SSF) contribution from 5 percent to 4 percent. The government also approved 17 billion baht (US$520 million) in remedial measures by reducing water and electricity bills by three percent. https://www.aseanbriefing.com/news/thailand-issues-incentives-counter-covid-19-impact-phase-one/ https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/thailand-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Thailand has banned all public gatherings to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. Family gatherings at residences and civic activities carried out according to safe social distancing guidelines are allowed. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200403/p2g/00m/0in/102000c

The exact number is not clear, but assuming from this "Thailand has banned all public gatherings to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. Family gatherings at residences and civic activities carried out according to safe social distancing guidelines are allowed." it could be 10-100. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200403/p2g/00m/0in/102000c

Public transport in Bangkok area to stop at 9.30pm under nationwide curfew https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/all-public-transport-in-bangkok-to-stop-in-time-for-nightly-curfew https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1892440/public-transport-to-stop-at-9-30pm

Prime Minister puts curfew in place: The order banned people from leaving their homes between 10pm and 4am in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/04/02/govt-taskforce-proposes-imposing-10pm-curfew-to-stop-virus/

The Thai cabinet decided to re-open schools from July 1 instead of May 16, to avoid the COVID-19 outbreak. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-04/07/c_138955404.htm https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1895015/schools-wont-reopen-until-july-1

Public transport in Bangkok area to stop at 9.30pm under nationwide curfew https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/all-public-transport-in-bangkok-to-stop-in-time-for-nightly-curfew https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1892440/public-transport-to-stop-at-9-30pm https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30384845

Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), identifies contact-tracing as the most cost-effective and efficient means for finding infections, for Thailand cannot afford mass screening to uncover new infections due to limited resources. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30385921

Selected districts are under lockdown, which is limiting people's employment opportunities. Link: https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/file/situation/situation-no92-040463.pdf

The provincial governor of Yala ordered to close two additional districts, two sub-districts, 11 villages, and prohibited entry-exit. https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/file/situation/situation-no92-040463.pdf

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued a temporary ban on all international commercial flights into the country until June 30, excluding repatriation flights. The Thais who do return on these flights are put into quarantine facilities for 14 days. https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/thailand-international-tourists-covid/

Testing is expanded to asymptomatic people in vulnerable groups, and to some random testing of the general population. However, it is still not generally available. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-thailand/thailand-to-expand-coronavirus-testing-as-new-cases-dwindle-idUKKBN22J0HG

The government is set to release a new contact tracing app. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/05/11/govt-to-launch-covid-19-contact-tracing-application/

Most businesses are allowed to reopen on 3 May. Bigger premises should be allowed to open on 17 May depending on how the situation evolves. http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/coronavirus-thailand-begins-easing-lockdown-measures https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1914188/next-restriction-easing-set-for-may-17 http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/coronavirus-thailand-begins-easing-lockdown-measures

Exact numbers are not given. Since the government has allowed businesses to reopen, but it will disperse large crowds, the number should lie between 10 and 100 people. http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/coronavirus-thailand-begins-easing-lockdown-measures

https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/file/news/news_no112_160563.pdf https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/file/news/news_no112_160563.pdf

https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/337776/thailand-authorities-to-relax-covid-19-restrictions-may-4-update-31 https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/337776/thailand-authorities-to-relax-covid-19-restrictions-may-4-update-31

Malls reopen and people have to check-in and check-out when entering this place of possible contagion. https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/thailand-malls-reopen-temperatures-taken-masks-worn

https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/survey-finds-bangkoks-public-transport-lacking-when-it-comes-to-safety-measures https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/thailand-transport-company-plans-to-restart-16-routes-from-may-18-onwards

It is definitely possible to travel across regions, but regional restrictions remain. https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/thailand-transport-company-plans-to-restart-16-routes-from-may-18-onwards

Thailand will extend its state of emergency until the end of June, despite the country’s dwindling number of Covid-19 cases and a gradual easing of lockdown measures. The emergency decree grants broad powers to limit gatherings, order businesses to close, impose curfews and censor the media. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-26/coronavirus-update-covid19-australian-news-brazil-vaccine-may-26/12284540

Disagree with previous inputed data Thailand will extend its state of emergency until the end of June, despite the country’s dwindling number of Covid-19 cases and a gradual easing of lockdown measures. The emergency decree grants broad powers to limit gatherings, order businesses to close, impose curfews and censor the media. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-26/coronavirus-update-covid19-australian-news-brazil-vaccine-may-26/12284540

Handsout are not working great https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/is-thailand-heading-for-another-political-crisis/

Fairly comprehensive govt website: https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/introduction.php

Seemingly no changes

All workplaces open since June 1st (Section 9 Emergency decree) but operating under a curfew and strict prevention measures (including limited capacity). Source: http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/news3-20200609-103205-480323.pdf

Opening of exhibition centres, theaters and concerts form the 1st of June, but operating under strict guidelines and limited capacity (Section 9 Decree Emergency - subsection 2i and 1b). Source: http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/news3-20200609-103205-480323.pdf

As per Section 9 Emergency Decree (effective from 1st June), a maximum of 200 people is allowed in playhouses, theatres and cinemas. http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/news3-20200609-103205-480323.pdf

6 June In section 9 of Emergency Decree to be effective from the 1st of June, relaxation restrictions of cross-provincial travel was announced. Individuals will still need to comply with disease prevention methods. Regional restrictions remain. Source: http://www.mfa.go.th/main/contents/files/news3-20200609-103205-480323.pdf

From June 15, schools with less than 120 students are allowed to reopen, as Thailand's lockdown is gradually becoming more relaxed. https://archive.vn/LbdBO

July 6th UK FCO Domestic air travel options within Thailand are opening up but remain more limited than before Bus, train and boat routes are opening up but may be subject to restrictions. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/coronavirus

An emergency decree is currently in place until 31 July 2020. A phased lifting of lockdown measures across Thailand is underway. The Thai authorities have advised the elderly (over 70 years), children (under 5 years) and those with pre-existing medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension, respiratory diseases, lung diseases) not to leave their home except for essential purposes, such as buying groceries, conducting business transactions, going to a hospital or filing complaints to the police. Details of the measures may differ between different provinces. Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/coronavirus

June 30 World Bank: Thailand’s combined COVID-19 response packages amount to 12.9% of GDP, focused on providing relief to vulnerable households and affected firms. Source: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/thailand/publication/thailand-economic-monitor-june-2020-thailand-in-the-time-of-covid-19

July 1 Reuters- Thai schools reopened on Wednesday for the first time since mid-March, with precautions in place to guard against the coronavirus, ranging from temperature checks to installing makeshift cubicles for social distancing in classrooms. Chulalongkorn University reopening :As of July 1, 2020, its workplaces within and outside the Bangkok Metropolis be opened and operated as normal’. Coded as a 1 as this indicates universities are able to reopen, therefore, all levels of schooling and university able to open as of July 1. Reuters Source: https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-thailand-school/schools-reopen-across-thailand-with-temperature-checks-masks-idUKKBN24253A University Source: http://archive.vn/WE9u4

July 1 Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a spokesman for the government's Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration said pubs, bars and karaoke venues will be able to reopen starting from Wednesday 1st July. Coded as recommended closing because restrictions on opening times (must close at midnight) remain in place, alongside social distancing rules, so not possible to say ‘no measures’ in place. Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/500000-dead-coronavirus-live-updates-200628233313992.html Source: http://archive.vn/kVkmh

July 1 Thailand will allow international flights starting from July 1 for people meeting certain criteria (such as those in need of medical treatment, students, and those with resident permits). It issues an International Permit Flight effective from July 1 to give this access. Travellers will still be subject to mandatory mask wearing on flights, thermal scans and temperature checks on arrival. Six of Thailand's international airports are also reopening on July 1st, handling both domestic and international arrivals. (Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Chiang Rai, and Suvarnabhumi). Coded as a 3 as this still does not permit everyone who may wish to, to enter. Media source: http://archive.vn/5V2IV Government Public Relations Department Source: http://archive.vn/r8E1Q

Most measures expire in June. Unable to find evidence of their renewal besides this: “In addition to the refund, the MWA announced it would reduce water bills by 3% for users in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan for three months, from May to July 2020”. Source: http://archive.vn/91omp This source mentions “An earlier subsidy, which lowered monthly power bills from March to May, had helped those struggling with increased living costs during the lockdown and work-from-home period”, but does not suggest this was extended into July. http://archive.vn/IgYsz Coded as a 1 from July as can only find evidence of narrow relief from July.

July 6th UK FCO Provincial authorities may enforce measures which are stricter or different to those in other areas, including closing borders or imposing internal travel restrictions. You must not travel to high risk areas. Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/coronavirus

FISCAL In response to Covid-19, Cabinet has approved a fiscal package with phases I, II, and III amounting to at least 9.6 percent of GDP or THB 1.5 trillion including: i) health-related spending; ii) assistance for workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs affected by Covid-19 (includes THB 5,000 per month per person for three months to about 14 million non-farm workers outside the social security system and 10 million farmers); iii) support for individuals and businesses through soft loans and tax relief; (iv) lower water and electricity bills, and social security contributions; and (v) measures to support local tourism with THB 22 billion in subsidies for tourists and THB 100 bn in soft loans for SMEs in the sector. While part of this would be financed within the original FY 2020 budget or by reallocating funds from other financial assets to soft loans, 5.3 percent of GDP or THB 1 trillion in additional borrowing has been authorized. Parliament is deliberating a THB 3.3 trillion budget bill for the 2021 fiscal year. http://archive.fo/KkSWz

MONETARY AND MACRO-FINANCIAL The policy rate has been reduced by 75 bps from 1.25 to 0.50 percent during 2020 and the contribution from financial institutions to the FIDF was reduced from 0.46 to 0.23 percent of the deposit base to provide space for future decreases in lending rates. In addition, measures to help businesses include: (i) soft loans by the Bank of Thailand (BOT) to financial institutions amounting to THB 500 billion for on-lending to SMEs; the government covers the first 6 months of interest and guarantees up to 60-70 percent of these loans; (ii) relaxation of repayment conditions for businesses including a loan payment holiday of 6 months for SMEs; and suspension of principal and reduction of interest on the debts to SFIs. Measures to support stability in the financial sector include: (i) a Corporate Bond Stabilization Fund (BSF) established for the BOT to provide bridge financing of up to THB 400 billion to high-quality firms with bonds maturing during 2020-2021, at higher-than-market ‘penalty’ rates; (ii) BOT purchase of government bonds to ensure the normal functioning of the government bond market; (iii) reduction in BOT bond issuances; and (iv) a special facility o provide liquidity for mutual funds through banks. http://archive.fo/KkSWz

on 1st August 2020, Through press release, the Ministry of Public Health asked for cooperation from people to keep practicing the protection measures to prevent COVID-19 including wearing a face mask/cloth mask at all times when they leave the residence, washing their hands frequently, avoiding touch face, nose and mouth, keeping space from others, and avoiding visiting crowded places or talking with others in close proximity. https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/file/news/news_no187_010863.pdf

on 4th August 2020, press release by ministry of health issued guideline to keep practicing self-protection measures by wearing a mask/cloth mask every time you leave your residence or go outside. Wash your hands frequently, and keep space between others and reduce contact. Avoid gathering or visiting crowded places such as theaters, performances and concerts. If participating in activities, the best self-protection tools are wearing a mask/cloth mask. https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/file/news/news_no190_040863.pdf

For the Jenny (the singer) concert in the Cha-Uat sub-district administrative office in Nakhon Sri Thammarat on 25 July 2020, it was found that the COVID-19 prevention measures are below the government standards and there was a high chance of COVID-19 transmission. The government asked the people who attended that concert to get a free COVID-19 test at the Cha-Uat district office, Nakhon Sri Thammarat during 4-5 August 2020, from 9.00-15.00. The Ministry of Public Health is collaborating with local government agencies to provide the testing service to the people by using the five medical mobile vans provided by the King. https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/file/news/news_no190_040863.pdf

According to IMF website, Thailand entered the fifth phase on July 1. In phase 5, schools and high-risk entertainment venues, such as pubs and massage parlors, reopened. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

The domestic flights have reassumed with safety measures including requiring passengers and staff to wear face masks, gloves, keep social distancing and avoid serving food on the plane. https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

Most foreign nationals remain barred from entering Thailand until further notice. The Royal Thai Government has also extended its ban on inbound international passenger flights until further notice. https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

Testing and diagnosis are of charge for foreigners, however they are free of charge if the Person Under Investigation (PUI) requirements are met such as fever + respiratory symptoms + travel to a high-risk area (or) respiratory symptoms, cough, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat (per the Ministry of Public Health). https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

If the Thai health authorities notice peple with fever and flu-like symptoms, and have traveled internationally or had close contact with a known COVID-19 case within the past 14 days, they will be placed in isolation and required to undergo testing which can take up to 48 hours. If positive, they will be hospitalized until symptoms resolve and they have two negative tests separated by 24 hours. https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/