US economy purged 17m jobs amid pandemic
WASHINGTON: US unemployment is rising at a jarring rate, with data Thursday showing 17 million have lost their jobs since mid-March, as officials scramble to apply a tourniquet to stem the damage from the coronavirus pandemic.
World faces new 'Great Depression' as virus toll mounts
BRUSSELS: World powers scrambled on Thursday to build a global response to the human tragedy and once-in-a-century economic catastrophe caused by the coronavirus epidemic, as death tolls in the US and Europe soared higher.
Registration for free mobile internet starts Friday
The telecom regulator has given more details and tips on registering for 30-day free mobile internet and broadband speed upgrade ahead of the registration on Friday.
HK airport authority to buy air tickets to help ailing airlines
The Hong Kong government will buy 500,000 flight tickets directly from the city's airlines as part of a stimulus worth billions of Hong Kong dollars to the crippled aviation sector.
Big banks cut rates by 40 basis points
The country’s six largest commercial banks will trimming prime lending rates by 40 basis points to blunt the coronavirus impact on debtors.
Relief sought for 15,000 tour operators on verge of collapse
Tour operators are urging the government to help 15,000 tour operators at risk of collapse due to stagnant cash flow.
B5,000 recipient reports to police over Facebook post
PHUKET: A recipient of the 5,000-baht handout who described it as "small change" reported to police, claiming no ill intention in posting the Facebook message.
14,000 Thais still stranded abroad
The government gives priority to controlling the spread of the coronavirus at home, telling 14,000 Thais stranded abroad they will just have to wait.
Bangkok bans alcohol for 10 days to curb Covid-19
Authorities in Bangkok have banned alcohol sales for 10 days to help prevent social gatherings that could spread the virus that causes Covid-19.
March consumer sentiment hits record low as virus impact deepens
Consumer confidence tumbled to a record low in March, a university survey showed on Thursday, as the coronavirus pandemic hurt economic activity and spending.
Asia virus latest: Australia raids cruise ship; Taiwan demands WHO apology
SINGAPORE: Here are the latest developments in Asia related to the novel coronavirus pandemic:
Hunter arrested, slain game seized
KANCHANABURI: A hunter was arrested in a wildlife sanctuary in Sri Sawat district in possession of two dead animals and some wild honey, but three other men fled after allegedly injuring a forestry official with a knife.
Taiwan demands apology from WHO chief over virus 'slander'
TAIPEI: Taiwan demanded an apology from the World Health Organization chief on Thursday after he accused the island's government of leading personal attacks against him and his agency's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
54 new coronavirus cases, 2 more deaths
Sailors donate blood, as another 54 coronavirus cases are confirmed, raising the total to 2,423, and two more deaths lift the number of Covid-19-related fatalities to 32.
Phuket: 21 new covid cases, total 161
PHUKET: Twenty-one more people, including a six-year-old schoolgirl, have been confirmed infected with the novel coronavirus in Phuket, raising the total in the province to 161.
Singapore migrant workers live in fear as virus hits dorms
SINGAPORE: Migrant workers in Singapore are living in fear following a surge of coronavirus infections in their dormitories where they say cramped and filthy conditions make social distancing impossible.
Hazardous smog in North, again
Dangerously thick smog blanketed the upper northern provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son, the Pollution Control Department reported on Thursday.
Asian equities mostly rise as dealers eye slowing infection rate
HONG KONG: Asian markets were mostly in positive territory Thursday following another strong day for Wall Street as traders buy into optimism that the coronavirus crisis could be nearing its apex, while crude extended gains on hopes top producers will agree to a massive output cut.
Foreigners' visas automatically extended to prevent queues, curb virus
The government approved a plan on Wednesday to allow all foreigners who entered legally to receive automatic visa extensions, to prevent long queues at immigration centres and stem the spread of the coronavirus, a senior immigration official told Reuters.
Murder charge likely for Banyin in shares case
The Crime Suppression Division is pressing a murder charge against former deputy commerce minister Banyin Tangpakorn and five other suspects in connection to the killing of a senior judge's brother.
