Omicron worries mount worldwide
European countries start seeing first suspected Omicron coronavirus variant cases as the gates close worldwide to travel from southern Africa.
New Covid alarm sounds
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has warned Thais to avoid travelling to countries where a new Covid-19 variant first detected in South Africa has been found.
6,073 new Covid cases, 32 new deaths
Covid case total falls by 486 but four provinces still saw large increases. Latest vaccination figures show 61.1% of the population has received at least two jabs.
Markets plunge on new variant fears
Thai and global stock markets slumped yesterday after the emergence of a new and likely more contagious Covid-19 variant called B.1.1.529 that triggered a risk-off sentiment.
B.1.1.529 declared Covid 'variant of concern', renamed Omicron
The World Health Organization declared the recently-discovered B.1.1.529 strain of Covid-19, first detected in southern Africa, to be a variant of concern and renamed it Omicron.
Nightlife industry closed until Jan 16
Night entertainment venues will not be allowed to open before Jan 16 as the government has extended the emergency decree for another two months.
Cops quell latest speculation that 'Boss' is in Austria
The Royal Thai Police came out to quell media speculation that Red Bull scion Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya was in Austria.
CCSA ends curfew, eases more curbs to bolster tourism
Curfew will be lifted on Dec 1, antigen testing will replace RT-PCR on Dec 16 and border entry will be allowed in Nong Khai on Dec 24, but night entertainment venues will remain shut, says CCSA.
South Africa identifies new virus variant
Scientists in South Africa identified on Thursday a concerning new variant of the coronavirus, whose mutations mark a “big jump in evolution” that is driving a spike in new cases.
Unverified claim suggests 'Boss' hiding in Austria
Red Bull scion Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya, wanted for an infamous hit-and-run case from 2012, is believed to be in Austria, though police have no evidence of his residency there.
Antigen tests plan for visitors
The National Communicable Disease Committee has approved a plan to replace RT-PCR tests with antigen testing for visitors travelling from 63 eligible countries and territories.
Travel agents urge state to delay new fee
Travel agents want introduction of the new fee to be imposed on international tourists postponed until the travel industry fully recovers.
Cops take tougher stand on street racing law
The Royal Thai Police want to amend a law that classifies an illegal motorcycle street race as one that consists of five or more racers.
Entering Thailand may get easier next month
The Public Health Ministry will on Friday propose easier access to the country including a change to Covid-19 testing requirements, according to health authorities.
PM Prayut meets Huawei CEO to promote collaboration
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said his productive video conference with the founder of Huawei Technologies Co will lead to close cooperation in many areas.
6,335 new Covid cases, 37 more deaths
The number of new cases is up again but coronavirus-related daily deaths are down, from 55 last reported to 37.
Merger details emerge
The new company that will be formed through the merger of True Corporation Plc and Total Access Communication (DTAC) Plc will have a 33.1% stake equally held by Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group and Norway's Telenor.
LGBTQ+ groups turn to Pheu Thai
Several advocacy groups campaigning for marriage equality on Wednesday petitioned the opposition Pheu Thai Party to support their bid to propose amendments to the Civil and Commercial Code that allows only a man and a woman to register their marriage and enjoy legal benefits of that relationship.
Crucial organic laws could be passed by July
The process of revising two organic laws and enacting them could be wrapped up by next July when pressure will pile up on the government to dissolve the House, according to Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam.
BCG seen as key to post-Covid growth
The Industry Ministry aims to boost Thailand's post-pandemic GDP with bio-, circular and green (BCG) economic development and turn the country into an Asean bio-hub by 2027.
