Heavy rains hit southern Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department on Sunday morning warned of heavy rain and strong winds in the southern and eastern provinces of Ranong, Phang-nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Chanthaburi and Trat on Sunday and Monday.

Thai authorities said yesterday that more than 205 houses were damaged in the southern province of Satun struck by torrential rain and storms.
National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Chakthip Chaijinda has ordered all police units in Satun to send fully equipped mobile units to the hardest hit areas to help the victims and to remove fallen trees from the roads.
TV footages showed victims using police stations in Satun as temporary shelters. Local media also reported that tour operators have been advised by the police to suspend tourist trips to islands and waterfalls in the province.
The Thai Meteorological Department on Sunday morning warned of heavy rain and strong winds in the southern and eastern provinces of Ranong, Phang-nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Chanthaburi and Trat on Sunday and Monday.
With waves forecast to be up to 4 meters, shipping is warned to proceed with caution and small boats are strongly advised to remain ashore.
Source : Xinhua

Health
Thailand strengthens COVID-19 control measures
Apart from the capital city, many provinces have also enforced tougher measures to contain COVID-19, with inter-provincial travels now being restricted in some areas.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) latest update regarding the Royal Thai Government’s announcement on the strengthened COVID-19 control measures to contain local transmission, 28 provinces are now declared as “highly controlled areas”.
(more…)Economics
Thai Exports to grow 4% in 2021
Contributing factors include the recovering world economy and the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) estimate that the world economy will expand 5.2 percent in 2021 from a contraction of 4.4% this year.
Tourism
Thai Government imposes ban on gatherings over New Year 2021 holidays
TAT would like to remind all that New Year 2021 activities have been cancelled or gone virtual nationwide to avoid large gatherings according to the Royal Thai Government’s guidelines.

Bangkok, 31 December, 2020 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide the latest update regarding the Royal Thai Government’s latest announcement on the ban of gatherings nationwide.
(more…)