World bank

Vientiane (VNA) – The Lao Government has decided to tighten COVID-19 prevention measures in the face of transmission risks. The Lao Prime Minister’s Office on August 7 issued an urgent announcement of the enhancement of some measures against COVID-19 amid this country’s relaxation of virus containment actions. The announcement noted that facing the risk of a resurgence of COVID-19 amid the disease’s complex developments in the region and the world, the Lao Government decided to strengthen the enforcement of prevention measures. In particular, relevant agencies were asked to enhance examination of those exiting from or entering the country so as to detect any illegal entry cases, monitor entertainment venues and karaoke parlours which had been ordered to close temporarily, and deal with any violations of the government’s directives. Notably, the Foreign Ministry of Laos was assigned to coordinate with the country’s national steering committee for … [Read more...] about Laos strengthens COVID-19 prevention measures

Bangkok (VNA) - A panel under Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on August 7 approved proposals for a return to normalcy in the country by allowing schools, sports stadiums, public transport and meals on flights.   The proposals include the opening of schools with normal-sized classes. For sports events, people would be permitted to attend them, while public transport vehicles would no longer have to allocate empty spaces for social distancing.   However, the extension of entertainment venues’ operating hours until 2am was not discussed at the August 7 meeting.   The proposals, approved by a panel led by National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Gen Somsak Roongsita, will be submitted to Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on August 21.   The Thai cabinet recently approved the Finance Ministry's proposal to borrow 1.5 billion USD from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to stimulate and rehabilitate the economy.   … [Read more...] about Thailand expected to return to normalcy

Miss Vietnam 2016 Do My Linh and Miss World Vietnam 2019 Luong Thuy Linh sent 50 million VND (2,100 USD) and 20 million VND, respectively, to the concert. They raised more than 247 million VND from individuals and organisations. All of the proceeds will be sent to the Da Nang Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee in Da Nang.  … [Read more...] about Online concert to raise funds for doctors in COVID-19 fight

Bangkok (VNA) - Thai chicken exports rose less than expected in the first half of this year due to COVID-19, according to the Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Association (TBPEA). Thailand exported 470,000 tonnes of chicken in the first six months of 2020, representing a year-on-year rise of 2 percent, with export value of 54 billion baht (about 1.73 billion USD), up 1 billion baht. The local media recently cited TBPEA manager Kukrit Arepagorn as saying the pandemic has caused Thailand’s two main markets, the European Union (EU) and Japan, to cut chicken imports. Chicken exports to the EU dropped by 10 percent as the COVID-19 situation there is not yet resolved, he said, adding that Thailand expects to export 280,000 tonnes of chicken to the EU this year, down from 330,000 tonnes last year. Meanwhile, chicken exports to Japan only rose by 2 percent because the virus outbreak had hit tourism and forced the country to postpone the Tokyo Olympic Games, reducing demand. … [Read more...] about Thailand cuts chicken production as global demand drops

Hanoi (VNA) - More than 10,000 baby turtles were recently released into the sea off the Indonesian island of Bali, as part of conservationists’ attempts to boost the population of this vulnerable species and promote environmental protection. Conservation groups on August 7 carried crates of tiny turtles to the island’s Gianyar beach and encouraged local people and volunteers to line up on the sand and release the hatchlings together. The Olive Ridley turtles are among the most abundant sea turtles but are still considered vulnerable because there are few places in which they will nest. The turtles typically weigh 34-50kg as an adult and grow to 60-70cm long. Sea turtle populations have declined in recent years due to hunting, loss of beach nesting sites, over-harvesting of their eggs and being caught in fishing gear. Earlier on August 5, Bali authorities released 25 of the larger green turtles into the sea after their rescue from illegal traffickers. Agus Budi Santoso, … [Read more...] about Indonesia releases over 10,000 baby turtles into sea