Thailand Denies 2,000-Pax Cruise Ship Port Entry Over Virus Fear
BANGKOK — Citing concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, the government on Tuesday said it will not allow a cruise ship sailing from Hong Kong to disembark in Thailand, stranding its 2,000 passengers and crew at sea.
Japan Eyes Succession Talks After Crown Prince’s Announcement
TOKYO (Kyodo) — The Japanese government said Monday it plans to engage in full-fledged discussions on achieving a stable imperial succession after Crown Prince Fumihito announces his status as first in line to the throne in a ceremony in April.
Osaka Airport to Open Toilet for Dogs
OSAKA (Kyodo) — A regional airport serving popular tourist spots in western Japan, including Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe, is set to become the first airport in Japan equipped with toilets for exclusive use by dogs later this week.
China’s Daily Death Toll From Virus Tops 100 for First Time
BEIJING (AP) — China’s daily death toll from a new virus topped 100 for the first time and pushed the total past 1,000 dead, authorities said Tuesday after leader Xi Jinping visited a health center to rally public morale amid little sign the contagion is abating.
Popular Night Market Loses Chinese Tourists, Avoided by Thais
BANGKOK — One of Bangkok’s most popular night markets is not only struggling with disappearance of Chinese tourists, but also the perception among some Thais that it is a place to avoid amid coronavirus fears.
Police Arrest Man Who Threatens to Shoot Up Mall
CHAIYAPHUM — Police in the northeast said Monday they arrested a man for threatening to shoot up a local shopping mall, days after a gunman killed a score of victims at a mall.
In a Win for the World, ‘Parasite’ Takes Best Picture Oscar
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Subtitle this: “Parasite” is the first non-English language film to win best picture in the 92-year history of the Academy Awards.
Love in the Time of Coronavirus: Chinese Couple Holds No-Guest Wedding
QINGDAO (Xinhua) — How to hold a safe wedding amid the novel coronavirus outbreak? A Chinese couple just set an example with a two-minute service attended by only six people, all wearing masks the entire time.
Mainland China Virus Cases Rise Again After Earlier Decline
BEIJING (AP) — Mainland China reported another rise in cases of the new virus Monday after a sharp decline the previous day, while the number of deaths grew by 97 to 908, with at least two more outside the country.
Japan Railway Glitch Halts Credit Card Ticket Purchases
TOKYO (Kyodo) — Railway firms including East Japan Railway Co. and West Japan Railway Co. experienced a technical glitch with their ticketing system Monday morning that temporarily prevented credit card purchases, their ticketing system management company said.
