Trump Threatens to Permanently Freeze U.S. Funding to WHO
WASHINGTON (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to permanently cut off the nation's funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) if the body does not commit to what he called "substantive improvements within the next 30 days."
Sri Lanka Newlyweds Cancel Wedding Party to Help Poor
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — As couples do all over the world, Darshana Kumara Wijenarayana and his fiance, Pawani Rasanga, spent months planning a grand wedding.
Japan Urges Taiwan’s Participation in WHO Assembly
TOKYO (Kyodo) — Japan on Tuesday urged the World Health Organization to allow Taiwan to join its plenary sessions as an observer to discuss the global response to the new coronavirus pandemic.
Despite Risks, Trump Says He’s Taking Hydroxychloroquine
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he is taking a malaria drug to protect against the coronavirus, despite warnings from his own government that it should only be administered for COVID-19 in a hospital or research setting due to potentially fatal side effects.
Malls Deploy Robots, Tracing QR Code for ‘New Normal’ Shopping
BANGKOK — Visiting malls – arguably the most favorite hobby for Bangkokians – is no longer casual like it used to be, prior to the coronavirus outbreak.
Crash Landing on Us: Thai Airways to Seek Bankruptcy Rehabilitation
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s flag carrier Thai Airways International will file a plan for restructuring its business with the Central Bankruptcy Court, a government spokeswoman said Monday.
3 New Virus Cases Found, Mall Tracing Site Questioned
BANGKOK — Officials said Monday three more people tested positive for the coronavirus, while questions are being raised at the efficiency of a virus tracing application touted by the authorities.
Masseurs Petition Gov’t for Reopening as Pandemic Eases
BANGKOK — A group of massage parlor operators on Monday urged the government to allow their businesses to reopen, citing a severe hardship many of them are facing.
Chinese Expressway Opens Lanes for Self-Driving Cars
BEIJING (Xinhua) — From self-driving delivery trucks to driverless vans disinfecting roads, the COVID-19 outbreak has put driverless vehicles in the spotlight.
Japan Hotels Admonished for Denying Room to Gay Couple
KOBE (Kyodo) — Two hotels in a western Japanese city have been reprimanded after refusing to rent a room to a gay couple despite a law that bans turning away guests because of sexual orientation or gender identity, a city official said Monday.
