YANGON: Plumes of smoke rose above a part of Myanmar's biggest city that has turned into a battle zone, with burning barricades and security forces firing at unarmed anti-coup protesters to enforce martial law on Wednesday.

The government on Wednesday reported one new Covid-19 death, raising the toll to 88, and 248 new infections, increasing the total number of cases to 27,402.

Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith feels upbeat about the country's economic prospects because of the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out in Thailand, predicting the economy will start picking up in the fourth quarter.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to start its Covid-19 vaccine rollout in Bang Khae on Wednesday to prevent the disease spreading further in the district.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he has received the candidate lists for ministerial posts nominated by government coalition parties, insisting he has the final say on a cabinet reshuffle.

Thailand and China discussed a proposal to develop an arms maintenance depot in the country during a meeting at Government House on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday insisted Karen villagers would not be allowed to return to live in Phetchaburi's Kaeng Krachan National Park.

The small Covid-19 panel will likely propose a ban on all forms of water splashing, use of powder paste and foam parties during the Songkran festival in April.

Thailand on Tuesday added 149 new coronavirus cases, mostly in Bangkok, bringing the total number of confirmed cases since the pandemic began to 27,154. No new deaths were reported, leaving the toll at 87.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and other cabinet ministers were inoculated against Covid-19 at Government House on Tuesday morning.