Myanmar’s security forces shot and killed at least 16 protesters on Saturday, news reports and witnesses said, as the leader of the ruling junta said the military will protect the people and strive for democracy.

One more Covid-19 death was reported, along with 80 new cases — 73 local and seven imported — bringing the totals to 93 fatalities and 28,657 cases.

Foreign tourists who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to visit six tourism provinces beginning next month.

Quarantine requirements will be waived for vaccinated foreign visitors arriving on the resort island of Phuket from July 1, the first destination to reopen since the Covid-19 pandemic struck last year.

A total of 134 new Covid-19 cases, 128 local infections and six imported, were reported on Friday, raising the total to 28,577 with no new fatalities.

A man who died 13 days after being given a Covid-19 vaccine suffered from a chronic illness and it was not a consequence of the inoculation, a senior health official said on Friday.

Thailand has the potential to become a key logistics hub in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) through its Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), a forum was told.

Eight tourism-related associations are calling for a concrete vaccination plan and a commitment to expedite the reopening process on July 1 for a quick economic recovery.

Two ancient lintels believed stolen and put on display at a US museum are to be returned to Thailand next month, Fine Arts Department chief Prateep Pengtako said.

Overall Thai exports in February contracted by 2.59% to US$20.2 billion year-on-year, attributed to a drop in industrial products and gold shipments, but officials believe the country will enjoy a gradual recovery starting next month.