Investors dump airlines, miners #ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30381154?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral

Investors dump airlines, miners

Jan 28. 2020
By Syndication Washington Post, Bloomberg · Ksenia Galouchko 
After surging to a fresh record high at the end of last week, European equities on Monday became the latest market to get hammered by fears that measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus were failing, sending investors running from risky assets.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index ended the session 2.3% lower, dropping the most since Oct. 2, with miners, airlines, luxury-goods makers and tech stocks taking a serious beating. All industry groups were in the red, signaling just how worried traders were. The U.S. also dropped, with the S&P 500 tumbling as much as 1.9% on Monday morning.

“Fear is the name of the game,” said Stephane Ekolo, an equity strategist at TFS Derivatives in London. “Market participants are taking some risks off the table as they are afraid of the potential economic implication of the virus outbreak.”

Monday’s drop is quite a change from Friday, when the market rallied on optimism that China was moving quickly enough to contain the outbreak. The death toll has now risen to at least 80 people, the infection is spreading around the world, and investors are dumping equities at the start of a week jam-packed with earnings.

“A spike in volatility will add further excuses to sell and to adjust the weight into the end of the month,” said Alberto Tocchio, chief investment officer at Colombo Wealth in Lugano. “We are therefore continuing to buy puts on main European and U.S. indexes in order to protect the portfolios.”

The Euro Stoxx 50 Volatility Index jumped 36%, the most since Feb. 2018, signaling that traders were unsettled by the rising number of victims from the outbreak. The gauge had dropped to a record low earlier this month.

While Monday’s pull-back in stocks was pronounced, all was not lost yet. Technical charts showed the Stoxx 600 remained in an uptrend channel, and trading above its 50-day moving average.

Here are the most affected sectors in Monday’s sell-off:

Luxury-goods makers

– Shares in luxury-goods makers were hurt by worries that Chinese consumers won’t spend as much time shopping during Lunar New Year festivities as they usually do. Kering SA, Swatch Group AG and Burberry Group Plc were among the biggest decliners in the sector.

– “It’s very apparent that the last thing on anyone’s mind right now is purchasing luxury items,” Keith Temperton, a trader at Tavira Securities, said by email.

– While it’s too early to draw any firm conclusions on the potential impact on the industry from the virus, disruptive events – especially those affecting consumer sentiment and people traveling – have in the past been “historically good times” to buy into the sector, a team of Exane BNP Paribas analysts wrote in a note.

Airlines and Airports

– The spread of the virus and China’s order to suspend sales of package tours in an attempt to contain the outbreak are weighing on travel and leisure shares including airlines.

– Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Air France-KLM shares tumbled as the two airlines are the most exposed to China among European peers, with about 7% of capacity, according to a UBS note; IAG SA also underperformed even as its exposure is more limited. Finnair also sank; the carrier has 10% of its seat capacity exposed to China and a further 38% to other Asian countries, according to Goodbody.

– “This is of growing concern for global long-haul airlines,” Sanford C. Bernstein Ltd. analyst Daniel Roeska said in an email. “While low-cost airlines in Europe don’t have any exposure, the majors’ links to their Chinese partners will make Asia traffic a difficult region in their 1Q,” “However, we have also seen that travel can resume very quickly after events like this and I would expect top-line challenges for AF, LHA, IAG only as long as the tragic situation persists.”

– Among airport managers, Fraport AG has the highest exposure to Asia, which represents about 10% of the airport’s capacity, according to UBS, followed by Aeroports de Paris and Flughafen Zurich AG.

Autos

– Shares of European carmakers and suppliers dropped on fears of further weakening in demand in China, the world’s biggest automotive market. Car sales in the country fell for a second straight year in 2019 and, while the head of its main automotive industry association is predicting some growth in the market this year, Beijing Automotive Group Co. has said competition is “brutal.”

– Wuhan, the virus outbreak’s epicenter, is the base of Dongfeng Motor Corp., one of the three main shareholders in French carmaker PSA Group, the maker of Peugeot, Citroen and Opel models. In addition to that partnership, Dongfeng is also working on electric vehicles with PSA’s main domestic rival, Renault SA.

– Parts producers with multiple sites in China include German tire and powering-systems manufacturer Continental AG and French peers Valeo SA and Faurecia SE.

Technology

– Tech stocks, which touched their highest levels since May 2001 on Friday, also pulled back, weighed by losses for almost every member of the Stoxx Tech Index apart from Ericsson. Prosus NV, Micro Focus International Plc, Dialog Semiconductor Plc and AMS AG were among the biggest decliners.

– Trade-war concerns for the tech sector have dissipated, Fahad Hassan, a fund manager at Atlantic House Fund Management, said by phone, still “this is just a different sort of macro concern that obviously affects all stocks, but given tech has been the strongest group so far this year, I think it was going to get hit on any pull-back,” Fahad added, referring to the coronavirus.

Mining and Steel

– Mining shares slid as much as 4.6%, their biggest drop on since August. Large diversified miners such as Anglo American Plc, BHP Group Plc, Glencore Plc and Rio Tinto Plc paced the retreat, alongside steelmakers ArcelorMittal SA and Evraz Plc, as base metals tumbled on concerns that the spread of the coronavirus will weigh on demand, with China being the world’s largest consumer of commodities.

– “The sharp fall of virtually anything related to industrial metals this morning is more than a knee-jerk reaction to the latest coronavirus developments. It more reflects in our view the rise in the global level of uncertainty, which will remain high in the next three weeks; at the very least. Keep your distances,” said Stephane Barbier de la Serre of Makor Capital.

Embassy offers aid to Thai student isolated in Wuhan #ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30381135?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral

Embassy offers aid to Thai student isolated in Wuhan

Jan 27. 2020
By THE NATION

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday (January 27) acknowledged a social media posting by a Thai student in Wuhan city of China’s Hubei province, which has been in lock down to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Pasnicha Krutdamrongchai raised the issue of food shortage in the city on her Facebook page on Sunday (January 26), said Busdee Santipitak, the ministry’s spokesperson and director general of the Department of Information.

“We instructed the Embassy of Thailand in Beijing to contact her and solve her problem with food supply” she said.

Pasnicha was living in Wuhan when the city was cordoned off by the Chinese government.

The Thai embassy, Busdee said, has asked other Thai students in China to offer their assistance, and assured that all 64 Thais living in Wuhan were unaffected by the virus.

“The embassy is collaborating with related Chinese agencies to ensure the well-being of Thai nationals in the city,” he said

Meanwhile, the foreign office in Hubei province, said canteens and shops in Wuhan University remain open.

“The Thai embassy in Beijing is in regular contact with Thais in Wuhan and other cities in Hubei province” she added.

Thermal scanners being used at Suvarnabhumi, say officials, in reaction to public worries #ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30381165?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral

Thermal scanners being used at Suvarnabhumi, say officials, in reaction to public worries

Jan 28. 2020
By THE NATION

Authorities have assured concerned netizens that all passengers entering the airport from China have to go through screening gates.

They were reacting to posts by netizens that thermal scanners had not been deployed at the airport.

Dr Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai, director-general of Department of Disease Control (DDC) and Kittiphong Kittikhajorn, deputy director of operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport, made a joint statement that all inbound passengers must pass through the screening gates equipped with universal thermoscanners.

“The scanners are fitted on the poles near the walkway leading to the gates and some people may not notice them,” added Kittiphong.

He added that the airport and the DDC have established intensive passenger-screening checkpoints in the red zone or airplane bay No 4, which received passengers from Guangzhou and other cities of China.

“The thermal scanners fitted at inbound screening gates will detect if any passenger has body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius,” said Kittiphong. “The screening process comprises two steps: a group scan to find the average body temperature of passengers in a group of 10 from the same aeroplane, followed by an individual scan when passengers walk through the gate. Anyone having fever will trigger the alarm and they will be displayed with a red dot on the monitor.”

Suwanchai added that medical staff will then separate the passenger from the others and bring them to a special quarantine clinic at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute, without passing through ordinary immigration process to limit their exposure to other passengers and staff.

“The universal thermoscan infrared camera was fitted at three points of inbound-passenger screening gates at Suvarnabhumi Airport three years ago, immediately after the Ebola outbreak,” said Kittiphong. “The cameras work continuously 24 hours a day and are monitored by the staff of the airport, Immigration Office and the DDC.”

THAI claims limited impact from new coronavirus crisis #ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30381163?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral

THAI claims limited impact from new coronavirus crisis

Jan 28. 2020
By THE NATION

National flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) has said that the new coronavirus outbreak has affected its business only to a small extent, as most of its flights are to destinations in Europe, airline president Sumeth Damrongchaitham said.

“Compared to other airlines, THAI has only a few flight routes to China, while our average cabin factor in January is at 80 per cent,” he added.

“We estimate that the new coronavirus will affect the airline’s business in the first three months of 2020, which is a relatively short period compared to outbreaks of other diseases, such as SARS [Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome], which had affected our business for the whole year,” said Sumeth.

“Currently China has deployed several strict measures to contain the virus in the country. If the situation resolves within a month from now, THAI will still have a chance to make profit in the last two months of the high season [February-March].”

Sumeth added that on Tuesday (January 28), he and Deputy Transport Minister Thaworn Senniam will inspect the cleaning and disinfecting processes of THAI’s planes at Suvarnahbumi Airport to assure the passengers that they will be safe from coronavirus when using THAI services.

Chiang Rai sets up medical centres to guard against Wuhan virus #ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30381162?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral

Chiang Rai sets up medical centres to guard against Wuhan virus

Jan 28. 2020
By THE NATION

Chiang Rai Public Health Office has established emergency medical centres in 18 districts of Chiang Rai province as well as screening centres at Mae Fah Luang International Airport, Chiang Saen Commercial Port, Mae Sai and Chiang Khong border checkpoints to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus from infected people entering through those channels.

Since last week, officials have screened 8,372 Chinese travellers from the airport, 109 were screened at the commercial port, and 1,438 and 355 came through Mae Sai and Chiang Khong border checkpoints respectively. Of those who were screened, 37 were from Wuhan from where the virus originated, but officials have not found any case of infections.

Meanwhile, a source from Chiang Saen district reported a rush to purchase medical masks from the local market where boxes of products were seen being loaded into ships heading to Kings Roman project in Laos’ Special Economic Zone. The project is known to be a popular attraction for Chinese tourists as they are full of hotels, commercial buildings and casinos.

Meanwhile, Manus Phromrin, director of Phan Phittayakhom School in Phan district of Chiang Rai, has said in response to the rumours that one of the students had contracted the new coronavirus after coming back from Wuhan. “It is true that one of the school alumni who went for further studies to Wuhan travelled back to Thailand on January 10 and displayed flu-like symptoms. She was sent to Chiang Rai Prachanukhro Hospital for a check-up.”

“After being in quarantine and undergoing treatment, the hospital said she only had ordinary flu and was sent home after recovery,” he added.

Policewoman proved negative of coronavirus infection #ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30381146?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral

Policewoman proved negative of coronavirus infection

Jan 27. 2020
Pol Colonel Krisana Pattanacharoen, Royal Thai Police's Deputy Spokesman

Pol Colonel Krisana Pattanacharoen, Royal Thai Police’s Deputy Spokesman
By The Nation

The Royal Thai Police on Monday (January 27) denied news reports that a policewoman under the Immigration Bureau had been infected with coronavirus, saying that she was only suffering from a flu after a check-up at the Police Hospital yielded negative result, said Deputy Spokesman Pol Colonel Krisana Pattanacharoen.

Deputy commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police Pol Gen Suwat Jangyodsuk urged officers at immigration checkpoints nationwide to cooperate with related authorities in picking out and screen people showing symptoms of the virus.

“We also warned immigration officers to protect themselves by wearing mask while performing duties, and sanitise their equipment ,” Pol Gen Suwat said.

Severe air pollution forces Nok Air flight back to Bangkok #ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30381143?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral

Severe air pollution forces Nok Air flight back to Bangkok

Jan 27. 2020
By THE NATION

Pollution in Phrae province reached a very high level, obstructing a Nok Air plane from landing and forcing it to head back to Bangkok.

PM2.5 dust particles today (January 27) were found to be 564 micrograms per cubic meter in the province, while PM10 was 171 micrograms.

The particles were visible, with 191 hotspots, especially in the districts of Long, Song, and Wang Chin. Locals were urged to spray water to protect themselves.

The particles cut visibility, forcing the Nok Air flight back to Don Mueang Airport.

People who wanted to take the 11.30am flight had to head to Chiang Mai or Lam Pang airports to travel by air.

“However, those passengers did not need to buy new tickets to take a new flight,” Nok Air’s manager for Phrae Natcha Chaiyawan said.

She said those who wanted to come to Phrae from Bangkok needed to wait for the 6pm flight.

“The flights tomorrow [Tuesday] will be operated as usual,” she said. “However, if we experience the same problem again, we will do as we did today.”

Health Ministry issues directive on coronavirus reports #ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30381142?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral

Health Ministry issues directive on coronavirus reports

Jan 27. 2020
By The Natinon

The health office in Chiang Mai said on Monday (January 27) that the Public Health Ministry had instructed provincial health offices to stop reporting the numbers of suspected and confirmed coronavirus cases and wait for the official announcement from the ministry after China announced a ban of all flight to the province after February 7.

There are 19 direct flights daily from China to Chiang Mai, according to  airport authority.

Manop Saejia, president of Chiang Mai Guide association, said Chinese  tourists would disappear from the airport’s arrival lounge after February 7.    Of all tourists from China, the ratio of group tours with guides and free independent travellers (FIT) are 40 and 60 per cent.

Some visitors have returned to China, local authority is assessing the number of Chinese tourists still in the province.

About 20 tour companies catering to Chinese tourists in Chiang Mai are collaborating with their partners in China and hotel operators in the province on the matter of refunding customers who have already paid for their flights and accommodations.

The travel ban would have a wide impact on the province’s tourism sector.

About 2,000 Chinese-language guides in the north have been caught up in the situation, given that safety is the priority.

Manop said guides could take care of Chinese visitors on group tours. However, FIT tourists who stay in condominiums and other places in Chiang Mai will be difficult to monitor, he added.

Despite a screening system being set up at Chiang Mai airport, local authority are taking no chance with the spread of coronavirus in the province.

Retailers ramp up measures against coronavirus #ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30381141?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral

Retailers ramp up measures against coronavirus

Jan 27. 2020
By THE NATION

In a move to boost the safety and confidence of customers, major shopping mall operators have stepped up preventive measures against the spread of coronavirus at their branches nationwide.

Hygienic measures implemented include providing hand gels at the entrances; sanitising points or spots frequently touched by shoppers, such as buttons in elevators, faucets and door knobs; spraying disinfectant in the elevators, toilets; sanitising shopping baskets and carts and make sure of ample supply of liquid soap in the toilets.

Retailers have also provided masks to staff and briefed them on the virus and how to deal with the situatin.

SET falls almost 3 per cent on new coronavirus worries #ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30381140?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral

SET falls almost 3 per cent on new coronavirus worries

Jan 27. 2020
By The Nation

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index closed at 1,524.15 today (January 27), a decrease of 45.40 points, or 2.89 per cent, compared to last Friday.

The daily trade volume was Bt69.17 billion, with an index high of 1,548.11 and a low of 1,519.03.

Krungsri Securities predicted the SET Index would fall on Monday (January 27) due to uncertainty following the outbreak of the new coronavirus in a host of countries.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei Index closed at 23,343.51, down 483.67 points, or 2.03 per cent.

China’s Shanghai SE Composite, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and Taiwan’s TaiEx were closed after Beijing announced it would extend Chinese New Year holidays until February 2.