Thailand extends flight ban as coronavirus cases continue to rise

THAILAND has extended their flight ban preventing tourists from entering the country until the end of the month.

The country currently has 2,613 confirmed cases of coronavirus, and 41 deaths.

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The ban was first introduced on April 4, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has already extended it in once until April 18.

The country has implemented a nationwide curfew from 10pm until 4am, according to the UK Foreign Office, while all shopping centres, entertainment venues and schools are closed.

Cases of the deadly virus continue to climb, with popular tourist destination Phuket being the 'hotspot'.

Thailand's tourist industry, a major employer and foreign currency earner in the country, particularly hard.

Thailand's economy is expected to lose 1.3 trillion baht (£31.8 billion), almost all of it in the tourist sector, due to the initial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, though that figure will increase if the crisis lasts beyond the second quarter, according to an estimate from the Thai Bankers' Association.

Elephants across the country are also facing starvation, with many attractions being forced to close due to the lack of tourism.

With no money coming in, many of the animals will no longer be fed.

Earlier this month, the country's interior ministry said Thailand will re-open borders in 21 provinces on Saturday to allow Thais in neighbouring countries to come home, after shutting down borders in late March.

Up to 100 people will be allowed to enter per one border checkpoint per day, and they will be subject to a 14-day state quarantine, the ministry has said.

Other countries are warning of travel disruption for months, or even until next year.

Australia flights may not resume until 2021, while Spain hopes to resume holidays by October.

Airlines are trying to entice customers to book for next year, with easyJet and Jet2 launching their summer 2021 schedule.