Internet cafes throughout Thailand will be closed for two weeks following the death of a Phuket university student last week.

Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai has announced plans to close tutorial schools and Internet cafes nationwide in a bid to prevent the spread of the A(H1N1) virus that causes swine flu.

Schools and internet cafes will be asked to spend the two weeks thoroughly cleaning their computers to prevent them from becoming sources of infection.

The venues, must close on Monday July 13 and remain closed until July 28.

Above info from to-days Phuket Gazette.

Surely they jest? That's a fairly drastic move. Will the bars be next?

Oh come on! how many pigs can use computers???

I agree, that's drastic. I'm glad I travel with my laptop and don't have to worry about such closings.

I just looked at the Post and Nation. No mention of internet cafes being closed, but there was a headline about the closing of "Tutorial schools" being closed.

Maybe hanuman or michaelbkk can shed some light on this subject.

I've just got back from China but from what I know the government is closing the computer game center or shops and I've not heard anything about Internet cafe or any type of cafe being closed by the government. Apparently people believe that a couple of high school age kids caught the "flu" from such a place and out of precaution the government is asking the game shops for cooperation in closing themselves for few days.

One thing you should know is that the Thai government does not have the right to close down private enterprises unless they declare a state of emergency or martial law.

Here is a link to the newspaper article

http://www.phuketgazette.net/news/in...7556&display=1

I posted the info, assuming it to be accurate and for the benefit of those travelling to the area during this time, who may need internet access, and were maybe thinking of not bothering with a laptop. Personally, I find travelling with a laptop tiresome and normally use hotel facilities or internet cafes, but, would be rather miffed if I found myself in Thailand with no web access for a couple of weeks.
So, my thinking was....pre-warned....pre-armed!!

As for the accuracy of the report.....well, maybe I am giving too much credence to the journalist trade.....can we ever trust them?????

Well... I guess we'll have to wait and see on this one. Appreciate the link. At first I thought it only involved Phuket, but then I read further into the article. Seems like an accurate report... but as I said... we'll have to wait and see.

(BTW my Acer mini doesn't get bothersome at all)

carol, i too have the acer 10", its great!

Carol, with regard to the recent GTG in Bangkok, we didn't manage to get there.....I'm afraid I got the dates wrong by one day and business took priority.....SORRY....hopefully next time.

Oh and yes, I have an Acer mini too,and absolutely love it, but,it just feels like so much hassle taking it through customs......at least for us U.K. residents.

Leigh when do you go back to Thailand? We'll have to meet up the next time! Maybe we can keep dates/times straight. We DID keep an eye out for you though, as the Elephant Bar was closed and we had to re-locate into the lounge area right across the hallway from there.

Carol, our next visit will be in February 2010. Leaving on Feb 6th for three nights at Phuket, eleven nights at 'you know where', and three nights in Bangkok .
All flights are booked, the middle section is booked and we're still thinking about the rest.
Considering Indigo Pearl at Phuket and Oriental in Bangkok, but we're waiting till nearer the time in case we are inspired to try something different.

I will be in BKK in August (just a few weeks from now) and then again in mid-December to mid-January. Not February...

Enjoy your trip. Sounds lovely. Have you looked at Mom Tri's Villa Royale for your time in Phuket?

Carol

Yes Carol, we have stayed at Mom Tri's.....though some years ago. You have brought it back on the radar. I'll look again.

February is our next leisure break in S.E.A., but .......business may take us back to Bangkok before then.

I'll let you know if it does.