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\ EPTS GAZETTE

MEDICAL
The brave and hard-working members of the medical profession are crucial for sustaining
everyday life under threat from the COVID-19 virus and its consequences. The virus has
spread to infect hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, many of whom have sadly died.
The Ministry of Public Health has implemented measures to reduce the likelihood of people
contracting the virus. For example, producing masks and diagnostic tools more quickly, min-
imizing the risk to people who are most at risk of becoming infected, and providing for robust
examination and screening measures for the safety of the medical staff, as well as others.

TOURISM
Most, if not all countries, now face the threat of COVID-19; its impact is truly global. Tourism
is a significant economic factor for Thailand, and particularly important to us are Chinese
tourists. According to one study, we have lost 1.4-2.5 million visitors, representing 35%-60%
of income from Chinese tourists.
The problem of income-loss by the tourism industry has knock-on effects in other areas.
Tourism data reveals that the shrinking economy is felt most harshly by hotels and accom-
modation, tourism souvenir sales, and food and beverage outlets. These losses will result in
1.5-2.7 billion-baht losses from the Chinese tourist market alone this year.

ENTERTAINMENT
We are now living in the fourth industrial revolution (industry 4.0), with technology trending
towards data exchange and the Internet of Things (IoT). There are many entertainment ac-
tivities available in malls, including movie theaters, skating rinks, bowling alleys, and theme
parks. Still, The Medical Department of Thailand requires that these must close to prevent the
spread of infection. Venues not based in malls have undergone“Big Cleaning” operations to
prevent the virus from spreading, though most of these places have also closed.

IMPORTING AND EXPORTING PRODUCTS
Importing and exporting goods are among the main methods of earning and generating in-
come by entrepreneurs. However, in the wake of the COVID-19 virus, many countries have
stopped importing and exporting products for their safety and to prevent further infection.
Manufacturers and distributors lose income from this slow-down and face profit losses and
increases in unemployment.
Halting the transportation of goods inevitably affects the production and export of
products worldwide. It is also not possible to import products from other countries. For ex-
ample, Chinese exports are an essential resource for states without a manufacturing industry.
Cessation of trading and exporting harms the supply chain, which can result in inflation and
limited access to vital goods, such as face masks.

STOCK MARKETS
Currently, the global spread of the COVID-19 virus brings news and reports from Asia, Eu-
rope, South America, and the United States. The broadcasts cause panic in society. Investors
feel insecure; they sell their stock to recover their money from the market, or they spend on
safer and smaller investments. The falling markets result in increased volatility.
Trading triggered circuit-breakers in markets around the world. Circuit breakers activate
under high-volatility dealing, so they are not enabled often. Fear of the spread of the virus has
caused global stock markets to perform at their worst. Almost all market stocks are suffering;
oil stocks, factories, and manufacturing are all having difficulties surviving in the market, and
it will take months for the markets to get back in shape.
Nonetheless, this might be one of the best times to buy or invest in shares; stocks have
fallen over 20% from their peak at the outbreak, and many investments currently offer their
best value for more than a decade.
Uncertainty is the fundamental reason for a market’s volatility. It remains uncertain what will
happen with the stock market. All we can do is reflect and stay calm.

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