Philippines to bar travel from Malaysia, Thailand to curb Delta's spread

23 Sept 06:53 Key points summarised by AI

The Philippines will ban travelers from Malaysia and Thailand starting Sunday until the end of July to prevent the spread of the contagious Delta variant.
This new restriction expands on previous bans already in place for travelers from eight other countries, including Indonesia and India.
To further curb domestic transmission, President Duterte has imposed stricter coronavirus curbs on the Manila capital region and four provinces until the end of July.
These tightened restrictions include closing indoor sports and conference venues, tourist attractions, and gyms, along with reduced operating capacity for dining and restricting children aged 5-17 from leaving home.
The Philippines has reported 47 Delta variant cases and holds the second-highest number of COVID-19 infections and casualties in Southeast Asia.

Suspected drug couriers killed in Phetchaburi; half a tonne of Ice seized

Yesterday 16:06 Key points summarised by AI

Two suspected drug couriers were killed in a shootout with narcotics officers in Phetchaburi province.
Authorities seized approximately half a tonne of crystal methamphetamine, also known as Ice, during the operation.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night after officers tracked a network suspected of transporting large quantities of drugs to southern Thailand.
The suspects, identified as Chattharin and Rungarun, both 27, opened fire when confronted by officers, who returned fire, resulting in their deaths.