Thai parliament holds its first session on COVID-19 funding

Thailand's parliament on Wednesday held its first session to debate the government's plan to fund stimulus packages since the new coronavirus pandemic started.

Over 400 members of parliament attended the special session in a new parliament building to debate three executive decrees relating to the financing of COVID-19 relief programs as the country starts to ease restrictions to prevent the virus from spreading.

The decrees will allow the government to seek emergency loans up to 1 trillion THB (about 31 billion US dollars) baht to help support financial stimulus packages that include income subsidies, loans and financial aids to businesses and industries effected by the pandemic.

At the parliament entrance, health workers monitored thermo-scanners and checked the temperatures of those entering the building. Members were required to wear masks at all times.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said the financial stimulus packages were necessary as the Thai economy shrank 1.8% during the first quarter for the first time in six year.

The tourism industry, one of the country's key industries, has been hardest hit with an estimated loss of 40% of income, according Prayuth.

Thailand reported three new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, with the total number of cases hitting 3,045.

Thailand allowed malls and parks to open 10 days ago.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

But the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by those with mild or no visible symptoms.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.