L'Southeast Asia finally realised the urgency of the pandemic Covid-19 as the number of cases multiplied. From 310 cases on 7 March, the number had risen to 4,034 by 23 March. Malaysia with more than 1,500 cases, followed by Thailand with more than 700, Indonesia with almost 600 cases and the Philippines and Singapore with more than 500 cases. However, the number of deaths in the region has been limited, with around 100 in the 10 countries that make up ASEAN, the association of South-East Asian countries.
While Vietnam and Singapore were the first countries to suspend visas and entry for visitors to the affected areas, last week the whole of South East Asia closed its borders. The latest countries to impose entry restrictions on all travellers, whatever their origin, are Burma, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Singapore (since 23 March for all except those bordering Malaysia) and Thailand (since this weekend).
In terms of air travel, most airlines have suspended their frequencies, only Thaï Airways International still operates a handful of flights to Europe. Connections to Paris are maintained on 22 March, the company offering six weekly flights between 6 and 28 April instead of ten flights, then reducing to 5 weekly flights with the start of the Kingdom's low tourist season until 19 June. The airline will again offer one daily flight instead of 10 weekly flights between 20 June and 24 October using Boeing 777-300ERs. The Bangkok-Brussels on the other hand deleted until 30 April. Singapore Airlines is due to announce at the beginning of the week which other routes will be withdrawn, the company announcing a 96% reduction in capacity and the grounding of 138 aircraft out of a fleet of 147. In Europe, the carrier has ceased services to its most recent destinations, such as London and Zurich. Singapore Airlines will, however, operate a few frequencies to London, Copenhagen and Zurich this week before the total suspension.
