Chonburi Governor says province will remain under maximum control measures, focusing on control of factories. The Governor noted that the current Chonburi orders are “until further notice” without an expiration date or promise date of when venues can re-open, however, stated that he understands the difficulty of many residents and that officials will consistently be reviewing and monitoring the situation. Pattaya News

Chonburi Governor says province will remain under maximum control measures, focusing on control of factories

Saturday, 31 July 2021, 18:44

Chonburi-

  The Chonburi Governor, Phakthorn Thienchai, along with the Chonburi Provincial Communicable Disease Committee, held a meeting this weekend to review current Covid-19 related measures in the province.

This comes as Chonburi hit a record new high of 1,062 cases of Covid-19 today, July 31st, 2021. 

You can see a video version of this article here:

According to the Governor, the province will stay under maximum control (Dark red) restrictions that are also mandated by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration, or CCSA, in Bangkok. TPN notes that the majority of the measures would have to be lifted by the CCSA before the Governor would be allowed to release his own orders allowing businesses to reopen or people to go to places like parks or pools

These restrictions have been in place for two weeks (although other major restrictions, like the closure of Pattaya's popular entertainment and nightlife sector, have been in place for almost four months) and so far cases in Chonburi appeared to have increased. However, doctors with Thailand's Department of Disease Control have continually stated that the measures will need time to work.

The current restrictions, called maximum control by authorities and not a lockdown, include bans on dine-in at restaurants, an overnight mandatory curfew, closure of pools, beaches, and parks, and many other mandated business closures such as malls, gyms, barbers, and massage shops.

The Governor noted that the current Chonburi orders are "until further notice" without an expiration date or promise date of when venues can re-open, however, stated that he understands the difficulty of many residents and that officials will consistently be reviewing and monitoring the situation.

The Chonburi Provincial Disease Committee is primarily focusing on factories and industrial estates, as according to them that is where most of the current infection clusters have begun and were then brought home to families into the community. They are using a bubble and seal method in which if Covid-19 is detected at a factory it will be closed to the public for 28 days, and workers must stay on the premises, even if not positive for Covid-19.  Currently, 31 factories are sealed in Chonburi, although many are allowed to continue to work while under bubble and seal measures.

The Governor has also urged the public to follow Covid-19 precautions, staying home except for essential reasons and always wearing a mask, social distancing, and other protective measures.

Chonburi will also be implementing "community isolation" which essentially is a version of field hospitals only for those asymptomatic or with the mildest of symptoms that can be done at places like temples, schools, or gyms that are not being used in order to take care of more patients. Thailand does not, except for some limited programs in place in Bangkok and occasional exceptions, allow positive patients to isolate at home, regardless of their medical status.

Finally, the Chonburi Governor stated that allocations of Covid-19 vaccines were much higher in August, and as a "dark red" zone the province would be a priority zone for vaccine allocation with the aim of getting at least 70% of residents inoculated, especially the elderly, vulnerable, and those working in the tourism industry, seen as the lifeblood of Chonburi, especially in Pattaya.

TPN media will give more updates as to the vaccine situation as verified information is given by authorities.

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The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced a record-breaking high of 1,062 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with six deaths, July 31st. Pattaya News

Chonburi announces record-breaking high of 1,062 Covid-19 cases with six deaths

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced a record-breaking high of 1,062 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with six deaths, July 31st.

Saturday, 31 July 2021, 11:55

Chonburi –

This makes a total of 25,482 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 11,950 still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 126 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April. The details on yesterday's six new deaths were not given, which is standard for the health department.

Additionally, 547 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 13,406 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave began.

This record high comes as Chonburi has been under strict Covid-19 restrictions as a maximum control zone for almost two weeks now, as critics state the measures are draconian, like an overnight curfew, ban on dine-in, closure of most types of business that is not "essential" like food and medicine, and even the closure of beaches and parks. Critics also claim the measures don't seem to be working, as cases have been rising overall. However, supporters of the restrictions claim that cases and hospitalized would be about 20 percent higher without the measures.

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Mueang Chonburi 236, Si Racha 221, Banglamung (Pattaya) 239, Panat Nikhom 81, Sattahip 11, Ban Bueang 148, Pan Thong 63, Bor Thong 22, Ko Chan 6, Nong Yai 7, and 28 new cases transferred from other provinces for medical care.

The details on the cases are as follows:

1. Cluster, Dae-A Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd. In Ban Bueng, 12 cases
2. A risky career, meeting a lot of people, 21 cases. This is described as an occupation that is primarily customer-facing, like taxi drivers, cashiers at supermarkets, etc.
3. 3 medical personnel
4. Many businesses in Rayong, 14 cases
5. Provided a history of traveling to Bangkok 1 case, Khon Kaen, 1 case
6. Close contacts of confirmed patients in family members, 213, Co-workers at workplaces, 97 cases and close persons in general, 42 cases
7. Close contacts of confirmed patients (under investigation), 315 cases
8. Under investigation in general, 343 cases

A total of 1,546 close contact searches were received today with 486 initial proactive searches, and more proactive search reports are pending.

There are currently, in Chonburi, clusters of Covid-19 at 21 establishments and five markets, 10 construction worker camps, and four communities. TPN media notes that this cluster information appears to be outdated but is what was provided by authorities.

Bangkok Post highlights 31/7

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has insisted he will neither resign nor dissolve the House as the country struggles to contain Covid-19. He also warned politicians not to exploit the crisis and incite hatred as that will only worsen the situation. Bangkok Post

Prayut vows not to resign

Prayut: 'I try to do my best'

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has insisted he will neither resign nor dissolve the House as the country struggles to contain Covid-19.

He also warned politicians not to exploit the crisis and incite hatred as that will only worsen the situation.

Meanwhile, Thailand logged 17,345 new Covid-19 cases, and 19 new fatalities on Friday.

Gen Prayut made the remarks in a video clip released online soon after his order to ban the distribution of "fake news" or information causing public fear across all media platforms was published in the Royal Gazette on Thursday evening.

During a 36-minute interview with Nathreeya Thaweewong, director of the Office of the Government Spokesperson, Gen Prayut answered a series of questions that had been put forward by media representatives earlier.

Most concerned Covid-19 containment, vaccines, lockdown measures, relief packages for the worst affected and whether the government coalition would remain stable.

Responding to a question over whether he had lost heart and would consider dissolving the House and stepping down, Gen Prayut said: "It is not the time. I am working hard every day... I try to do my best by listening to the people and getting updates from doctors and public health officials."

"I am begging you, politicians. You represent the people, and you are supposed to show sound judgement. Politics should not be used to create hatred because the country is in trouble now. Don't take this opportunity to cause any further trouble," he said.

Asked if he had anything to say to the public, Gen Prayut said he felt sorry for those who had lost loved ones and that he wanted to extend his moral support to all those involved in fighting the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the lockdown and curfew measures in the 13 dark-red zone provinces are expected to remain in place indefinitely as the number of new Covid-19 cases continued to soar, according to a source at the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).

Announcement No.28 issued under the emergency decree on July 18 does not specify when the lockdown measures will be lifted, only that measures would remain in place for a minimum of 14 days and a decision made after that depending on the daily caseload.

Since the pandemic currently shows no sign of abating in Thailand, the lockdown measures will not be reconsidered by the CCSA until the situation eases, the source said.

The CCSA is, however, expected to approve a proposal to allow eateries and restaurants in department stores and shopping malls to sell food via online delivery platforms.

The Public Health Ministry has yet to present the proposal for consideration, though, the source added.

Under the restrictions imposed in 13 red-zone provinces, only supermarkets, pharmacies and vaccination centres in shopping malls have been allowed to remain open, while all other businesses have had to shut.

In other news, Nattawut Saikuar, a former key member of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship posted on Facebook, saying he will join the "car mob" rally on Sunday in Bangkok.

Led by activist Sombat Boonngam-anong, the rally is aimed at seeking the ouster of Gen Prayut.

Mr Sombat posted on his Facebook on Friday that the rally will take place on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road from 1pm until 4pm. Participants in their vehicles will honk horns and flash their headlights along the road to show their support for the movement to see Gen Prayut step down.

The Public Health Ministry reported that there were 117 Covid-19 fatalities and 17,345 new cases over the past 24 hours.

There were 16,664 cases in the general population and 681 among prison inmates.

Bangkok logged 3,231 new cases while there were 1,386 recorded in Samut Prakan, 1,186 in Samut Sakhon, 914 in Chon Buri, 587 in Nonthaburi, 479 in Chachoengsao, 378 in Nakhon Pathom, 350 in Ubon Ratchathani, 330 in Pathum Thani and 324 in Songkhla.

‼️NEW HIGH - #COVID19 Update on Saturday: 18,912 new cases and 178 deaths. 27 July: 14,150 - 118 dead 28 July: 16,533 - 133 dead 29 July: 17,669 - 165 dead 30 July: 17,345 - 117 dead. Richard Barrow



The ministry’s latest mathematical model shows that without the tight restrictions now in place, new daily Covid cases would exceed 40,000 by Sept 14 and fatalities would pass 500 a day by Sept 28, said Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control. Bangkok Post

Maximum effort to keep daily Covid deaths under 200

Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, elaborates on estimates about Covid-19 caseloads and fatalities at the Ministry of Public Health in Nonthaburi on Friday. (Screenshot)

The country can keep new daily Covid-19 fatalities from reaching 200 with accelerated vaccinations and two months of lockdown measures, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

The ministry's latest mathematical model shows that without the tight restrictions now in place, new daily Covid cases would exceed 40,000 by Sept 14 and fatalities would pass 500 a day by Sept 28, said Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control.

The current measures took effect in 13 hard-hit provinces including Bangkok on July 20 and are scheduled to end on Monday. Authorities are now considering extending the lockdowns.

The department's analysis looked at the trend in infections and deaths based on one- and two-month lockdowns from July 20.

If one month of lockdown measures — people staying home, working from home and a ban on public gatherings — can reduce infections by 20%, new daily cases would still be over 30,000 in early October, the model shows. New fatalities would peak somewhere below 500 on Oct 26, Dr Opas said on Friday.

The country reported 17,345 new cases and 117 deaths on Friday.

If lockdown measures reduce infections by 20-25% but last two months, new daily cases would be above 20,000 in October and November and fatalities would peak below 400 in mid-November.

The numbers improve significantly if two months of restrictions are complemented by stepped-up vaccinations for elderly people, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions, which the government is now conducting. In such a case, new daily fatalities would be still be over 100 but would decline gradually, Dr Opas said.

"However, public cooperation is the key," he said. "Please refrain from unnecessary activities and stay home as much as you can. Wear face masks. Observe social distancing.

"Please bring elderly people aged 60 years and over and those with the chronic diseases to vaccination centres. This will help reduce the numbers of new cases and fatalities."



Thailand is far from even 70 percent. According to statistics from the Department of Disease Control, as of July 30, more than 3.78 million Thai people or about 5.4 percent of the total population are fully vaccinated. PBS World



Covid has hit over 500 factories. Since April 1, Covid-19 outbreaks have hit 518 factories and a total of 36,861 of their employees in 49 provinces, according to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. Bangkok Post

Covid has hit over 500 factories

About 1,500 workers at a textile factory in Nonthaburi province during their strike late last month, when they demanded management conduct mass Covid-19 testing after about 60 of their colleagues were infected with the virus. (Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya)

Since April 1, Covid-19 outbreaks have hit 518 factories and a total of 36,861 of their employees in 49 provinces, according to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration.

CCSA spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin said on Friday that Phetchaburi province recorded the most infected workers at 4,464, followed by 3,487 in Phetchabun, 2,538 in Prachuap Khiri Khan, 2,496 in Samut Sakhon and 2,209 in Songkhla province.

Fifteen provinces each had 1,000 or more infected workers, five provinces from 501 to 999 infected factory workers and 29 provinces fewer than 500.

The hardest-hit industry was the food sector with 99 factories hit by Covid-19, followed by 74 electronics factories, 42 garment factories, 42 metal factories and 36 plastic factories.

There were 64,038 factories nationwide and 18,005 were evaluated for their Covid-19 control measures, of which  68% passed disease control criteria.

"Export-oriented industries are the remaining engine of the Thai economy," Dr Taweesilp said. 

PM says ‘sorry’ over COVID losses, hints at semi-lockdown extension in ‘Dark Red’ zone. The prime minister also said the current semi-lockdown measures, imposed in Thailand’s 13 COVID-19 “Dark Red” provinces since July 20th, which include closures of many venues, a curfew between 9pm and 4 am, ban on gatherings of five people and more, ban on dining in, and interprovincial restrictions, which are due to expire on August 2nd, are likely to be extended until further notice, as recommended by medical experts. PBS World

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said "sorry" over COVID-19 losses and that he is sympathizing with a lot of people suffering from the pandemic and its impacts, while hinting at a possible extension of semi-lockdown measures imposed in 13 provinces in the "Dark Red" zone, in a video interview with the government's team of spokesperson yesterday (Thursday).

"I sympathize. I'm sorry. I am trying to tackle all the many challenges. I'll do my best as the prime minister. But cooperation is also needed in sharing the same facts, so problems can be solved. I'm not disheartened, but I'm sorry for all the losses and I'd like to boost the morale of the officials. This is something we need to do together, because we are Thais," Mr. Prayut said.

The prime minister also said the current semi-lockdown measures, imposed in Thailand's 13 COVID-19 "Dark Red" provinces since July 20^th, which include closures of many venues, a curfew between 9pm and 4 am, ban on gatherings of five people and more, ban on dining in, and interprovincial restrictions, which are due to expire on August 2^nd, are likely to be extended until further notice, as recommended by medical experts.

The prime minister explained that the medical staff on the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) subcommittee, which has been meeting on daily business, see a need to retain the restrictions, as he warned that easing them will not be possible if people do not fully cooperate by observing the measures.

He stressed the importance of self-protection, to prevent infections among family members by those who venture outdoors for business or other purposes, noting that, if this is strictly observed, the infection rate in families will drop.

The prime minister admitted that the increasing new COVID-19 infections and fatalities are alarming and give an impression that the overall pandemic situation in Thailand is worsening but, when comparing with situation in several other countries, however, he said the situation in Thailand is better, citing the daily recovery rate, which is on the rise, as he maintained that the Thai medical system remains functional, but faces staff shortages.

He said he has sympathy for the hardworking medics, many of whom have been working for two months without a day's break, adding that he has instructed authorities to make sure that they are properly compensated.

The prime minister admitted that he is seriously concerned about infected people in home isolation, who may not have family to take care of them and may have problems communicating with health officials, adding that he has ordered officials to fix this problem and to make sure that these patients are not abandoned.

He admitted, however, that people in the same community, such as in housing estates, should help their neighbours, noting that, under present circumstances, medics are overstretched and under staffed, so mutual assistance among neighbors will be very helpful.

Instead of just focusing on the negative aspect of the pandemic, such as infections and fatalities, the prime minister said that he is fully supportive of the creation of the Blue zones, where there are no new infections, as initiated in some provinces.

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 914 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with six new deaths, July 30th. The Pattaya News

Chonburi covid-19 cases drop to 914 with six new deaths

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 914 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with six new deaths, July 30th.

Friday, 30 July 2021, 10:59

Chonburi –

This makes a total of 24,420 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 11,441 still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 120 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April. The details on yesterday's six new deaths were not given, which is standard for the health department.

Additionally, 456 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 12,859 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave began.

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Mueang Chonburi 286, Si Racha 258, Banglamung (Pattaya) 67, Panat Nikhom 83, Sattahip 7, Ban Bueang 68, Pan Thong 72, Bor Thong 3, Ko Chan 8, and 62 new cases transferred from other provinces for medical care.

The details on the cases are as follows:

1. Cluster, Isi Automotive (Thailand), Ltd, in Panat Nikhom, 6 cases
2. Cluster, Khun Anan dormitory, in Si Racha, 4 cases
3. Cluster, construction workers camp of CP Ram company in Si Racha, 3 cases
4. Cluster, Dae-A Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd. In Ban Bueng, 5 cases
5. A risky career, meeting a lot of people, 21 cases. This is described as an occupation that is primarily customer-facing, like taxi drivers, cashiers at supermarkets, etc.
6. 2 medical personnel
7. Many businesses in Rayong, 23 cases
8. Provided a history of traveling to Bangkok, 6 cases, Rayong 5 cases, and Chachoengsao, 2 cases
9. Close contacts of confirmed patients in family members, 264 cases, Co-workers at workplaces, 170 cases, Close persons in general, 43 cases, and parties, 1 case.
10. Close contacts of confirmed patients (under investigation), 118 cases
11. Under investigation in general, 241 cases

A total of 1,443 close contact searches were received today with 1,429 initial proactive searches, and more proactive search reports are pending.

There are currently, in Chonburi, clusters of Covid-19 at 21 establishments and five markets, 10 construction worker camps, and four communities. TPN media notes that this cluster information appears to be outdated but is what was provided by authorities.

We often get asked how many of these cases are serious, hospitalized, etc. That specific information is not normally released, although has been stated numerous times that the vast majority, over 80%, are asymptomatic or "Green" which are mild cases of Covid-19.

"Covid-19 toll in July" Statistics on Covid-19 deaths in Thailand from July 1 to 30 provided by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration.



Det är inte bara ett stängt Phuket och risk för smitta som ”stör” semestrande Sandbox resenärer…. Heavy downpours across Phuket set to continue. Phuket News



Heavy downpours across Phuket set to continue

PHUKET: The heavy downpours and strong winds are expected to continue across Phuket and neighbouring coastal provinces until next Wednesday (Aug 4), according to a weather advisory issued by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).

weather
By The Phuket News

Friday 30 July 2021, 11:16AM

---

The heavy downpours and strong winds across Phuket are forecast to continue well into next week. Image: TMD

The advisory follows downpours soaking the island overnight, with wet roads and strong winds making driving conditions dangerous.

From Phang Nga northward, southwesterly winds of 20-40km/h and wave heights reaching up to three metres in thundershowers are forecast for the coming days.

For Phuket southward, the southwesterly winds are expected to reach gusts of 20-35km/h with wave heights averaging about two metres, and above two metres in thundershowers, the TMD said in a release issued to today (July 30).

All small boats were urged to stay ashore.

The Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) marked a record 50 new local COVID-19 infections on the island yesterday (July 29), bringing the total number of people recognised as infected with COVID-19 in Phuket since Apr 3 to 1,073. The 50 new local infections did not include one Phuket Sandbox arrival testing positive for COVID-19. Phuket News

 

Phuket marks record daily new infections, one more COVID death

PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) marked a record 50 new local COVID-19 infections on the island yesterday (July 29), bringing the total number of people recognised as infected with COVID-19 in Phuket since Apr 3 to 1,073.

The 50 new local infections did not include one Phuket Sandbox arrival testing positive for COVID-19.

As such, the 50 new cases bring the total number of new local infections on the island in the past seven days to 192, as follows:

• July 23 - 18 new cases
• July 24 - 11 new cases
• July 25 - 28 new cases
• July 26 - 23 new cases
• July 27 - 38 new cases
• July 28 - 24 new cases
• July 29 - 50 new cases

The current total of 1,073 infected in Phuket since Apr 3 does not include eight people infected with COVID-19 in other provinces and four returning from other countries and testing positive.

The current Phuket tally also does not include 18 COVID patients brought back to Phuket under the "Bring Phuket people home" policy, or the 30 Phuket Sandbox arrivals who have tested positive for the virus after landing on the island since the Sandbox scheme began on July 1.

According to the PPHO COVID report for yesterday, 282 people were now under medical care or supervision, with a total of 816 people discharged from medical care for COVID infection since Apr 3.

The PPHO daily COVID-19 situation report for yesterday also marked one new death attributed to COVID-19, bringing the total number of people whose deaths are officially recognised as being caused by COVID-19 since Apr 3 to 12.

In accordance with what now appears to be standard policy by Phuket health officials, no details have been provided about the death marked on the daily report for yesterday.

The PPHO and other relevant Phuket officials have not reported any details about the last three COVID deaths marked in the PPHO daily reports, for Sunday, Monday and now yesterday (July 25, 26 and 29).

SANDBOX 

According to the Phuket Sandbox Daily Report for yesterday (July 29), issued by the Tourism Authority of THailand (TAT), of the 29 Sandbox arrivals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Phuket, 13 tested positive on landing at Phuket airport, seven tested positive during their second mandatory test conducted on Day6/7 of their stay, while three Sandbox arrivals tested positive during their third mandatory test conducted on Day 13/14 of their stay,

Seven Phuket Sandbox arrivals are still waiting for confirmation of test results, the report noted.

The Sandbox report yesterday marked that so far 12,599 people have arrived in Phuket under the Sandbox scheme since July 1. Of those, 204 arrived yesterday on four flights: one Etihad Airways flight; two Singapore Airlines flights; and one private jet.

Foreign tourists arriving in Phuket’s “sandbox” from Aug. 3 will be touching down on an island all-but-sealed off from the rest of Thailand where anything remotely entertaining closed down to prevent coronavirus cases from surging higher. Gov. Narong Woonciew signed the order Thursday to shut out all domestic tourists or anyone else who are not students or are delivering freight, food or medicine to the island. Anyone hoping to gain entry via land, water or air msut be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Bangkok Herald

Phuket Closes Borders, Leaves Sandoxers Isolated, Bored

30 July 2021

Foreign tourists arriving in Phuket's "sandbox" from Aug. 3  will be touching down on an island all-but-sealed off from the rest of Thailand where anything remotely entertaining closed down to prevent coronavirus cases from surging higher.

Gov. Narong Woonciew signed the order Thursday to shut out all domestic tourists or anyone else who are not students or are delivering freight, food or medicine to the island. Anyone hoping to gain entry via land, water or air msut be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

The lockout is a last-ditch effort to keep the "sandbox" scheme going, but the tourism-promotion plan may die of its own accord based on the reviews from sandboxers who arrive for a "holiday" but have little to do but sit around their hotel pool.

In fact, the sandboxed tourists have not been the problem. To date, there have bee 12,395 arrivals – a large portion of them not tourists but, in fact, returning Thais and foreign expats – and only 30 who have tested positive for Covid-19, or 0.24 percent.

Yet, the government is now about to penalize the sandboxers again postponing plans to allow them to escape the their Phuket holding cells for islands in Phangnga and Krabi provinces after just seven days, instead of two weeks.

It's not the vaccinated foreigners spreading the coronavirus, but they will pay the price. Phuket reported 148 coronavirus cases over the past week. All were brought in from other provinces, not overseas.

Some of those were Phuket residents who worked in provinces with high transmission rates and returned to Phuket province to seek medical treatment. Anyone returning will be forced into quarantine.

Officials said Phuket's healthcare system is at 36 percent of capacity and can still handle new cases without serious cases that require ventilators.

For now, the sandbox goes on, but will be re-evaluated in two weeks. tourists arriving in Phuket's "sandbox" from Aug. 3  will be touching down on an island all-but-sealed off from the rest of Thailand where anything remotely entertaining closed down to prevent coronavirus cases from surging higher.

Gov. Narong Woonciew signed the order Thursday to shut out all domestic tourists or anyone else who are not students or are delivering freight, food or medicine to the island. Anyone hoping to gain entry via land, water or air msut be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

The lockout is a last-ditch effort to keep the "sandbox" scheme going, but the tourism-promotion plan may die of its own accord based on the reviews from sandboxers who arrive for a "holiday" but have little to do but sit around their hotel pool.

In fact, the sandboxed tourists have not been the problem. To date, there have bee 12,395 arrivals – a large portion of them not tourists but, in fact, returning Thais and foreign expats – and only 30 who have tested positive for Covid-19, or 0.24 percent.

Yet, the government is now about to penalize the sandboxers again postponing plans to allow them to escape the their Phuket holding cells for islands in Phangnga and Krabi provinces after just seven days, instead of two weeks.

It's not the vaccinated foreigners spreading the coronavirus, but they will pay the price. Phuket reported 148 coronavirus cases over the past week. All were brought in from other provinces, not overseas.

Some of those were Phuket residents who worked in provinces with high transmission rates and returned to Phuket province to seek medical treatment. Anyone returning will be forced into quarantine.

Officials said Phuket's healthcare system is at 36 percent of capacity and can still handle new cases without serious cases that require ventilators.

For now, the sandbox goes on, but will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Latest closures and restrictions in Phuket starting from Friday 30th July and the latest restrictions for entry to Phuket starting from 3rd August. The Phuket Sandbox continues but the 7+7 plan is being delayed. Richard Barrow



Sitting on tens of millions of surplus coronavirus vaccines, the West is taking small steps toward balancing the scales, donating millions of jabs to Thailand. A bit more than 1.5 million doses of Pfizer Inc. vaccine arrived in Thailand from the United States at 4 a.m. this morning. But a stray comment about possible future donations from a U.S. senator sent Thailand’s interwebs on fire Thursday, a sign of how desperate Thailand is for vaccines. Bangkok Herald

West Throws Thailand Scraps from Huge Stockpile of Covid-19 Vaccines

30 July 2021

The Swiss government donated 100 ventilators, more than 1 million rapid antigen test kits and other medical supplies. The 26 tons of donations arrived at Suvarnabhumi International Airport Thursday morning.

Sitting on tens of millions of surplus coronavirus vaccines, the West is taking small steps toward balancing the scales, donating millions of jabs to Thailand.

A bit more than 1.5 million doses of Pfizer Inc. vaccine arrived in Thailand from the United States at 4 a.m. this morning. But a stray comment about possible future donations from a U.S. senator sent Thailand's interwebs on fire Thursday, a sign of how desperate Thailand is for vaccines.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois – who is half Thai – said in an online forum that "the goal is 2.5 million" but made no actual commitment of more vaccine or any sort of timetable. Nonetheless, online scandal rags glammed onto the comment, reporting it as a hard fact that more vaccines were already coming. Even the U.S. embassy in Bangkok and the Thai Foreign Ministry tweeted it as a certainty. It's not. And, even if it is, the extra 1 million jabs aren't arriving anytime soon.

"We are working hard on getting more vaccines for Thailand," Michael Heath, chargé d'affaires at the U.S. embassy in Bangkok said in an interview published today. "The U.S. is committed to donating additional doses to nations in need as supply becomes available.

"I am not able to speculate on procurement, since those deals are made between the Thai government and private pharmaceutical companies," he added. "In sharing Covid-19 vaccine doses, the U.S. seeks to maximize and equitably share the number of vaccine doses available with the greatest number of countries."

The furor overshadowed the more-credible news that the United Kingdom reached into its large sack of surplus vaccine doses and pulled out a handful – 415,000 handfuls to be exact – for Thailand.

The AstraZeneca Plc. doses, enough to fully inoculate only 207,500 people, will arrive in August.

Meanwhile, the Swiss government donated 100 ventilators, more than 1 million rapid antigen test kits and other medical supplies. The 26 tons of donations arrived at Suvarnabhumi International Airport Thursday morning.

Of all the donations, the U.S. shipment of the Pfizer mRNA vaccines are the most-anticipated, given the growing objections to the government's reliance on less-effective Chinese vaccines.

Rumors have been rife that the highly sought jabs will go to Thailand's rich, politicians, police and celebrities, assertions the Public Health Ministry has failed to debunk.

The U.S. embassy is planning a news conference for today where Thai officials are expected to confirm that 645,000 of the 1.5 million doses will be given to the elderly, women at least 12 weeks pregnant, and the chronically ill.

"We would like to see those vaccines distributed to those who are most at-risk within countries, particularly healthcare workers on the front lines, the elderly, and people with underlying medical conditions," Charge d'affaires Heath said. "I am happy to see that Thai health officials share these priorities."

Another 150,000 doses will be given to foreign residents who meet the same criteria while 40,000 will be used to study the vaccine's efficacy against new variants. Five doses will be reserved for further research as Thailand is trying its hand at mRNA vaccines.

Thailand continues to move pathetically slowly in vaccinating the public, taking time off on holidays and weekends – four days this week – when people are not working and available to get shots. To date, only 5.6 percent of the public has been fully vaccinated. 

Thailand’s latest attempt to combat “fake news” by even jailing journalists for publishing the truth is the last gasp of a failing government unable to stop a raging coronavirus pandemic and fearful that a public uprising will oust for incompetent coup makers from power. Bangkok Herald

Fake News' Crackdown a Last Gasp From Thailand's Failing Gov't Unable to Control Covid-19

30 July 2021

Mock body bags lay on a picture of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to depict casualties of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, during an anti-government march from Democracy Monument to Government House, in Bangkok July 18.

Thailand's latest attempt to combat "fake news" by even jailing journalists for publishing the truth is the last gasp of a failing government unable to stop a raging coronavirus pandemic and fearful that a public uprising will oust for incompetent coup makers from power.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday ordered responsible agencies to take action against individuals spreading "fake news" about Covid-19 that might cause public confusion.

His Facebook post came in response to social media rumors that Bangkok's Bang Sue vaccination center would be shut down to prevent overcrowding. His health minister laughingly defended the disorganized, potential coronavirus superspreader that forms each day at the rail an illusion of "camera angles".

The Prime Minister said each ministry must establish a task force to check and correct fake news related to their areas of responsibility. The government's Anti-Fake News Center must check and verify the information and announce on their website, within 24 hours, that they are aware of the news or that a public inquiry has been submitted.

Prayut's dictate was codified in the Royal Gazette and issued in compliance with Section 9 of the emergency decree.

The same day, media veterans and organizations held an online seminar to slam the government for ignoring calls to stop its plans to impose such a measure as they say it will restrict media freedom.

According to Prayut's order, distribution of information causing public fear or distribution of distorted information causing misunderstanding and affecting national stability is prohibited. If false content is spread online, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission is required to inform internet service providers to check IP addresses and immediately suspend services.

The ISPs must report the details of their findings to the NBTC which is promptly required to lodge complaints and submit evidence to police to take legal action.

ISPs who fail to comply with the announcement will be considered to have failed to follow the requirements of their operating licenses and the NBTC will take further action against them.

"The emergency decree… has granted the prime minister broad powers… and has threatened the right to freedom of expression and access to information which is an integral component of the right to health, especially in the context of a global pandemic," Josef Benedict, a researcher at the global civil society alliance CIVICUS Monitor said.

"Attempts by the Thai authorities to crack down on misinformation and 'fake news' on social media seem to be a cover for repressive actions against those who are critical online of the government's handling of the pandemic rather than about protecting health," Benedict added.

Human rights group Internet Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw) pointed out that the term "fake" has been dropped from the new order, meaning the distribution of any information deemed to incite fear — regardless of its veracity — could be punished with prison time or a fine.

The move has raised concerns about how the authorities will interpret and enforce the new law, which could give them free rein to crack down on opponents.

"Thai authorities must address Covid-19 through measures that are human-rights compliant, using restrictions only as long as they are proportionate, temporary and clearly limited to what is necessary to protect public health," said Ming Yu Hah, Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director for Campaigns.

 "People should be able to comment freely on social media about the government's response to the COVID-19 crisis without any fear of facing criminal charges," she added. 

🔴 #COVID19 Update on Friday: 17,345 new cases and 117 deaths. Richard Barrow



Bangkok Post highlights 30/7



The southern resort island of Phuket will seal off from domestic visits from August 3rd – 16th, according to a Phuket provincial order dated today (Thursday), amid rising COVID-19 infections across Thailand that has slipped through the island as well. “Phuket needs to come up with measures that aim to reduce and restrict movements to contain the spread within the limit and level that public health systems can accommodate,” reads the announcement. PBS World

Phuket to seal off from domestic visits amid COVID surge, "sandbox" for overseas arrivals still underway

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The southern resort island of Phuket will seal off from domestic visits from August 3^rd – 16^th, according to a Phuket provincial order dated today (Thursday), amid rising COVID-19 infections across Thailand that has slipped through the island as well.

"Phuket needs to come up with measures that aim to reduce and restrict movements to contain the spread within the limit and level that public health systems can accommodate," reads the announcement.

The order bars domestic arrivals from land, sea, and air with the exception of ambulances, rescue vehicles, transports of medicines and medical supplies, transports of consumer goods, agricultural produce, livestock, fuel and gas, banks' cash, parcels and printed materials, international air departures, officials working to bring the pandemic under control and those with urgent assignments.

The "Phuket Sandbox" project, in which fully vaccinated and COVID-negative international arrivals are allowed into Thailand through Phuket beginning on July 1^st, will not be affected, but the Phuket Extension program which allows visitors to Phuket to travel to Surat Thani, Krabi and Phang Nga after a minimum of seven days in Phuket, may be postponed from August 1^st to 15^th the soonest, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Tanee Sangrat.

Phuket's daily infections rose from single digits to two last week, and stayed between 18-28 cases per day over the past week. It has logged a total of 1,016 cases in the current wave since April, compared to 145,223 in Bangkok which is seeing a few new thousand cases a day. 

Samui Plus programme teeters on brink. The Samui Plus scheme risks cancellation if infections double from the current rate, with the planned 7+7 island extension already postponed until the situation improves, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Bangkok Post

Samui Plus programme teeters on brink

Visitors arrive at Samui airport on July 15, when the island reopened to foreign tourists. (Photo: Supapong Chaolan)

The Samui Plus scheme risks cancellation if infections double from the current rate, with the planned 7+7 island extension already postponed until the situation improves, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said after a discussion with Koh Samui office and Surat Thani province on Thursday the reopening plan is still on, despite a record high in new infections.

However, if the infection rate grows to twice the current number of 22 cases in the next 1-2 days, the postponement or termination of the Samui Plus model will be considered, he said.

The plan for tourists to island-hop after a seven-day stay in Phuket, only recently approved, has already been put off due to the recent spread of the virus, said Mr Yuthasak.

Under the Samui Plus rules, if there are more than 20 Covid-19 cases logged at hospitals over two weeks, tourists have to stay in area quarantine facilities.

Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, president of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, said there are no severe Covid-19 cases on the island at the moment, but the island must prepare more beds to help with hospital caseloads.

Hotels are converting into "hospitels" with more than 200 beds for patients with mild symptoms.

If total cases at hospitals reach 40 within two weeks, the Covid-19 centre of Koh Samui plans to implement more stringent measures, or it could revoke the whole plan, said Mr Ratchaporn.

The island is conducting a search for people who visited Speedy Lounge & Bar on Lamai beach and Black Bamboo Club, which are linked to one of the new Covid-19 patients. He said local authorities are taking more decisive action against businesses that violate the regulations, especially bars and pubs.

"The plan is still to reopen because most new cases were locals, not foreign travellers," Mr Ratchaporn said.

The situation requires close monitoring, said Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, deputy governor of marketing for Asia and South Pacific at TAT.

Koh Samui tightened measures for domestic arrivals from dark red and red zones, requiring negative Covid-19 test results no more than 72 hours old, starting on July 26, even among the vaccinated. Only one foreign visitor tested positive out of 78 total arrivals on the island.