The cabinet on Tuesday approved in principle a one-year Medical Treatment Visa to attract foreigners with purchasing power. Bangkok Post

Cabinet approves new medical visa

Visitors arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport on Nov 1, the first day of the country's reopening. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)

The cabinet on Tuesday approved in principle a one-year Medical Treatment Visa to attract foreigners with purchasing power.

Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the Medical Treatment Visa, or Non-MT visa, would be available for patients who needed medical services in Thailand and include up to three supporters per patient. 

The one-year and multiple-entry Medical Treatment Visa will not be renewable. Visa holders will be able to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days per arrival, but could seek permission for continuous stays if their medical treatment requires that. For this, they must present medical certificates issued by public or private hospitals or medical institutes in the government sector. 

The Medical Treatment Visa targets visitors who need continuous medical treatment and their supporters, Ms Rachada said. It will enhance the country's competitive edge in line with government policy to promote Thailand as an international medical hub. 

Foreigners eligible for the new visa are patients who need medical services in areas that Thailand has mastered. These include anti-aging medicine, health rehabilitation, plastic surgery, dentistry and treatment for cancer and cardiovascular disease, she said. 

Patients and followers must each show bank statements with deposits of at least 800,000 baht and have accident and Covid-19 insurance cover in Thailand for at least US$100,000, or about 3 million baht. 

Patients must make appointments with their hospitals or clinics 30 days in advance, Ms Rachada said.  

Top 10 provinces November 30th.



TUI resumes Phuket flights from Copenhagen - Phuket News

TUI resumes Phuket flights from Copenhagen

PHUKET: TUI Fly Airlines, operating under the umbrella group of major international travel operator TUI, resumed its direct flights from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Phuket yesterday (Nov 29), bringing 345 foreigner travellers to the island.

TUI Fly Airlines Flight 6B371 touched down at Phuket International Airport at 10:45am.

Present to welcome the arrivals at Gate 11 was Phuket Airport Deputy Director Kanyarat Suthipattanakit and a host of airport and airline representatives.

Airports of Thailand Phuket branch (AoT Phuket) marked that the flight was the first TUI flight from the Danish capital since the Test and Go tourism entry scheme was launched on Nov 1.

Phuket airport has been gearing up to receive larger tour groups arriving in light of the rising number of arrivals since Nov 1, AoT Phuket reported.

The airport saw 754 flights by 18 airlines operate on Nov 21, AoT Phuket confirmed. For Dec 21 the airport is already scheduled to operate 1,351 flights by 23 airlines.

Manat Sotharat, Deputy Director of Phuket Airport Operations and Maintenance, led a meeting last Friday specifically to discuss works needed to be done in order to ensure the airport was ready to receive such groups, the operator added.

The meeting came one day before Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew, Vice Governor Piyapong Choowong and Phuket Tourist Association President Bhummikitti Raktaengam welcome a delegation of Ambassadors and spouses on Saturday (Nov 27) for the "Ambassador's Trip to Phuket 2021".

During the visit, the ensemble of diplomats will tour the island to review its readiness to receive tourists, and then report back to their home nations, AoT noted in a separate report.

According to the Phuket Immigration Daily Report posted earlier today, a total of 36,366 people had arrived on the island from abroad from Nov 1-29.

Of those, 24,275 were Test and Go arrivals (22,796 foreigners, 1479 Thais), 11,951 were Sandbox arrivals (11565 foreigners, 386 Thais) and 140 arrived under the Alternative Quarantine requirements (135 foreigners, 5 Thais).

Russians now top international arrivals to Phuket with 5,071 Russian nationals landing on the island from Nov 1-29, followed by Germans (4,870), British nationals 2,919, United States nationals (2,151) and Israel nationals (2,173). Thai nationals accounted for 1,870 arrivals.

From July 1 - Nov 29, a total of 96,913 international arrivals landed on the island, Phuket Immigration noted.

PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says PCR tests will remain a requirement for foreign arrivals | Thaiger

PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says PCR tests will remain a requirement for foreign arrivals

By 

Caitlin Ashworth

Tuesday, November 30, 2021 15:39

PM Prayut Chan-o-cha (November 2021) | Photo courtesy of the Royal Thai Government

Thailand will continue using the RT-PCR method to screen arrivals for Covid-19 as a preventative measure to keep the Omicron variant from reaching Thai soil. PM Prayut Chan-o-cha announced today that the Cabinet decided to reverse the CCSA's decision to change the testing method to the faster, yet less reliable ATK method. The Thai government says the order on PCR tests for arrivals will soon be published in the Royal Gazette.

On Friday, the CCSA had decided to change the testing method for vaccinated travellers from 63 approved countries entering under the Test & Go quarantine exemption scheme. The change was set to start on December 16. The rapid test was intended to make the entry process more convenient.

But with news over the weekend of the emergence of the Omicron variant, which has several mutations and is designated as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organisation, Thai officials held an emergency meeting to discuss preventive measures.

The Thai government has also suspended the issuance of the Thailand Pass QR code to those from eight African countries considered to be at high risk of the Omicron variant. Those entering Thailand from other countries in Africa will be required to undergo a 14 day quarantine at a certified hotel or facility and take three PCR tests before they are released.

he Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 170 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with one new death, November 30th. Pattaya News

Chonburi announces 170 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and one new death

Tuesday, 30 November 2021, 12:07

Highlights:

• 170 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today

• 219 people recovered and were released from medical care

• 1 new death

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 170 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with one new death, November 30th.

This makes a total of 107,639 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 2,089 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 760 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April.

Additionally, 219 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 104,790 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began.

Only four cases out of 2,089 were listed as being in serious condition in Chonburi currently, either on a ventilator or pneumonia.

The one new death was a 91-year-old female elder who had personal health problems and was not vaccinated.

In total, 1,834,307 people in Pattaya and Chonburi have received their first dose of a Covid -19 vaccine which is 78.76 percent of the total Chonburi population. Of those, 287,999 have received their first dose and are what the Thai government calls 608 groups (elders, have chronic health problems, and pregnant) which is 77.85 percent of those in these risk groups in Chonburi.

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Mueang Chonburi 35, Si Racha 38, Banglamung (Pattaya) 58, Panat Nikhom 3, Sattahip 7, Ban Bueng 1, Phan Thong 8, Bor Thong 1, soldiers in Sattahip 11, and 8 people transferred from other provinces for medical care.

The details on the cases are as follows:

1. Cluster, soldiers in Sattahip, 11 cases
2. Work and stayed in Rayong, transferred from other provinces for medical care, 13 cases
3. Risky occupations meeting many people, 4 cases
4. 1 medical personnel
5. Close contacts from previously confirmed cases in families – 54 cases, in workplaces – 39 cases, close friends – 3 cases and joined parties – 4 cases
6. Close contact of a confirmed patient (under investigation), 11 cases
7. 30 close contacts of a confirmed patient (under investigation)

🚘 24 hour road accident report for 29/11/2021: 70 deaths and 3,411 injuries. Deaths include one child and one foreigner. 78% of the deaths were motorcyclists. 🇹🇭 TOTAL FOR 2021: 12,120 deaths and 784,536 injuries. Richard Barrow



Thailand reports 4,306 new COVID-19 cases, 37 deaths, 6,407 recoveries. Dr. Supakit asserted that if Omicron variants make their way into the country, his department will quickly discover them as the variant identification process at 15 medical science centers nationwide is now being adjusted to focus on the Omicron variant. ASEAN NOW / NNT



File photo: REUTERS

 

Thailand on Tuesday (November 30) reported 4,306 new COVID-19 cases, 6,407 recoveries and 37 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. 

 

▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 4,183. Prisons: 123

▶︎ Recoveries: 6,407

▶︎ Total infections since April 1: 2,087,009

▶︎ Total recoveries since since April 1: 1,992,002

 

Tuesday's cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,115,872 with 20,771 deaths.

 

The news comes as public health authorities have now confirmed that the RT-PCR method is capable of detecting the new variant and the method is still in use globally.

 

Department of Medical sciences Director-General Supakit Sirilak said his department has been constantly checking the genomes of the coronavirus and feeding reports into the GISAID global database that provides access to genomic data of influenza viruses. With the appearance of the Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19, which is considered a variant of concern by the World Health Organization, the department has yet to discover the variant among 8 recently collected samples or from the 75 other samples collected since Thailand's reopening to international visitors on November 1. All of the said samples were of the Delta variant and subvariants.

 

Dr. Supakit asserted that if Omicron variants make their way into the country, his department will quickly discover them as the variant identification process at 15 medical science centers nationwide is now being adjusted to focus on the Omicron variant. 

*NNT contributed to this report

🔴 #COVID19 update on Tuesday: ⬇️ 4,306 new cases ⬆️ 1,744 probable cases (ATK) ⬆️ 37 deaths. Richard Barrow



Bangkok Post highlights 30/11

 

Entry Restrictions on Travelers from Countries at Risk of Omicron. The CAAT has also asked all airlines flying to Thailand to screen their passengers, especially those travelling from the eight African countries, and to inform them of the travel restrictions imposed by Thailand. PRD



Entry Restrictions on Travelers from Countries at Risk of Omicron

Starting from 1 December 2021 onwards, the entry of travelers from eight African countries into Thailand will be banned, as part of Thailand's measures to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 variant, known as Omicron.

The eight countries include Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Although travelers from these countries were previously granted permission to enter Thailand through the Thailand Pass system, all permissions will expire from 1 December 2021.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) on 27 November 2021 notified all airlines worldwide about the entry ban and other travel restrictions imposed by the Thai government.

In this notification, if travelers from the eight countries arrive in Thailand from 28 November at 00.01 hr to 30 November at 23.59 hr, a 14-day quarantine is required immediately, regardless of the type of travel permission they have received.

As for travelers from other African countries, who have already received entry permits, they may enter Thailand until 14 December 2021. From 15 December onwards, they will be required to stay in quarantine for 14 days, regardless of the type of permits granted to them.

The CAAT has also asked all airlines flying to Thailand to screen their passengers, especially those travelling from the eight African countries, and to inform them of the travel restrictions imposed by Thailand.

 

🟣 National Vaccination Rollout: 💉 Mon 22nd: 347,556 💉 Tue 23rd: 557,392 💉 Wed 24th: 574,772 💉 Thu 25th: 266,114 💉 Fri 26th: 922,987 💉 Sat 27th: 467,240 💉 Sun 28th: 235,121 🔴 TOTAL: 92,360,417 doses since 28 Feb 👫🧍🏼👬 57.0% of the population fully vaccinated. Richard Barrow



“We are taking the step as an emergency precaution to prevent a worst-case scenario in #Japan,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said. He said the measure will take effect Tuesday. #Omicron Read more: https://thaip.bs/keKuwDJ





Border, Not Omicron, Biggest Threat, But PCR Tests May Remain for Tourists. Doctors say antigen tests insufficient, but even PCR tests may not detect variant. He also proposed that anyone arriving from any country where even a single Omicron case has been found be required to quarantine for two weeks. Bangkok Herald

Border, Not Omicron, Biggest Threat, But PCR Tests May Remain for Tourists

29 November 2021

Thailand is keeping one eye on the new coronavirus Omicron variant, but the other clearly fixed on land borders.

While public health officials are urging the public not to panic, they also are taking steps to ensure the highly mutated variant stays outside the country.

Like many other nations, Thailand banned travelers from South Africa, where the variant originated, and seven other countries. It also is urging provincial officials to maintain strict preventive measures. At least one doctor is urging the government to delay the announced change from RT-PCR Covid-19 to antigen testing for arriving tourists in light of Omicron.

Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, said all 1,007 visitors from southern Africa who recently arrived in Thailand have tested negative for Covid-19 bt are being kept in isolation as part of their "sandbox" entry.

According to the Department of Medical Sciences, Thailand has not detected the Omicron variant. All private hospitals are requested to submit specimens from all Covid-19 patients to be genetically sequenced to identify each individual's strain and its prevalence.

The Public Health Ministry urged the public to stay calm amidst fears of the Omicron variant having been found in many countries, arguing that the real virus threat – from the older delta, beta and alpha variants – continues to be migrants sneaking or being smuggled across the border.

The coronavirus epidemic in Myanmar remains critical. Meanwhile, migrants are returning to Thailand for jobs, as many as 400,000 in coming weeks. Insufficient testing and quarantine could result in another outbreak among migrant workers that sparked Thaland's second wave late last year.

Doctors are urging increased, active testing among all migrant workers and refugees.

Other medical experts are going farther. They want the government to drop its plans to switch from RT-PCR to antigen tests for arriving tourists, planned for Dec. 16.

Even though only 149 of 116,323 people – 0.13 percent – arriving in Thailand by air since Nov. 1 have tested positive for Covid-19 upon entry, conservative Chulalongkorn University Dr. Theera Warathanarat said a switch to less-reliable antigen tests could mean quick quick spread of Omicron when, not if, it arrives in Thailand.

He also proposed that anyone arriving from any country where even a single Omicron case has been found be required to quarantine for two weeks. That currently would include Hong Kong, Australia, Germany, the U.K., Netherlands and Israel.

However, even current PCR tests might not detect Omicron. Ramathibodi Hospital Centre for Medical Genomics said on its Facebook page Saturday that it used PCR test kits approved by the World Health Organization to test 115 Omicron samples and found "some PCR test kits may give weakly positive or false negative as the virus may have a growth advantage."

The government last week imposed a total ban on arrivals from eight African countries including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Malawi effective since Saturday.

Meanwhile, those who already have permission to enter Thailand must arrive before Dec. 15 and will be subject to state quarantine for 14 days and three Covid-19 tests.