fredag 1 januari 2021

Thailand reports 279 new COVID-19 cases - 2 more deaths - Thai Visa

Thailand reports 279 new COVID-19 cases - 2 more deaths

 

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Thailand confirmed 279 new coronavirus cases on Friday, and two additional deaths.

 

Of the new cases, 273 were local transmissions and 6 were imported cases from people on repatriation flights and in state quarantine centers.

 

Samut Sakhon (89) and Chonburi (51) reported the most new cases.

 

Cases have now been reported in 53 Thai provinces.

 

There were 2 new deaths reported, while a further 33 people have been discharged from hospital.

 

2,827 people remain in hospital or held in a migrant worker quarantine centre.

 

Thursday's cases bring the total number of COVID-19 cases in Thailand to 7,163.

 

 

 The number of new infections and total cases in Thailand since 14 Dec is as follows:

 

14 Dec: +28 (4,237)

15 Dec: +9 (4,246)

16 Dec: +15 (4,261)

17 Dec: +20 (4,281)

18 Dec: +16 (4,297)

19 Dec: +34 (4,331)

20 Dec: +576 (4,907)

21 Dec: +382 (5,289)

22 Dec: +427 (5,716)

23 Dec: +46 (5,762)

24 Dec: +67 (5,829)

25 Dec: +81 (5,910)

26 Dec: +110 (6,020)

27 Dec: +121 (6,141)

28 Dec: +144 (6,285)

29 Dec: +155 (6,440)

30 Dec: +250 (6,690)

31 Dec: +194 (6,884)

1 Jan: +279 (7,163)
 

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Why should you consider to buy policy with excess?

 

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The Thai car insurance market is unique compared to other Asian market and worldwide. That's because most of the car insurance policies sold in Thailand are without excess. 

 

Based on our experience at Roojai.com, this is one of the reasons for the high number of road accidents in Thailand. Contrary to common belief, no-excess policies do not benefit the customer, the insurer or the overall society.  

The only winners in this context are the agents and brokers earning higher commissions on inflated insurance premiums.

 

What is the Insurance Excess?

The excess is the maximum amount that a driver will payout for an accident when they are at fault, or there is no third-party involved. It is, in simple words, the amount of risk that the driver retains before the insurer takes over the rest of the bill.

If the driver is not at fault in a car accident, they don't have to worry about the policy excess. The insurer will recover the damage from the third-party at fault, and the excess will not need to apply.

 

Here is an example.

Let's say a driver hits a pillar in a car park. They have a 5,000 THB excess on the car insurance policy, and the car repair bill is 12,000 THB. It means that the insurer will pay 7,000 THB, and the driver will pay 5,000 THB. It is pretty straightforward. If the car repair cost is 3,000 THB, the driver can repair the car, without submitting an insurance claim. In this way, the insurance premium and the No Claim Bonus will not be affected.

 

Here is why no-excess insurance is worse.

Most drivers believe it is better to have an insurance policy without excess. You have nothing to worry about, and the insurance company pays for everything in case of a car accident. It sounds great.

Not if you look a bit deeper on how car insurance prices work.

 

When there is no excess, every little damage becomes an insurance claim which requires the insurance company to intervene. For example, when someone reports a 3,000 THB claim for a small dent, the car insurance company will open a file and have a claim handler to send a surveyor to review the damage. Then they will discuss with the garage to approve the car repair. Afterwardsthey will receive a quotation from the garage, authorize it, receive an invoice and pay the invoice. That is a lot of people managing a lot of paperwork for a 3,000 THB insurance claim. The cost of handling an insurance claim is on average, about 2,000 THB, without including the actual repair. While customers may think they do not have to pay, the insurance premium calculation includes all these expenses, and they impact everybody.

 

Statistically, one accident out of two is for an insurance claim below 5,000 THB. These claims generate very high costs for insurance companies. The companies, of course, include these costs in the car insurance premiums.

 

Why are so many no-excess car insurance policies sold in Thailand?

If it is a lose/lose situation for both driver and insurer, why is no-excess insurance so common? The simple answer is because there is one big winner in the transaction: the intermediaries.

 

Agents' and brokers' remuneration is a percentage of the car insurance premium. They usually get paid 18% of the premium so the higher the insurance premium, the better for them. For this reason, they tend to promote insurance policies without excess with the simple message: 'It is much better for you. You don't have to pay for anything, and the insurer will pay every cost'. 

 

It is indeed a great simple message. But one that does not stand scrutiny because you are paying much more upfront than you should.

 

Let's have another example.

 

 

 

The average car repair cost is 10,000 THB per year.

An insurance company needs to manage all insurance claims, including small claims : 

On average, 3000 THB for the whole servicing of policy (issue policy, send documents, offices, etc.)

Out of the 3000, 1000 THB is for managing insurance claims, out of which 500 to manage small claims below 5000 THB.

Then the agents take 18% of the total car insurance premium.

So the total insurance premium is:

 

16,000 = 

10,000 (car repair cost) 

+ 

2,000 (insurance company expenses, non-claims) 

+ 

500 (manage claims of more than 5,000) 

+ 

500 (manage small car accidents) 

+ 

3,000 (broker agent commission % of insurance premium) 

 

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Now, continuing with our example, let's assume the customer choose excess insurance of 5,000.

On average, it will reduce the repair cost carried by the insurer to 5,000. 

It will also reduce the cost of managing insurance claims by 500 by removing the small claims. 

The cost without commission becomes 

5,000+2,000+500 = 7,500.

The intermediaries are taking 18% of the premium, but now the car insurance premium is 

5,000 + 2,000 + 500 + 1,600 = 9,100 

 

 

 

 

 

The customer would have to pay the excess when they have a car accident at fault or without a third-party, which is on average an additional 5000. 

That makes the total cost on average 9,100 + 5,000 = 14,100, which is a saving of 1,900 THB.

This saving comes mainly from the broker remuneration, reduced from 3000THB to 1600THB. Also, there is a 500THB in cost-saving from the insurance company since they don't have to manage small claims.

 

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One can easily understand that the main losers in this equation are the intermediaries, and that's why most intermediaries will advise you to buy a no-excess insurance policy.

 

Another benefit of excess insurance is that small insurance claims won't be reported. So, they won't impact the driving record of the insured driver with his insurance company. At the time of renewal, the driver can benefit from an improvement in its No Claim Bonus. 

 

Why would it benefit customers and society if more drivers used insurance policies with excess?

Another benefit of policies with excess is that drivers with an excess drive better. On average, people with insurance excess do fewer road accidents. If a driver knows that a car accident will generate a cost, he/she will take fewer risks. With a no excess insurance policy, the driver bears no consequences in a car accident. It would not be a big deal if that caused implications only for the driver and its car. Unfortunately, reckless driving has an obvious consequence which often can lead to injuries or death of other people. There is a correlation between the high number of road accidents in Thailand and the preponderance of zero excess insurance policies.

 

In conclusion, we strongly advocate for buying an insurance policy with excess to save money, for yourself and others, and to reduce the risk of road accidents.

 

Roojai.com online car insurance Expect more, save more


Restaurants in Pattaya allowed to re-open - Thai Visa

 Restaurants in Pattaya allowed to re-open

 

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In a sudden u-turn on the restrictions put in place in Pattaya on Wednesday, restaurants in the town have now been given the green light to re-open.

Several restaurateurs on Thursday confirmed to Thaivisa that the authorities have said they can reopen.

However, strict social distancing measures must be in place and alcohol served but only when dining. All restaurants must also close by 10pm.

Update - 16.55, now confirmed:

 

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Outbreak still spreading in Kingdom, says CCSA - Bangkok Post

Outbreak still spreading in Kingdom, says CCSA
People are boarding trains at the Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok on Wednesday. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)
People are boarding trains at the Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok on Wednesday. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)

Six provinces, including the capital, have been designated "maximum control zones" in the wake of the fresh Covid-19 outbreak that has spread to 51 provinces, forcing people to scale down their New Year celebrations or watch live broadcasts of year-end events at home.

Bangkok, Chon Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Rayong and Samut Sakhon were declared "maximum control zones" as each has registered more than 50 Covid-19 cases, with special measures in place to curb the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, eight provinces -- Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi, Samut Prakan, Saraburi and Tak -- were named "control zones", as each has logged between 11–50 confirmed Covid-19 infections.

In lieu of a nationwide lockdown, a Covid-19 zoning system is currently in place, with provinces falling into different zone category depending on the number of new cases and the rate of spread. Provinces with no more than 10 cases are categorised as "high surveillance zones", with disease control measures possible, while "surveillance zones" are provinces with no cases and little likelihood of an outbreak.

Thirty-seven provinces are classified as high surveillance zones, while 26 provinces see no infections and are thus considered surveillance zones.

Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said on Thursday the situation isn't yet fully under control, even though the number of new cases is dropping.

The CCSA reported 194 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday -- 181 local transmissions and 13 among quarantined arrivals -- raising the country's total to 6,884. On Wednesday, 250 new cases were recorded.

Of the new cases, 11 were linked to the Samut Sakhon cluster, 32 were close contacts of confirmed patients, were in crowded places and/or worked risky jobs, while one was linked to the cluster in Rayong. The remaining cases were still under investigation.

"Even though the cases dropped from Thursday, the situation is not yet reassuring. We still have to verify the information before going public with it," he said.

"The infections are now scattered in 51 provinces with Kanchanaburi, Maha Sarakham and Nong Khai being the latest additions."

Kanchanaburi governor, Jirakiat Poomsawat, said the patient there is a student from Rayong studying at Mahidol University's Sai Yok campus, whose mother was among the confirmed cases in Rayong.

Sai Yok district is a high surveillance zone, and the campus has switched to online classes and meetings until further notice.

Maha Sarakham governor Kiattisak Trongsiri said the patient there is a vendor in Samut Sakhon's Muang district, who returned to the province on Dec 20.

In Nong Khai, the patient is a vendor from Bangkok with travel history to the seafood market in Samut Sakhon between Dec 1–18. She was found to be infected on Dec 30.




Govt secures 2m early Covid vaccine doses - Bangkok Post

Govt secures 2m early Covid vaccine doses
Anutin: Talks underway
Anutin: Talks underway

Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday he had secured the supply of at least 2 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine for "between February and April".

He said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had on Wednesday directed him to discuss procurement with various producers so as to speedily acquire vaccines to help cope with the outbreak.

"Efforts and negotiations with vaccine producers mean that between February and April 2021, at least two million doses of the vaccine will be delivered to Thailand," Mr Anutin wrote on his Facebook account.

He added he had delivered the news to Gen Prayut, who had promised full budgetary support for the procurement, and the vaccine would first be distributed to at-risk people.

He did not name the vaccine he had secured. Nor is it known how long long the roll-out will take.

The government earlier signed an advance agreement with AstraZeneca for 26 million doses and the right to produce its Covid-19 vaccine in Thailand, but supplies are not expected before May.

After a virtual meeting with permanent secretary of public health Kiatiphum Wongrajit and the ministry's director-generals, Mr Anutin said yesterday he had been negotiating with vaccine producers to expedite supplies to Thailand.

He is also negotiating with AstraZeneca to buy a further 26 million doses, he said.

The minister has also asked the FDA and various agencies to expedite the process of allowing the vaccines to be used in Thailand.

Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said yesterday that ministers were in talks with many partner companies. 

Virtue will lead to cure: HM - Bangkok Post

 Virtue will lead to cure: HM
His Majesty the King appears on national television Thursday night to send his New Year best wishes to the public. (Photo: Royal Household Bureau)
His Majesty the King appears on national television Thursday night to send his New Year best wishes to the public. (Photo: Royal Household Bureau)

His Majesty the King has appealed to all Thais to conduct themselves with virtue and reason in order to overcome the Covid-19 crisis.

In a year-end televised broadcast on Thursday evening, the King said Thais should appreciate their rich culture, which exhibits virtue, beauty and progress -- the foundation of life and mind.

The cultural traits are also evident in the traditions, rites, language, arts, technology and the disposition of the people, which explains how Thais, whoever and wherever they are, can find the ties which bring them together, he said.

Thais should all understand the value of virtue, beauty and progress and remain secure and strong in being reasonable and truthful.

His Majesty the King issued a New Year greeting card wishing the best for Thais. The card features the emblems of the Chakri dynasty and those of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana as well as Their Majesties' signatures and picture. (Photo: Royal Household Bureau)

People should continue, preserve and build on these fine qualities while staying true to their virtues, which will enable them to overcome the health crisis.

Knowledge, understanding and cooperation will lead the country to happiness, security and progress, he said.

His Majesty also sought the blessings of sacred forces and His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great to protect the people and give them health, support and wisdom which would bring about happiness and prosperity to the nation.

In addition, the King issued a New Year greeting card, wishing the best for all Thais. The cover features the emblems of the Chakri dynasty and those of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana.

Inside the card, a message on the left-hand side says "Royally-Bestowed New Year Wishes BE 2564" with the signatures of Their Majesties.

On the right-hand side of the card is the picture of Their Majesties the King and Queen taken during the ceremony of the Assumption of the Royal Residence, which was part of the Royal Coronation Ceremony in May 2019.

Well-wishers can sign a book to express their New Year wishes to Their Majesties at the Sala Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion inside the Grand Palace from 9am to 5pm.


Chon Buri is ready for more visitors - Bangkok Post



Chon Buri is ready for more visitors

The Mahachai train station market in Samut Sakhon lies deserted after strict measures were imposed restricting transport and people's movements into the province. It is one of several clusters blamed for the new Covid-19 outbreak. (Photo by Arnun Chonmahatrakool)
The Mahachai train station market in Samut Sakhon lies deserted after strict measures were imposed restricting transport and people's movements into the province. It is one of several clusters blamed for the new Covid-19 outbreak. (Photo by Arnun Chonmahatrakool)

The governor of Chon Buri yesterday denied the province was under lockdown and said local authorities were actually considering an easing of restrictions to draw visitors back to the seaside province.

Pak­khathorn Thianchai, who is also chairman of the provincial communicable disease committee, said Chon Buri was also open to outsiders and they would not have to self-quarantine when they returned home.

The province saw a sharp spike in Covid-19 infections on Wednesday -- there were 108 new cases in a single day -- but the number dropped sharply to 16 yesterday.

Mr Pak­khathorn said an easing of restrictions would be considered by the committee when there was sufficient evidence that the virus was not spreading.

He also called on anyone who had been at risk of infection to take a Covid-19 test, saying the public should not be worried by the recent rise in cases.

"People shouldn't be worried about the number of infections as long as we can contain the spread," he said.

"That means we know how many patients there are and they will receive proper medical care."

Meanwhile, the Chon Buri police chief has been transferred to an inactive post in Bangkok after it was reported that a person infected with Covid-19 had visited an illegal gambling den in the province.

The order transferring Pol Maj Gen Prakarn Prachong to the operations centre of the Royal Thai Police Office was signed by national police chief Pol Gen Suwat Jangyodsuk, effective from Wednesday.

In a separate order signed by the police chief, Pol Maj Gen Thiti Saengsawang, deputy commissioner of the Provincial Police Region 1, was made acting Chon Buri police chief.

Pol Maj Gen Prakarn's transfer was prompted by reports the Chon Buri public health office had issued a notice for people who had been at two gambling dens to carefully monitor their health, after a person who was infected with Covid-19 said he had frequented both venues.

One venue was reportedly near a bus terminal in Rayong's Muang district and the other in North Pattaya.

Pol Gen Wissanu Prasarttong-Osoth, inspector-general at the Royal Thai Police Office, led an investigation. His report confirmed the existence of both gambling dens and recommended disciplinary action against the officers involved.

Pol Gen Suwat then transferred the Rayong police chief on Monday.