Experts say construction of field hospitals necessary before hospitals overflow
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Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital, Dr. Prasit Watanapa, said today that field hospitals are necessary, especially in areas experiencing increasing numbers of COVID-19 infections. These temporary facilities are intended for asymptomatic and mild-symptoms patients, separating them from the general public.
Dr. Prasit said, if we do not start setting up field hospitals now, the outbreak in Thailand will get worse. He said field hospital is one of the tools for containing the outbreak, and enable the effective management of limited resources.
Dr. Prasit said this wave of infections appears to stem from illegal activities, such as gambling dens, and migrant trafficking, making contact tracing a challenge. Many people do not tell the truth about their whereabouts and attempt to conceal their movements, so many have still not been isolated. He believes that, ultimately, the number of cases will exceed the number of hospital beds available, with many hospitals in high-risk areas already sending that signal.
Health Ministry expects COVID-19 cases to increase over next two weeks
BANGKOK (NNT) - Health authorities are now expecting the number of cases in the current wave of COVID-19 infections will continue to increase over the next two weeks, asking people visiting high-risk areas to monitor their symptoms for 14 days.
Dr Sophon Iamsirithavorn, Director of the Division of Communicable Diseases at the Department of Communicable Diseases has warned that the number of COVID-19 cases in Thailand is expected to continue growing in provinces that have already reported a number of confirmed cases in this wave of the outbreak.
The new wave of COVID-19 in Thailand started with the discovery of a COVID-19 cluster in the migrant worker community in Samut Sakhon linked to a wholesale shrimp market.
The situation has since escalated with cases now reported in 56 provinces of Thailand, with new cases linked to gambling dens in some provinces, as well as nightclubs and restaurants in the Pinklao district of western Bangkok.
Dr Sophon said tougher disease control measures and social measures are needed to help contain the spread, with the goal now being to minimize fatalities from COVID-19 as much as possible, while ensuring the healthcare system has enough capacity to treat the general public.
Health officials are currently urging members of the public who have visited at-risk areas to monitor their symptoms for 14 days, and to seek medical attention at a nearby healthcare facility should they exhibit any symptoms. They are reminded to be cautious of the possibility that if infected, they could spread the virus to children and elders in their family.
The Thai government has set a target to vaccinate half the population against COVID-9. Dr Sophon said that the health authorities must first ensure the safety of each vaccine along with its efficacy, as some vaccines may have undesirable side effects that could even lead to death in some cases.
Thailand has made an advance purchase of vaccine to combat COVID-19 from AstraZeneca, with Siam Bioscience being the local manufacturing partner. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved for use in the UK, but is still pending approval from Thailand's Food and Drugs Administration.
The government earlier revealed it will also be procuring additional dosages of vaccines for Thailand, with the first batch of vaccines from China's Sinovac expected to arrive as early as late-February.
Med anledning av den omfattande spridningen av det nya coronaviruset och den snabbt föränderliga och osäkra situationen som råder för resande avråder UD från icke nödvändiga resor till många länder inklusive Thailand.
UD beslutade den 9 november 2020 att förlänga avrådan från icke nödvändiga resor till Thailand till den 31 januari 2021. Läs mer om avrådan här.
Ambassaden sammanställer efter bästa förmåga löpande information om nya restriktioner som meddelas för genomförande nationellt. Ambassaden kan inte ansvara för riktigheten i informationen. Var och en uppmanas följa utvecklingen noggrant genom att följa myndigheters anvisningar.
Om COVID-19 i Thailand
Den senaste tidens utbrott av Covid-19, som nu bekräftats i 57 provinser, leder till nedstängningar och skärpta restriktioner i Thailand. Uppdaterad statistik över antalet smittade och vilka provinser som drabbats finns här.
Lokala myndigheten Bangkok Metropolitan Administration meddelade i helgen att man skärper sina restriktioner ytterligare och stänger ner sportcenter, nöjesställen, parker m.m. från och med den 2 januari. Fullständig lista finns här.
Från och med den 7 januari införs reserestriktioner i fem provinser; Samut Sakhon, Chon Buri, Rayong, Trat och Chanthaburi.
Restriktioner kan innebära krav om hälsokontroll, friskintyg och karantän eller att en person nekas resa vidare. Läs mer här.
Enligt information i media planerar flera provinser skärpa restriktionerna de kommande dagarna.
Ambassaden uppmanar svenskar att följa lokala myndigheters anvisningar samt vara beredd på att dessa kan vidta ytterligare åtgärder med kort varsel.
Det thailändska hälsoministeriet har satt upp en hjälplina dit man kan ringa för att ställa frågor om COVID-19, och få information om när och var man ska söka vård. Ringer man från Thailand är numret 1422 och från utlandet +66 2 590 30 00.
Ambassaden uppmanar svenska medborgare att följa händelseutvecklingen, följa lokala myndigheters anvisningar samt vara beredda på att lokala myndigheterna kan vidta ytterligare åtgärder.
Ambassaden uppmanar även svenska resenärer att anmäla sig till Svensklistan. Det är även viktigt att du avregistrerar dig när du inte längre befinner dig i Thailand.
Undantagstillstånd
Sedan den 26 mars 2020 råder undantagstillstånd i Thailand som följd av pandemin. Det gäller nu till och med midnatt den 28 februari 2021. Undantagstillståndet ger premiärministern stora befogenheter att vidta åtgärder. Åtgärder annonseras löpande genom dagliga tillkännagivanden.
Utegångsförbudet i Thailand upphörde den 15 juni.
Ambassaden uppmanar svenska medborgare att alltid bära med sig sitt pass. Resenärer bör vara medvetna om att de kan bli placerade i karantän om de uppvisar symptom eller anländer från områden som är drabbade av coronavirusutbrott.
Begränsningar för resande in till Thailand
Under rådande förhållande med COVID-19 måste du som vill resa in i Thailand bl.a. ha ett giltigt visum. Detta gäller även svenska medborgare som tidigare kunna resa in i landet utan visum.
Alla inresande till Thailand, inklusive svenska medborgare, måste fullfölja 14 dagars karantän i statlig karantän eller alternativ statlig karantän (ASQ).
Gällande inresa till Thailand, vänligen ta kontakt med thailändsk ambassad.
Förlängning av besöket i Thailand (COVID-19 förlängning)
Den thailändska regeringen beslutade att förlänga visumamnestin för utländska medborgare i Thailand till och med den 31 oktober 2020. Det gäller turistviseringar som löpt ut efter den 26 mars 2020.
Måste du förlänga din vistelse i Thailand på grund av hälsoskäl, kontakta din läkare för intyg till immigrationsmyndigheten. Ambassaden utfärdar inga hälsointyg.
Folkhälsomyndigheten är ansvarig myndighet i Sverige för frågor kring smittspridning. Folkhälsomyndigheten följer utvecklingen kontinuerligt och uppdaterar sin websida löpande. Läs frågor och svar om viruset här och för mer information om utbrottet läs här.
Royal Thai Navy presents third field hospital to Chonburi government
Chonburi-
The Royal Thai Navy has presented a brand new field hospital for Covid-19 patients to the Chonburi Government earlier this week, increasing the number of beds and care available in the area for those who test positive.
Field hospitals are designed for patients who test positive for Covid-19 but are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms. Those with more serious conditions go to a regular hospital or a "hospitel" for those with moderate or recovering conditions. Thailand has a policy that anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 must stay in a form of hospital until they are declared "free" of the virus by health care staff, even if asymptomatic, and does not allow home isolation.
At 10:00 AM on January 6th, 2021, Admiral Teerakul Kanjana Chief of Staff of the Navy officially handed over the new field hospital to Phakthorn Thianchai, Chonburi Governor at the Combat Air Command and Coast Guard Training Center in Sattahip.
The field hospital consists of one administrative building and four receiving buildings that can accommodate a maximum of 320 patients according to Admiral Teerakul.
This is the third field hospital the Royal Thai Navy has put together for Chonburi and in total between the three hospitals they can house approximately 726 patients. As of press time the three hospitals had a total of 127 people, although this number will change often depending on people testing negative for Covid-19 twice and being released. As stated above, field hospitals are primarily for observation purposes for those who are asymptomatic or extremely mild symptoms.
The Royal Thai Navy is also working on many other field hospitals around Thailand currently ensuring they are prepared and ready should the situation with Covid-19 escalate in Thailand.
People operate heavy machinery to clear and drill during the construction of a field hospital at the 100-rai Watthana Factory project site in Samut Sakhon, an epicentre of the new wave of Covid-19 infections. The field hospital, costing five billion baht to build, will be equipped with 1,000 beds for Covid-19 patients.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday urged people to download onto their smartphone a Covid-19 contact-tracing app called "Mor Chana". However, there would be no punishments for those who do not download it, so long as they inform officials of their travel plans when crossing provincial borders.
His remark came on Thursday afternoon after an announcement made by Taweesilp Visanuyothin, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesman. He said use of the app would be mandatory in the declared maximum-control zones, a statement that was strongly opposed by some critics and sparked uproar online.
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One Covid death, 305 new cases
The government on Thursday reported 305 new Covid-19 cases - 193 local infections, 109 from active testing and three arrivals - raising the total to 9,636, and one more death lifted the fatality toll to 67.
Many pointed towards the fact that there are many Thais who still don't have access to a smartphone and would be unable to download the app.
The CCSA spokesman earlier told a daily press briefing on the Covid-19 situation that people would have to install the Mor Chana app onto their mobile phones and use it together with Thai Chana, an app used for checking into and out of public places.
This mandate was meant to strictly apply to people residing in areas declared maximum-control zones who might otherwise be liable to a jail term of up to two years and/or a fine of up to 40,000 baht if found violating the directive, he said.
"Anyone who is infected with Covid-19 and fails to have downloaded the Mor Chana app will be regarded as having intentionally defied the directive and may face up to two years in prison and a maximum fine of 40,000 baht, not to mention more punishments for covering up their travel history," he said.
For the five provinces in the "maximum and strict control zones," namely Rayong, Chon Buri, Trat, Chanthaburi and Samut Sakhon, travellers leaving those provinces will need travel permits issued by their local leaders identifying the need to travel and their itinerary.
Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul later on Thursday responded to growing public frustrations over the Mor Chana app mandate announced on Thursday morning, saying in a Facebook post he had already convinced the PM that the mandate would be a burden to many people.
He was prepared to ameliorate the government's stance.
"The PM has agreed with my explanation and will amend the order (requiring all people to have the Mor Chana app on their smartphones) and allow the use of paper-based [Covid-19 contact-tracing] instead," said Mr Anutin.
Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said anyone who feels uncomfortable with using the Mor Chana app may instead record his or her travel history and submit his or her travel itinerary at a Covid-19 checkpoint when travelling.
However, if that person is later proved to have covered up his or her travel information intentionally in a situation that may cause a new spread of Covid-19, the person will be held responsible for such actions, said the spokesman.
Dr Taweesilp said he relayed the CCSA's announcement of the Mor Chana app mandate as he intended it to be a call for public cooperation to stem the spread of Covid-19 via use of the mobile app.
It's been almost a month since the first new Covid-19 case was reported in this new wave of the pandemic and although the curve of new infections detected isn't very steep, the situation is still worrying, which justified the use of this control measure along with other key measures, he said.
Other measures include declaring Samut Sakhon, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat as Covid-19 maximum control zones and cracking down on the illegal smuggling of migrants and illegal gambling houses, he said.
Gen Prayut and Mr Anutin have also agreed on a proposal for every province to set up its own field hospital for treating Covid-19 infected patients so they would not have to be transferred to another province, said Dr Taweesilp.
As soon as the Mor Chana app directive was announced by Dr Taweesilp on Thursday, it sparked strong criticism, which was regarded by some critics as a violation of people's rights.
Ponson Liengboonlertchai, a law lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, said compulsion could be against the constitution as it would result in a burden on the public and would severely limit their rights and freedom, an act prohibited under Section 26 of the charter.
Mr Anucha also assured the government now has the ability to pool budgetary resources of up to two trillion baht to fund its new Covid relief measures.
People are waiting for travel permits in Trat province on Thursday. (Photo: Jakkrit Waewklaihong)
Emotions ran high at a number of district offices, where residents of eastern provinces which had been declared maximum and strict Covid-19 control areas were seen queuing for hours to get a permit to travel.
Within the first hour of opening, the district office at Rayong's Muang district saw more than 100 people stream in to apply for travel permits. As the day progressed, the sheer number of applicants forced authorities to move the dedicated booth to a meeting hall which offered more space.
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"The movement restriction came out of the blue. All of a sudden, everyone has to get in line to get a piece of paper to leave the province," said Sorot Chamchuen, 69, a vegetable trader based in Rayong, who routinely picks up produce from the distribution centre at Talad Thai market in Pathum Thani.
"We're afraid of breaking the law, on top of our fears of contracting Covid-19."
A Rayong-based shrimp vendor, who asked not to be named, said, "Before the authorities announce a regulation that must be followed, they need to think of the people and give them enough time to prepare first."
She said that even officials seemed ill-prepared to enforce the new restrictions, which were recently published in the Royal Gazette and put into immediate effect.
The new restriction, which applies to Chon Buri, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Samut Sakhon and Trat, requires those seeking to travel outside their home provinces to secure a permit from their local district office.
All of the provinces affected by the movement curbs are on the eastern seaboard, with the exception of Samut Sakhon.
Until the curb is lifted, residents of those provinces are only allowed to travel to other regions for essential and/or emergency purposes. In order to secure a permit, applicants must produce their national identity cards, along with other documents to vouch for the trip.
The rule has come under criticism from affected residents, as the permits are only valid for one day only. Those who are caught travelling outside their home provinces may face jail time, a fine, or both.
Just like in Rayong, the Muang district office in Chon Buri was packed with people seeking to get a travel permit, and very few people maintained social distancing, it was observed.
Prakasit Sueksongkram, assistant chief of Muang district office, said the office has opened a dedicated booth to process the permit applications, adding the booth operates around the clock. Despite that, a permit seeker who declined to be named, told the Bangkok Post that he had yet to receive his permit despite having queued for 2.5 hours since 6am.
The man, a hired hand based in Chon Buri who needed to commute to work in Samut Prakan, said the requirement is impractical. "It's troublesome. But it's the rule," he said.
Officers at the booth said it was up to the governor and district chiefs to decide if issuing a weekly pass for the sake of convenience would be worth the infection risk.
Similarly packed scenes could be seen at other district offices in other provinces.
In Trat, Jutarat Chumsawasdi, assistant chief of Khao Saming district, was present at the permit-issuing booth to sign the permits and speed up the process.
She said while more than 200 people sought to apply for travel permits on Thursday, many did not understand the application steps, which needed explaining.
Udomsilp Jamkham, a Trat resident, said he delivers goods every day to Si Sa Ket. He said he is planning to ask for several passes in advance.
CCSA spokesman clarifies threat of jail for not using MorChana app
CCSA spokesman Taweesin Visanuyothin
Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesman Taweesin Visanuyothin apologised on Thursday for sparking public uproar with his threat of prison for people who conceal their travel information.
Netizens vented anger after Taweesin announced that people might be jailed for not installing the MorChana contact-tracing app on their phones. Social media users pointed out that many people don't have smartphones capable of running apps.
Taweesin responded by apologising for the confusion on his personal Facebook. He clarified that the legal penalty only applied to Covid-positive individuals in the 28 "red" provinces who have no records of travel, including on the MorChana app. The penalty – up to two years in jail and/or a maximum fine of Bt40,000 – would be strictly applied in the five locked down provinces of Samut Sakhon, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat, he said.
The MorChana app identifies the Covid status of users according to four colour codes – from green for low risk to red for high risk – and tracks their location.
Popular Facebook medic Mor Lab Panda (aka Parkpoom Dejhutsadin) said on Thursday afternoon that Taweesin had assured him that Covid patients who do not own a smartphone will not face charges if they cooperate with health officials. Parkpoom said the CCSA just wanted to encourage people to install the application as a powerful tool to investigate and track timelines.
How to register for inter provincial travel in and out of high control zones, including Chonburi
Chonburi-
The Pattaya News first published the orders by the Royal Government Gazette yesterday afternoon after it was released regarding five provinces being placed under the highest state of control, including needing officials' permission for interprovincial (not inter-district) travel.
We now have more information on the process, however, it is important to note this is a fluid and evolving process and details are changing quickly, sometimes even within minutes. It is also important to remember as officials continue to stress this is NOT A LOCKDOWN OR A BAN, but it is a set of strict travel measures and regulations.
First, the five provinces are Chonburi (Pattaya), Rayong, Trat, Nonthaburi, and Samut Sakorn. It involves entering and leaving the province. We are going to focus on needing to leave as that is the majority of our readers. If you need to enter you will need to visit the district office of the district you are currently in or contact them for the process.
According to Mr. Amnat Charoensri, the Banglamung District Chief, the process is to obtain a registration letter from the Banglamung District Office in Chonburi (Can also go to Muang Pattaya District Office, Municipality Office Subdistrict Administrative Organization Or your village headman's village head office) to certify the importance and need of traveling inter provincially between high control zones of the five provinces listed above. If you are not in Pattaya/Banglamung you can go to the district office in your local district.
You will need to provide evidence that your trip out of the province is essential and urgent. There is not a definitive list of what is urgent and what is not, that is up to the officer to decide. We have been told at The Pattaya News that "If you have to ask if your trip is urgent, it is likely not and stay home and postpone."
The Banglamung District Office will be open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM for this service. You will also need to provide an identification card or passport and fill out two forms of certificates. You will need proof that your trip is urgent, such as a doctor's order or embassy appointment letter.
If you are working, you will need a letter from your employer and proof that your job requires travel. This requires certification and signatures from your manager or owner. There is no time frame given for how long approval for documents may take. If you do not have a certificate, you will not be allowed to pass screening points between the provinces. As of press time, the form is not YET available in English but is coming "soon". Pictures were taken at Banglamung District Office this morning.
We have been getting a lot of questions, it is important to remember this is a brand new process for everyone, only a few hours old as of press time. Some of the most popular questions are "If I am going to the airport and have a ticket do I need a certificate" or " If I am in ASQ do I need a certificate to go to my final destination in a high control district?" There is not a clear answer to questions like this yet but we have been told by the Banglamung District Office that when in doubt, you need a certificate. If you are going between high control provinces, like Rayong and Chonburi, you will still need a certificate.
Venues permitted to remain open under strict measures
Restaurants, street food vendors with seating can serve dine in customers between 6am to 9pm, takeaway only thereafter. Alcohol can be purchased for takeaway only
Department stores, malls and supermarkets can remain open
Public parks, beaches, outdoor exercise areas can remain open
Wholesale outlets
Beauty salons/hairdressers/barber shops can open providing the appointment takes not longer than 2 hours.
Golf courses can open, expect for clubhouse, shower rooms
Pet grooming venues
Hotels
Anyone who fails to comply with measures faces fines of up to 100,000 baht. – Chonburi PR
The number of Covid-19 cases in Thailand is expected to rise sharply at the end of this week due to people travelling during the New Year holidays, Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Medicine lecturer Thira Woratanarat said in a Facebook post on Thursday.
He pointed out that everyone could be at risk of contacting Covid-19 and not just those who visited risky areas.
Thira advised people who travelled during the holidays to see a doctor immediately if they experience any symptoms related to the dreaded virus.
He said it would be hard for the government to curb the spread of Covid-19 as soon as possible because it was not strict enough in restricting people from travelling, while there are many daily activities which would cause the virus to spread.
"For a short-term solution, it would be great if people could report their symptoms via a smartphone application as this would help the government monitor the situation and test people in risky areas," he suggested.
Thira also advised people who have to go outside to strictly abide by rules and measures to prevent Covid-19 from spreading further.
Contact tracing apps now COMPULSORY in Thailand - possible penalties for people not using them
Contact tracing applications are now compulsory for people living in Thailand and those who do not use them and later test positive for COVID-19 could face legal action.
Members of the public, particularly those residing in high risk areas now need to download the Mor Chana or Thai Chana contact tracing app, Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesperson Dr Thaweesin Visanuyothin announced on Thursday.
The government's Mor Chana and Thai Chana apps enable health workers to track a person's movements and places they have visited in the event they may have come into contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.
Dr Thaweesin also confirmed the travel restrictions in place in five eastern provinces, which prevents all but essential travel in and out of Chonburi, including Pattaya, Trat, Samut Sakhon, Chanthaburi and Rayong. Anyone travelling to or from these provinces must have the contact tracing apps installed on their smartphone.
Dr Thaweesin also said that as well as the use of the Mor Chana app, face masks are also compulsory.
This is a developing news story. This post may be updated without warning.
Today's daily COVID-19 where Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Natapanu Nopakun confirms the compulsory use of the contact tracing apps.
