A look at the week ahead in Thailand news: Big decisions to be made on Songkran, quarantine, provincial zone status - Pattaya News

A look at the week ahead in Thailand news: Big decisions to be made on Songkran, quarantine, provincial zone status

Sunday, 14 March 2021, 22:56

The following is our weekly feature in which we take a look at stories to watch and things to keep an eye on ahead of the next week in news. This allows our readers to know the biggest stories and developing news and what to look out for over the upcoming week in Thailand. We also will cover Pattaya-related developing stories when it applies.

  1. Big decisions to come over Songkran "entertainment"

For the past week headlines on multiple media websites, including ours, have been covering the tense discussions and debates at top levels of the Thai government over how to handle the Songkran festival next month, the single biggest holiday of the year for Thailand and their New Year festival.  The popular holiday, also referred to as the water festival, draws in large amounts of tourists both domestic and foreign yearly, although due to Covid-19 borders remain closed in Thailand without quarantine. (See point 2)

However, despite an improvement in the Covid-19 situation in Thailand authorities have a no-win decision to make this week. Without the famous wild water fights, concerts, drinking, parties, and other activities the already hard-hit tourism industry and entertainment industry will take another significant hit. However, if allowed, even with strict rules, many officials fear they will not be followed once people start drinking. If banned, however, authorities question how it would even be enforceable. Some of the plans call for "water play zones" that would require a check-in, temperature checks, face masks, with "social distancing" monitors…but in reality, would all this happen? Other proposals called for goggles, face shields, and raincoats…another likely unenforceable idea.

While many local ex-pats despise the event (evident from the comments on our social media) most can't argue that businesses could badly need the income. However, if the event led to another round of Covid-19 infections and possibly having to re-introduce restrictions that could completely shut business again for a period of time, would it be worth it? As a note, Pattaya's Wonder Wave Songkran event at Ramayana HAS been approved but it will be much easier to manage a controlled socially distanced concert than the wild regular fights on Pattaya Beach…which so far Pattaya intends to continue with.

Anticipating the government to likely admit it would be impossible to "ban" water play, Buriram, Khon Kaen, and others announced this week, following Pattaya, that they will be holding Songkran festivals, hoping to take advantage of the longest holiday of the year, six days in total, from April 10th-April 15th.

An initial decision is expected tomorrow, but a final decision and announcement will probably not come until a major Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) general meeting with relevant agencies on Friday, March 18th. Relevant related articles are below:

Face-shields, goggles and raincoats to be "required" for Songkran water play? Culture minister discusses Covid-19 precaution proposals in Thailand

Pattaya to host "Wonder Wave Songkran-Wanlai Pattaya Thailand", first and biggest social-distancing music festival in the world

Bangkok meetings on Songkran lead to strong, differing opinions by officials on what should be allowed this year

Thai Government to hold major meeting next Monday, March 15th, around Songkran, adjusting Covid-19 zone status, quarantine length and more

2. Decision on reducing quarantine for visitors from many countries expected this week

As stated above, and in the related article directly above under the Songkran discussion, this week the CCSA and Thai Cabinet are set to take up a proposal from the Ministry of Public Health to reduce quarantine….a much-awaited move from many potential visitors. Although any consideration to remove quarantine entirely would likely be quite a ways off (potentially October, see 3) this would be a first gradual step to re-opening the country to tourism. Here is what we know about quarantine so far and what they will be discussing. We could hear a decision on this as early as tomorrow, March 15th, but more likely at the end of the week.

Everything we know so far about a proposal to reduce quarantine for vaccinated visitors to Thailand that was announced this afternoon

3. Could we get a more long-term road map on a proposal to re-open the country in October for high-season?

It's set to be discussed, but too early to tell….although seven months is quite a ways away, there is already tense discussions brewing between multiple agencies and different interests. Some believe October is too far away. Some even believe that it will be too soon. So far, however, Thailand seems set on finding a way to open, at least to vaccinated tourists, by October with no quarantine. That doesn't mean it is promised, set in stone, or guaranteed of course but giving a goal to reach and giving tourism businesses time to prepare will be essential. The infrastructure of the tourism industry has nearly collapsed in many places and will have to be re-built and relaunched before any general opening.

Thai Government aiming to October to "open the country" but will depend on many factors, say Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration

4. Could Chonburi (Pattaya) finally become a green province once again in terms of Covid-19 risk zones?

In a week of big announcements, this is also a big one for those already here. The hope from many business owners is that Chonburi will be officially designated a "green" or surveillance zone, for Covid-19. Chonburi is currently a yellow zone, which is high surveillance. The CCSA will be reviewing all provinces and their "risk status" for the virus this week. With very few cases and no signs of potential clusters or issues in Chonburi, the hope is that the province will be downgraded, which could "possibly" see the strict midnight closing rule go away and also encourage more domestic tourism. It would also allow Chonburi to hold larger events, such as the planned Songkran festival. Look for this announcement possibly tomorrow, March 15th, but also possibly as late as Friday.

5. St Patrick's Day is here! Wednesday, March 17th should see many smaller events and parties in Pattaya

Although the larger city-wide St Patrick's events will not place this year due to Covid-19, many local bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues are holding their own smaller St. Patrick's Day events. As Ireland is still in a strict lockdown with pubs and bars closed, those who are here in Pattaya, Bangkok, and Thailand should rejoice that they are able to hold events here and enjoy the holiday. We will have coverage on the event mid-week!

That's it for this week, although another possible major announcement to look for will be possibly ending the emergency decree and re-introducing Communicable Disease Laws, which have been strengthened. This would be particularly important for Pattaya as it would allow Pattaya's special administrative zone rules to come back into effect, suspended for almost a year now under the Emergency Decree to control Covid-19. These rules give a lot of leeway to Pattaya, but the biggest one would be to officially allow later closings once more in the wee hours of the morning, something that would strongly benefit nightlife operators. 

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) on Sunday said a new cluster of Covid-19 infections in Bang Khae district will not become a new wave of the coronavirus outbreak. - Bangkok Post

Cluster 'won't be new wave'

Warning signs at a screening point at a market in Bangkok's Bang Khae district urge visitors to wear masks after a new cluster of infections was detected in the area.

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) on Sunday said a new cluster of Covid-19 infections in Bang Khae district will not become a new wave of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had conducted proactive testing of 4,046 people in several markets in Bang Khae between March 7-13. Of them, 96 tested positive for Covid-19, and the rest were awaiting the results.

As for details of the mass testing, the 96 cases were detected from among the 2,335 people tested at Wonder Market. It said 764 of them tested negative and the results of the rest are pending.

Another 1,711 people who were tested at another six markets nearby -- Sirisetthanont Market, Bang Khae shopping centre market, Kitti Market, Phasom Market, Talat Mai Bang Khae Market and Talat Klong Kwang were also waiting for the results.

DDC director-general Opas Karnkawinpong  said the new cluster was found at markets in Bang Khae because the markets are located close to each other, covering a large area, with at least 1,000 people constantly moving in and out.

Some of the markets have low ceilings with poor ventilation, Dr Opas said, adding that most vendors were Thai while their employees were migrant workers.

"Even though vendors wore masks, they still kept them below their noses which defeated the intended purpose. Failing to wear masks properly will heighten the risk of infection,'' Dr Opas said.

The infected people from markets in Bang Khae comprised vendors and their employees and they have been sent to hospital. However, there had been no reports of customers being infected, he said.

Dr Opas also said health officials in Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Phetchaburi and Samut Sakhon had been instructed to closely monitor 15 people who visited the markets in Bang Kae after the department had sent names and personal details to them.

According to the department, five were from Suphan Buri, three from Nakhon Pathom, six from Phetchaburi and one from Samut Sakhon.

Residents sign up for Covid-19 tests at a mobile testing unit in Bangkok's Nong Khaem district, which is near the markets in Bang Khae district where new infections were found. photos by Arnun Chonmahatrakool

However, Suphan Buri governor Natthapat Suwanprateep later said that five vendors in the province who visited markets in Bang Khae tested positive for Covid-19 and all were sent to hospital. Disease control officials were sent to investigate those who had come into contact with the vendors.

Dr Opas said the new cluster had showed no sign of becoming a widespread infection or a new wave given that the markets in the area were not wholesale markets and the movement of people was easy to control.

"This is a new cluster, but not a new wave of an outbreak. New cases have been found constantly, though the number is still small. However, with cooperation from market operators, vendors and the public, the situation will be brought under control shortly as in the case of Pornpat Market in Pathum Thani which has now reopened,'' Dr Opas said.

He said Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited vendors in Bang Khae yesterday, and few were too concerned about the situation. However, those who had shopped at those markets during the past 10 days and had developed some symptoms such as losing their sense of smell and taste can have free medical checks at any hospital nearby, Dr Opas said.

He also said Covid-19 mobile testing units would provide free examination services at a public park near the Bang Khae shopping centre.

Bang Khae is the third market to become a Covid-19 hotspot following the outbreaks at Pornpat in Pathum Thani last month and Samut Sakhon in December. The outbreak at Pornpat market originated in Samut Sakhon but the source of the infections at Bang Khae remains unclear.

Mr Anutin said yesterday another 800,000 doses of Sinovac vaccine will arrive in Thailand this month, and another 1 million doses in April. He added the government was in talks with the producer to buy another 5 million doses. As for vaccines from AstraZeneca, they will be administered to priority groups from June onwards. "From now until the end of the year, there will be no shortages of vaccines,'' the minister said.

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) yesterday reported 170 new cases of the novel coronavirus, more than half of them in Bangkok, as the accumulated total in Thailand since the start of the pandemic reached 26,927. The death toll remained at 86.

The country had 14 imported cases, three of them from Malaysia. 

Bang Khae market COVID-19 cluster spreads to 4 more provinces - Bangkok Post

Bang Khae market COVID-19 cluster spreads to 4 more provinces

views  819

The Bang Khae markets cluster of COVID-19 infections has, so far, spread to Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon and Phetchaburi, according to the Public Health Ministry.

Dr. Opas Karnkavinpong, director-general of Disease Control Department, said today that the Bang Khae fresh market, located on the Petkasem Road, is huge and normally frequented by more than 1,000 vendors and shoppers, adding that there are six other smaller markets close by.

He pointed out, however, that the some of the smaller markets are old and poorly ventilated, like the Pornpat fresh market in Pathum Thani, which was blamed for a cluster infections that spread to over ten provinces last month.

Worse still, he said that most of the Thai vendors and their employees, who are mostly migrant workers, do not wear their face masks properly, either wearing them under their chins or under their noses, making it an ideal environment for the spread of the virus.

Of the 85 confirmed cases, Dr. Opas said that 46 are Thais and 39 are migrant workers, adding that shoppers who spend a longer time in the markets and engaged in social conversation with the vendors were more prone to infection.

Citing the Pornpat cluster, he said that the sooner proactive screening is conducted, the faster the spread of the virus could be brought under control, as he urged people who have visited Bang Khae and six other smaller markets to contact health officials at their nearest hospitals or go to the park, next to the Mall Bang Khae on Monday, where a mobile lab will provide free screenings.



Dusit urges emphasis on quality tours. Thailand should not expect a return to 40 million foreign tourist arrivals in the post-pandemic period, instead focusing on elevating the quality of tourism and preserving revenue for the local industry, according to Dusit International. - Bangkok Post

Dusit urges emphasis on quality tours

Tourists wave from an electric hop-on hop-off tour bus in Sukhothai Historical Park. Thailand's domestic tourism market is expected to resume in the second quarter this year, driven by the Songkran festival in April. AFP

Thailand should not expect a return to 40 million foreign tourist arrivals in the post-pandemic period, instead focusing on elevating the quality of tourism and preserving revenue for the local industry, according to Dusit International.

Suphajee Suthumpun, group chief executive of Dusit International, said after the global pandemic subsides, Thailand should emphasise improving the tourism industry's quality over quantity, offering potential products that can attract higher spending.

"If we look at the data for inbound travellers during the pre-pandemic era, average expenditure was not high as most stayed for 4-5 days per trip," she said.

"Instead of hoping for an influx of tourists, Thailand can generate the same revenue but with fewer arrivals if it turns to more high-value tourism products."

Mrs Suphajee said the level of 40 million tourists posted in 2019 may not be repeated as some markets are likely to take fewer trips, especially in the early stages of the resumption of global tourism.

"Business travellers may not bounce back to the same level as before, as now they are familiar with technology that enables them to cut back on travel," she said.

"They can execute their business plans from anywhere via online or virtual meetings."

International markets are predicted to return gradually in the third quarter this year in the best-case predictions, but more likely it will be the fourth quarter when entry restrictions are eased, said Mrs Suphajee, particularly the mandatory quarantine.

Travellers with specific purposes will be the first group to return, such as long-stay guests who seek medical and wellness treatments and business travellers who need to meet partners in person, she said.

Mrs Suphajee said although a number of hotels exited the market permanently, an oversupply is likely to overwhelm the market as long as the authorities fail to solve the problem of unlicensed hotels.

She said a lot of hotels suffered during the crisis because of intense competition.

Those that could not stay afloat were forced to sell their properties to foreign investors.

"This situation is problematic for our industry going forward," said Mrs Suphajee.

"When things get back to normal, a large portion of hotel revenue will leak outside the country, leaving only a small amount for hotel employees."

The domestic market will resume in the second quarter this year, driven by the Songkran festival in April, she said.

The country needs to remain watchful to avoid a fresh outbreak, keeping up health safety protocols during busy tourism periods, said Mrs Suphajee.



Thailand must bite the bullet and reopen to foreign tourists from October 1st to save industry - Thai Examiner

Thailand must bite the bullet and reopen to foreign tourists from October 1st to save industry

James Morris and Son Nguyen

Key meeting on Monday may see a clear decision on fully reopening Thailand to foreign tourism from October 1st which is very much dependent on the country's vaccination programme and at the same time, progress in other countries. Without this, economic analysts see a downside to growth prospects even with a rebound in the kingdom's exports seen so far in 2021.

A key meeting on Monday chaired by the Prime Minister will address the reopening of the country fully to foreign tourists by the 1st of October. It comes as government officials are increasingly concerned at the potential fallout of the continued closure of Thailand's borders to foreign tourists and the potential to disrupt the country's economic prospects this year with exports rebounding.

Last week, Apisamai Srisangson of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said a critical decision will be made on Monday at a meeting of the body presided by Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha on whether to reopen the country from October 1st next in order to allow the country's still dormant foreign tourism sector an opportunity to recover momentum as economic analysts increasingly voice concern about a potential downside while it is understood officials are equally worried about a collapse of the industry with the prospects of asset fire sales and further unemployment with many workers in the tourism economy already finding it difficult to find alternative employment.

A meeting, on Monday, of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration will consider the easing or elimination of quarantine requirements for incoming tourists from October 1st.

This was the information given by Apisamai Srisangson, an assistant spokesperson with the CCSA last week, who said the final decision will be made on Monday by Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha who will chair the meeting.

It is understood the government is particularly concerned at the damage done to the country's tourism industry which has left millions underemployed in its aftermath since the closure of Thailand's borders in April last year.

Exports are looking up for 2021 as SCB economic analysis unit raises GDP growth projection to 2.6%

It comes as an economic update from Siam Commercial Bank, this week, showed a rise in projected GDP growth for 2021 on the back of a resurgence in the kingdom's exports linked with a worldwide recovery, especially in the United States.

The bank's Economic Intelligence Centre (EIC) saw Thai exports pulling ahead in 2021 by up to 6.4% compared to an earlier projection of 4%.

However, analysts saw a problem in the domestic economy where underemployment and lost income levels caused by the disruption of the foreign tourism industry have not been rectified. 

Many of the workers employed in the industry have not adapted to other employment opportunities and the bank has highlighted this 'mismatch' of skills in the labour market as another source of concern for Thai planners.

Vaccination campaign is the critical factor

The bank saw the national vaccination campaign as the critical factor in reopening the country to mass tourism and saw this happening in the fourth quarter of the year.

It also expressed confidence that the Thai baht, which recently lost value against the US dollar amid a change in market sentiment in the United States which saw rising 10-year treasury bond yields indicating inflationary pressures.

It predicted this to hover within the ฿30 to ฿31 range for the rest of 2021.

Analysts predict only 2 million foreign tourists

At Kasikorn Research Centre, however, analysts saw reason for a downside view as concerns were raised that tourist arrivals in Thailand may be as low as 2 million this year.

Most analysts are working off a figure of 5 million visits being achieved in the last three months of the year with the current number of tourists arriving being off by over 99.8% due to the countries burdensome 14-day quarantine requirement.

Recently announced quarantine easing measures will not do the trick of reviving the foreign tourism industry

Even just announced plans to lessen this from 14 days to 7 and 10 days are thought not to be adequate to reignite the foreign tourism industry based on an International Air Transport Association (IATA) survey, last year, which showed 84% of international travellers and potential tourists would rule out a holiday involving any aspect of quarantine. 

Proposal to ease quarantine sent to government 

This figure is reinforced by Thailand's own experience since the Covid-19 emergency began even with more flexible visa opportunities in the last four months.

'Thailand's path to economic recovery will mostly depend on the tourism industry as to when the country will reopen for foreign tourist arrivals. The Covid-19 vaccines and the policy of each country will have a significant impact on the recovery of Thailand's tourism industry in 2021,' said Kevalin Wangpichayasuk, Assistant Managing Director with Kasikorn Research Centre. 'Other crucial factors are whether Thailand's quarantine period is reduced, the clarity of vaccine passport policy and if countries would allow their citizens to travel to Thailand.'



Thailand’s Reopening Plan – Information For Travelers. Bangkok Jack

Thailand's Reopening Plan – Information For Travelers

March 14, 2021

Travel around the world at present is dependent on a range of factors. From providing negative Covid-19 tests to showing proof of vaccination, tourists are required to jump through a series of hoops in order to be able travel once more.

Yet, as countries become desperate to restart tourism, other solutions are being found. Much like Spain's bid to reopen when citizens are vaccinated, Thailand is planning to reopen its popular destinations without a quarantine beginning in July once 70% of its citizens are vaccinated.

Here's more on this exciting plan, plus a reminder of the restrictions and requirements for travel to Thailand at present.

A country that is heavily reliant on tourism for both income and jobs for its citizens, Thailand has struggled greatly during the pandemic, with once-thriving businesses now closed for the foreseeable future, beaches deserted and hotels empty.

However, the emergence of a new plan of action suggests a partial end to the struggles may be within sight.

Whilst the government's proposed date for the reopening of the whole of Thailand is October 1^st, one leading minister suggested that the country could be welcoming foreign guests to select provinces without quarantine from as early as July 1^st.

Speaking at a meeting of leading tourism representatives, Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, revealed that the key to reopening early would be vaccinating 70% of the population of the three select provinces.

The provinces in question – Phuket, Phang-Nga and Krabi – have been selected due to the revenue they generate, with these three alone responsible for bringing in 20% of the total tourist revenue, worth 600 billion baht (around $20 billion USD).

Each located on the country's Andaman seaboard, they feature stunning beaches and the karst landscape that has made Thailand a must-visit for travelers in recent years.

Speaking at the meeting on Wednesday, Ratchakitprakarn said:

'According to the timeline set by the government, foreigners will be allowed to travel to Thailand without quarantine. But we want to do it faster. We hope this can be done starting with Phuket in July under the condition that at least 70% of its population is vaccinated, a requirement of 900,000 doses for 450,000 people.'

The plan is set to be discussed at a meeting of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on March 19^th. Should the plan be accepted, it is bound to be warmly received by travelers.

Thailand's pricey quarantine has long since been a barrier for many travelers, so the decision to allow travelers to visit without having to quarantine is sure to be a popular one.

Thailand's Entry Requirements Travelers Should Know

Once home to extremely restrictive borders at the start of the pandemic, Thailand's borders have softened in recent months.

Those who live in a country that has a visa exemption or visa on arrival arrangement with Thailand do not need to obtain a visa before traveling to Thailand.

Those from countries who do not have such an arrangement can apply for the Special Tourist Visa, which is open for travelers of any nationality.

All travelers must obtain a certificate of entry, and must have insurance that covers Covid-19 up to $100,000. Travelers must provide a negative Covid-19 test.

There is a mandatory quarantine period of 14 days at present, though this is due to change for some from next month. – TraveloffPath.Com

The UK authorities have declared overseas leisure travel to be “illegal” until further notice, with mid-May as the earliest possible relief date. Potential travellers must show at UK departure points a completed form why the journey is absolutely necessary for health, work, study or compassionate reasons. They are advised to carry some documentary evidence, usually an official letter, to justify breaking the travel lockdown. - Pattaya Mail

UK visitors to Thailand facing huge bureaucracy in both countries

Pattaya MailMarch 14, 2021

New arrivals at Bangkok airport have been on a huge paper chase.

Although both Thai and British government sources express confidence in the future of international travel and tourism, the wannabe visitor to the Land of Smiles must provide a veritable avalanche of documentation and endure restrictive delays in both countries.

The UK authorities have declared overseas leisure travel to be "illegal" until further notice, with mid-May as the earliest possible relief date. Potential travellers must show at UK departure points a completed form why the journey is absolutely necessary for health, work, study or compassionatereasons. They are advised to carry some documentary evidence, usually an official letter, to justify breaking the travel lockdown.



Brits then returning to UK after their vital journey must complete a passenger locator form, show proof of a recent negative Covid-19 checkand self-isolate for a further 10 days with two supplementary coronavirus tests. Those returning from some countries in Latin America and Africa must separately undergo supervised quarantine at their own expense.

Pre departure contact tracing app now mandatory to visit Thailand.

Meanwhile, Brits booking overseas holidays for the summer are being warned that cancelled trips may not easily result in quick insurance refunds. The Association of British Travel Agents told BBC news that package tourists would be covered but would most likely experience delays in the payout schedule.

Airlines UK has warned potential travellers that vouchers offering alternative flights would be the preferred method of compensation. Those customers paying by credit card appear to be better safeguarded than those using a debit version, but the subject is tinged with ambiguity with frequent complaints to the Civil Aviation Authority.

Nobody in UK can travel to Thailand without the express permission of the London-based Thai embassy which issues a certificate of entry. The embassy website is comprehensive as it wades through the complex requirements of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All potential visitors need recent Covid tests and Covid-related insurance and must pay in advance for the 14-days hotel quarantine after landing.

But the detail varies according to the specific visa applied for. Some categories require general medical insurance in addition to a Covid policy and some do not. Some require proof of address in Thailand post-quarantine but not all. Some require proof of substantial cash in UK bank accounts, others a regular income, still others only a token amount. What is incontrovertible is the sheer stack of paperwork required. Not to mention the considerable expense involved for the applicant.

International travel future depends on how effective vaccines are in practice.

Thai authorities now also require foreign visitors to download and install on their mobile phones pre-departure the Thailand Plus app. This is a contact tracing device which uses GPS and Bluetooth data to detect user locations, combined with check-in records via QR code-scanning. The health ministry in Bangkok says the app minimizes the possibility of the user being personally identified.

Meanwhile, the Thai government is expected in May or June to begin signing vaccine passport deals with other countries which have low-incidence of the dread disease and have begun vaccination programs of their own. As ever the details are hazy, but the most likely candidates for early recognition are China and other selected Asian countries. So far, about 50,000 people have been vaccinated in Thailand under the Mor Phrom (The Doctor is Ready) scheme.



How quickly the huge bureaucracies now in place to vet and monitor all British visitors to Thailand are dismantled remains to be seen. Much will undoubtedly depend on how quickly vaccination rollouts proceed in both countries and how effective they are against new variants which obstinately keep appearing in the global context. In other words, the pesky virus will determine the future of international travel. Thailand is certainly no exception.



😥😥😥😥 14/3 😥😥😥😥

 

In a bid to meet demands and support tourism, Thai Airways International (THAI) has launched special flights to 13 destinations in Asia and Europe, acting executive vice president Nond Kalinta said on Friday. - Bangkok Jack

THAI launches special flights to 13 destinations in Asia, Europe

March 13, 2021

In a bid to meet demands and support tourism, Thai Airways International (THAI) has launched special flights to 13 destinations in Asia and Europe, acting executive vice president Nond Kalinta said on Friday.

Some flights have started operating, while some will be launched soon.

The flights are:

• Bangkok-Tokyo (Narita) every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and return flight every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday

• Bangkok-Tokyo (Haneda)-Bangkok special flight on March 30

• Bangkok-Osaka-Bangkok every Saturday

• Bangkok-Seoul-Bangkok every Sunday, but the first flight on Wednesday, March 31

• Bangkok-Taipei-Bangkok every Friday

• Bangkok-Hong Kong-Bangkok every Wednesday

• Bangkok-Manila-Bangkok special flights on March 9, 16 and 23

• Bangkok-Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok special flights on March 16 and 31

• Bangkok-London-Bangkok every Sunday

• Bangkok-Paris-Bangkok special flight on March 25

• Bangkok-Frankfurt-Bangkok every Friday and special flight on Sunday, March 28

• Bangkok-Stockholm-Bangkok special flight on March 17

• Bangkok-Copenhagen-Bangkok every Sunday

Thailand postpones vaccine after blood-clotting reports - Bangkok Jack / The Nation

Thailand postpones vaccine after blood-clotting reports

March 13, 2021

The Ministry of Public Health has postponed the launch of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Friday, as it is awaiting the results of an examination after cases of blood clotting were reported in some countries.

Dr Piyasakol Sakonsattayatorn, consultant on strategy and planning for management of the Covid-19 vaccine, announced the postponement of AstraZeneca vaccination for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Cabinet members, who were to be the first recipients.

Dr Piyasakol said that it was necessary to delay the vaccination because there were reports from Denmark and Austria on Thursday night about suspected side-effects that caused blood to clot in the veins.

The Ministry of Public Health and the medical team believed that the vaccination would be the safest for the public but wanted to find out if the side-effects in some European countries, especially Denmark and Austria, were caused by the vaccination, he said.

Prof Dr Yong Poovorawan, head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, in Bangkok said there were chances of finding adverse reactions or side-effects in a mass vaccination programme.

Blood clot in the veins is most common among African and European people, who are at three times more risk than Asians, indicating that genetic factors are involved.

There are currently 3 million doses of the vaccine given in Europe, of whom 22 have died, or 7 in a million. – The Nation 

Travel association sees 8 million tourists, but only if Thailand reopens by June - Pattaya Mail

Travel association sees 8 million tourists, but only if Thailand reopens by June

Pattaya MailMarch 13, 2021

If the government stubbornly sticks to overzealous border controls, the economy will collapse, he predicted.

The Association of Thai Travel Agents predicted Thailand could see 8 million foreign tourists in 2021, but only if the government reopens the country without quarantine for coronavirus-vaccinated travelers by June.

ATTA President Vichit Prakobgosol forecast March 11 that 200,000-300,000 tourists would arrive in June, increasing to 500,000 in July to 1.5 million in October to 2.5 million in December as vaccinated tourists go aboard for the first time in two years.



Vichit said those numbers would be halved, however, if the government continues to insist on 14-day quarantines and doesn't reopen the country by June.

Vichit said those numbers would be halved, however, if the government continues to insist on 14-day quarantines and doesn't reopen the country by June.

The tourism industry needs a three-month roadmap to plan for the country's reopening, Vichit said, so that packages and tours can be planned. If the government stubbornly sticks to overzealous border controls, the economy will collapse, he predicted.

He claimed only 25 percent of four million tourism-sector employees still had jobs.

Even if the country reopens soon, it will take three years for Thailand's tourism industry to recover to 2019 levels, Vichit predicted.

In the interim, the government needs to expand its subsidized domestic-tourism campaign and "Let's Go Halves" economic-stimulus initiative, he said.

ATTA President Vichit Prakobgosol predicted Thailand could see 8 million foreign tourists in 2021, but only if the government reopens the country without quarantine for coronavirus-vaccinated travelers by June.

The Association of Thai Travel Agents forecast that 200,000-300,000 tourists would arrive in June, increasing to 500,000 in July to 1.5 million in October to 2.5 million in December as vaccinated tourists go aboard for the first time in two years.



Nedräkning till Hennes & Mauritz öppnar i Central Plaza, Chonburi

 

13/3

 

Koh Samui aims to implement quarantine-free travel for inoculated visitors from Oct 1 in tandem with Phuket. - Bangkok Post

Samui prepares no-quarantine plan

Visitors browse travel deals offered at the 'Wonder Islands Samui, Phangan, Tao' event, which runs from March 11-17 at CentralWorld.

Koh Samui aims to implement quarantine-free travel for inoculated visitors from Oct 1 in tandem with Phuket.

"Koh Samui wants to grab tourist demand as there are many destinations globally that require no quarantine," said Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, president of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui.

Koh Samui is expected to be the first area in Surat Thani to test entry procedures for foreigners because the island has an airport.

Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are reachable via ferry transit and they can develop their own entry standards.

Mr Ratchaporn said Koh Samui's district chief officer insisted local communities have no opposition to a quarantine-free tourism plan.

The island also joined the tourism sandbox, a pilot programme to accelerate the reopening process before the whole country opens up to the international market in the fourth quarter.

However, some 300,000 vaccine doses have to be administered in Samui to create herd immunity first, he said.

In addition, the government has to allow international commercial flights to transit in Bangkok at a sealed terminal before flying to Koh Samui.

Mr Ratchaporn said the aircraft type can be the 70-seat ATR 72-600, with one flight per week to facilitate the flow of tourists to the island without undergoing quarantine in Bangkok.

The association already arranged meetings with the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration for further discussion on the reopening scheme.

Meanwhile, to boost the domestic market, operators on three islands are hosting a promotional event called "Wonder Islands Samui, Phangan, Tao" from March 11-17 in Bangkok. They expect to stimulate the local economy via package sales worth a combined 20 million baht, with more than 5,000 hotel bookings.

Mr Ratchaporn said this event and the Songkran holiday should increase trips to the island and boost average occupancy to 60-70% in April from only 10% currently.

Tourism fairs are scheduled in other regions such as Chiang Mai and the Northeast to beef up inter-regional travel.

"The government should consider offering a 50% subsidy for ferry transit to every island destination," said Worapong Wongsuwan, vice-president of the Koh Tao Tourism Association.

He said a round-trip ferry package from Chumphon or Koh Samui to Koh Tao costs around 1,300 baht, and this subsidy would make it more likely Thais holiday on the islands.



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