Barely seven years after it opened, Pattaya Hospital is already falling apart.
Barely seven years after it opened, Pattaya Hospital is already falling apart, and city officials urgently met with the facility's new management to address repairs.
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Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome and his deputies met March 17 with doctors, staff and executives from Chularat Hospital, whichwonthe latest hospital-management contract.
The meeting reviewed deteriorating buildings and equipment and how the new management group planned to find ways to improve and most efficiently manage the hospital's work.
Nothing was left off the table, including facilities, medical treatment, medicine, medical supplies and equipment stocks, medical fees, disbursement, future management, personnel levels and repairs of dilapidated doctors' accommodations.
Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome and his deputies met March 17 with doctors, staff and executives from Chularat Hospital, which won the latest hospital-management contract.
Late and over-budget, Pattaya Hospital fully opened in January 2014 after seven months of outpatient and limited in-patient service.
While Pattaya was already home to four large private hospitals – including the western-standard Bangkok Hospital Pattaya and Pattaya International Hospital – city officials claimed before construction began in 2009 that the city's residents still needed more care than BHP, PIH, Banglamung Hospital and Pattaya MemorialHospital could provide.
The expense was justified by vague claims about the demands of Pattaya's booming tourist numbers, residential development and the need for a facility that provided essential medical services while being esthetically attractive to patients.
Cost, however, was likely a stronger motivating factor: While the two international hospitals provide top-quality service, they are prohibitively expensive to most Thais. Meanwhile, the quality of care at overcrowded Memorial and Banglamung hospitals left many clamoring for an alternative, even one as small and limited as Pattaya Hospital.
The meeting covered facilities, medical treatment, medicine, medical supplies and equipment stocks, medical fees, disbursement, future management, personnel levels and repairs of dilapidated doctors' accommodations.
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visit tmkgold.com/ to learn more
Late and over-budget, Pattaya Hospital fully opened in January 2014 after seven months of outpatient and limited in-patient service.
State quarantine for both Thai and foreign arrivals will be shortened to 10 days from 14 starting April 1, as part of the government's ambitious plan to reopen the country from Oct 1.
The plan is part of a three-stage roadmap to relax Covid-19 measures.
Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin said yesterday from April 1 to Sept 30, arrivals without a vaccination certificate (VC) and Covid-19 free certificate (CFC) would be quarantined for 10 days, and be tested for the disease twice.
Arrivals with complete 14-day VCs and CFCs would be quarantined for seven days and tested once. Those with VCs but without CFCs would be tested twice.
The 14-day quarantine period would remain in places for arrivals from countries where the Covid-19 virus has mutated, which is a global concern, Dr Taweesilp said.
From Oct 1, quarantine will not be required for some areas in the country under the condition that that over 70% of health workers in the area have been vaccinated and people who are likely to be in contact with at-risk people have received the vaccine. Initially, arrivals to those areas must come from low-risk countries.
Dr Taweesilp said the CCSA yesterday approved the three-stage roadmap covering zoning, vaccination and quarantine, aimed at returning the country to normalcy from Oct 1.
The CCSA also agreed to extend the emergency decree for two more months to the end of May.
For the zoning roadmap, from April 1 to June 30, Samut Sakhon province, which is now categorised as a maximum and strict control area or "red zone" will be changed to a control area, known as an "orange zone".
Currently, there are eight orange zone provinces. They are Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Samut Songkhram, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Tak, and Ratchaburi.
Most provinces, or 54 in the country, are now under surveillance or "green zones" where most businesses are allowed to operate as normal but with limits on how many people can gather.
In the second stage which covers the period from July 1 to Sept 30, all provinces in the country should return to the "new normal", meaning that some activities would may be still restricted and social-distancing rules will remain.
For vaccinations, from April 1 to June 30, two million Covid-19 vaccine doses of Sinovac are due to arrive in the country.
Vaccinations will be given to healthcare workers, people with congenital diseases, people aged 60 years and over, and disease control staff who are likely to be in contact with Covid-19 patients.
Some 26 million vaccine doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine are scheduled to arrive to Thailand in the second stage of July 1 to Sept 30.
The jabs will be given to people in the tourism sector, people who travel frequently such as pilots; cabin crew and businessmen, the general public, diplomats and workers in industrial and service sectors.
In addition, 35 million more doses are to arrive in the third stage which begins on Oct 1.
From April 1 to June 30, people in quarantine will be allowed to exercise in fitness rooms and outdoors, swim, cycle in closed areas and buy food from outside.From Oct 1(the third stage), inbound travellers are required to have only documentation of their Covid-19 negative status with them.
The latest news is bound to exasperate potential tourists thinking of visiting Thailand after October 1st as Friday's announcement has created more confusion than clarity as to what will happen after that date. The government has also announced shorter quarantine periods from April 1stwith 10 days for unvaccinated visitors and 7 days for those with vaccine certificates.
An announcement by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration on Friday that Thailand is to reopen to tourists from October 1st next without quarantine has been tempered somewhat after it was revealed by the body that 'bubble and seal' measures will be deployed at tourist destinations and transport facilities after that date.
The announcement by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has caused some confusion as foreigners seek further information on what 'bubble and seal' measures will mean fearing it could just be quarantine under another name after October 1st and without clarification either on when the controlled regime for entering Thailand will cease.
On Friday, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration confirmed that Thailand will be reopening for foreign tourists without quarantine from October 1st.
However, Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin of the CCSA explained that the kingdom's authorities would be deploying 'close observation' devices thought to mean tracking apps and what he termed 'bubble and seal' measures which will be in force at airports, tourist destinations and communities nearby.
'Seal and bubble' measures in Samut Sakhon province recently saw workers in local factories being denied permission to leave their workplaces there
It is not clear what these measures entail as of yet. However, Thai public health officials have used the term 'bubble and seal' in relation to measures recently to curb the Covid-19 infection rate within the hard-hit Samut Sakhon province. These involved confining workers to factories for extended periods.
At the time, Deputy Spokesman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Natapanu Nopakun referred to this as providing accommodation to workers within factories and preventing them from leaving the premises.
In the last 48 hours, Thailand announced that the outbreak in Samut Sakhon has been brought under control and that it is no longer a Red Zone for the infection, the last such designation within the country caused by the second wave of the virus.
Shorter quarantine periods were confirmed
Dr Taweesilp also announced that from April 1st to September 30th, quarantine on arrival would be reduced from 14 days to 10 days to incoming passengers without a vaccine certificate and Covid-19 free certificate.
The visitor would still be subject to Covid-19 testing during this period with one test for those with a Covid-19 free certificate on entry and two for those without.
It is also proposed that quarantine within hotels for such visitors be eased to allow hotels guests access to certain amenities including gyms and swimming pools.
Guests will also be allowed access to controlled areas in their locality for exercise and shopping.
From July 1st, quarantined guests will be able to access restaurants within hotels and massage
From July 1st to September 30th, this flexibility will be extended to include hotel restaurants and hotel massage facilities.
Dr Taweesilp confirmed that the quarantine period for people with a vaccine certificate will be scaled back to 7 days from April 1st with one or two tests after arrival depending on whether they arrive with a Covid-19 free certificate or not.
Thai PM announced a new more robust and positive approach to the kingdom's vaccination campaign
Following last Tuesday's inoculation of the Thai cabinet and the Prime Minister at Government House, General Prayut took many observers by surprise by reversing government policy and easing access to vaccine products for the private sector and groups wishing to vaccinate local employees or community.
He signalled a more robust and confident approach to handling the vaccination process similar to the successful approach undertaken in the United Kingdom where over 24 million people have already been vaccinated and 1.6 million have received a second dose.
'We urge the Public Health Ministry to allow hospitals to import Covid-19 vaccines without waiting for the government's approval, as we aim to vaccinate 10 million people per month,' said General Prayut.
Success of the United Kingdom's programme based on opening up access to the private sector and nationwide availability through the NHS
The success in the United Kingdom has been achieved by opening up the programme to the private sector including the involvement of supermarket chains and making vaccine doses as easy as possible for the public to access through the country's NHS or National Health Service which operates all hospitals.
The announcement by Prime Minister Prayut this week was a direct reversal of emergency regulations issued by the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Public Health to control access to the vaccine some weeks ago.
This order prohibited any foreign manufacturer from discussing the sale of vaccine products with customers in Thailand except the central government and banned importation by such parties.
Question regarding certificate of entry operated through embassies and Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Amidst the flurry of announcements today, there is still the key question of the system being operated via Royal Thai Embassies worldwide where visitors must obtain a Certificate of Entry to visit Thailand and emergency provisions regulating commercial air flights into the kingdom.
The laborious and tortuous nature of the process will certainly hinder Thailand's prospects of achieving foreign tourist numbers at anything like the scale seen in previous years.
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration today announced another extension of the emergency decree until May 31st which governs such provisions.
Speculation on an end to the Emergency Decree
There had been speculation that it may expire before a full reopening on October 1stbut today's announcement regarding bubble and seal measures being deployed at tourist destinations appears to suggest otherwise although such measures may be possible under the 2015 Communicable Disease Act which allows for local quarantine measures.
The government's quarantine measures have been disastrous for the foreign tourism industry in Thailand.
The current controlled and highly restrictive regime saw a loss of 99.8% in visitor numbers in January this year compared to last.
'Bubble and Seal' measures require clarification
A survey by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) last year also showed that 84% of potential foreign tourists would rule out any location which specifies any quarantine measures.
Pending clarification of the 'bubble and seal' measures proposed by the government, today's announcement will be a disappointment to many foreign tourists, especially from western countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Australia planning their return to the Land of Smiles at the end of the year.
In the clearest indication yet of the likely way forward for the reopening of the country to foreign tourists Thai business media has said that there will be four phases, according to their sources.
Tourism minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan's plan that will be discussed at the end of this week will see tourists from low risk countries like the UK, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea and India able to visit.
Plans are also afoot to add to the number of countries creating a medium risk category, reported Bangkok Business News.
BBN said that D-Day for the start of what is known as Area Quarantine – part of what is now being called "Open System" – will be April 1st.
Tourists will still have to quarantine for 7 days from April to September if they have been given two doses of vaccine in their home countries.
It's ten days for those not vaccinated.
There are four phases:
Phase 1 – April and May: Tourists will be able to use fitness facilities, swim and go on cycle rides in the grounds (subject to protocols). They can eat food delivered from outside the hotels.
Phase 2 – June to September: would involve the setting up of an exclusive travel area or "seal route" in which tourists could move around while doing Area Quarantine for 10 days. They would be restricted where they could move.
After they have completed their quarantine they can travel anywhere in Thailand.
The plan is to have Area Quarantine in Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani (Khon Tao, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan), Phangnga and Bangkok.
Phase 3 October to December: is called the "Sand Box" and will be done from October to December in seven specified tourism provinces that are mostly by the sea. This could involve one day in quarantine with a swab test requirement for tourists who have already been vaccinated twice abroad.
Along with it will be an end to the Certificate of Entry document that will be replaced by a vaccine certificate (perhaps the so-called "vaccine passport).
Phase 4 from January onwards would see quarantine ended and free movement throughout the country though a one day quarantine with swab test might still be required. Tourists would still need to have been vaccinated twice abroad and have documentation related to that.
Under the Open System tourists will be able to come for a stay of 45 days (up from the previous 30) or utilize Special Tourist Visas, Yacht Quarantine or Elite cards.
Picture: Bangkok Business News
Speculation based on Thai media sources at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and potential visitors to Thailand are advised to await official clarification probably this Friday.
Even then caution is advised as the Thai authorities have been known to flip-flop especially amid the uncertainty of the vaccine rollout and unpredictability of the next stage of the pandemic.
BBN also indicated that the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine, halted abruptly amid concerns about clotting, is likely to be resumed following contact with the WHO and other worldwide agencies who are saying that there is no cause for concern. – Reuters
Chonburi Immigration shows off its new mobile service vehicle which is crammed full of the latest police technology and CCTV facilities.
Here's a summary of some of the most frequent topics currently being raised with Thai immigration authorities and Thai embassies overseas. For more detailed responses and any policy changes, you should visit an immigration office in Thailand or refer to the Thai embassy website in your country.
Can I leave Thailand and return using my re-entry permit?
The only way you can return to Thailand is by obtaining from the Thai embassy in your country of intended departure a certificate of entry. While the documentary requirements vary according to the visa in question, they always include Covid insurance worth US$100,000, proof of registration with a quarantine hotel in Thailand, health checks etc. A re-entry permit on its own will not be sufficient and, for many purposes, is not necessary.
Thai embassies will want to see, in addition to specific Covid cover, general insurance worth at least 400,000 baht outpatient and 40,000 baht inpatient for the Special Tourist Visa (up to 270 days) and for non-immigrant visas based on retirement, whether type "O", "O/A" or "X". Whilst abroad, applicants will be able to use foreign insurance companies but later extensions sought in Thailand at immigration offices will likely require registration with a Thai-based company.
The very busy Royal Thai Embassy in London authorizes which Brits can come to Thailand.
Must I have a return airticket to apply for a certificate of entry?
If you are a citizen one of the 54 "exempt" countries able to apply for a maximum 45 day stay in Thailand without a visa, you must be in possession of an airticket both in and out of Thailand within that time scale. Actually the ticket out of Thailand need not to be to your home country but to any destination outside Thailand. Some, but not all embassies, are also asking for an outward-bound airticket when examining the application for a 60 daytourist visa.
What exactly does quarantine involve once you land in Thailand?
Currently, all visitors must undergo isolation in a hotel for a period of two weeks after which they are free to travel domestically as long as they are virus-free. The registration and payment are on-line prior to receiving the certificate of entry and the quality of the experience will depend on what you are prepared to pay. But leaving your room will not be a regular feature. The most expensive quarantine experience is to be found in five star hotels, golf course residences and even off-shore yachts.
Why do only some expats have to provide general medical insurance when applying for an annual retirement extension at a Thai immigration bureau?
It depends on the category of non-immigrant visa on which your extension is based. If "O/A" (annual) or "X" (10 years), you will need a Thailand-based policy worth at least 400,000 baht inpatient and 40,000 outpatient. If your non-immigrant visa was type "O" no insurance is currently required for an annual extension. However, that remains true only if the "O" retirees remain in Thailand and do not venture abroad.
After surviving the embassy and the flight, you now wait your turn with airport immigration officers.
Is it worthwhile obtaining a Thai Elite visa which allows a five year stay for 600,000 baht?
There are, in fact, many Elite variations but that is the most popular option. Against the Elite is that you must pay 600,000 baht up front and must still do the 90 days immigration check-in and refresh the visa on an annual basis. Also you may find the extras, such as fast airport immigration processing and discounts on purchases, somewhat exaggerated. On the plus side, you do not need re-entry permits, nor prove bank balances once you have joined. Some holders of retirement and marriage extensions of stay say the Elite option is much less hassle with minimum contact with ever-changing immigration rules. There is no requirement to have general medical insurance.
Do you need a Covid test, vaccination or specific insurance to renew or extend a visa in Thailand?
Not currently, although some immigration or employment offices do require virus clearance for work permits or for the newish four year Smart visa for new technology experts and investors. Thailand has only just begun its vaccination program – only around 60,000 inoculated so far – so it would not be feasible to require it at this stage for the hundreds of thousands of foreigners still here. It's likely that Thailand will be guided, in part, by decisions yet to be made by other tourist-orientated countries.
When will travel and in and out of Thailand return to normal?
Impossible to predict. On the positive side, some kind of vaccine passport may be available this or next year whilst the Thai government is very keen to open up the country as soon as possible. It's also possible that travel insurance, hidden in the cost of the airticket, may simplify the whole insurance debate, but that's far from certain. On the negative front, Covid has hugely empowered Thai embassies abroad and they may be reluctant to give up that bureaucratic control over entry of foreigners to the kingdom. Many travel experts prefer the term neo-normal as the days of buying an airticket and hopping on a plane with just your passport are not returning any time soon. If ever.
The Thai government on Friday released its proposal for relaxing COVID-19 measures and re-opening the country to foreign tourists.
The most notable of Friday's announcement is that quarantine will be reduced from 14 days to 10 days from 1 April. It will then be reduced to 7 days later for vaccinated foreigners, before quarantine will be scrapped completely by 1 October for those who have received the vaccine.
Much of the proposals were as first reported earlier this week, with Thailand set to reopen in three phases.
Phase 1 - which will take place between 1 April and 30 June will see Samut Sakhon no longer being listed as a 'red zone' or maximum controlled area, where it will join Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Samut Songkhram, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Pathom Thani, Tak and Ratchaburi as an 'orange zone' or controlled area.
Fourteen other provinces, Kanchanaburi, Suphanburi, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Phetchaburi, Rayong, Chonburi, Rayong, Chumphon, Songkhla, Yala and Narathiwat will remain 'yellow zone' or a high surveillance area.
The remaining provinces will be listed as a green zone.
Phase 2 - from 1 July to 30 September - there will no longer be any color coded zones or controlled areas in Thailand. All restrictions will be lift, expect for those under the new normal, such as social distancing, mask wearing and temperature checks when entering some premises.
Phase 3 - from 1 Oct - the government is aiming to allow vaccinated tourists from low risk countries to enter Thailand without the need to quarantine. However, this will depend on the COVID-19 situation in Thailand and whether or not sufficient numbers of medical workers in the country have received the vaccination.
Meanwhile, it was announced that quarantine will be reduced from 14 days to 10 days from 1 April.
CCSA spokesperson Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin said that both Thais and foreigners will need to need to quarantine for 10 days but this will be reduced to 7 days later in the year.
It was also announced that the state of emergency will be extended to 31 May and that water throwing and foam parties have been banned for this year's Songkran, but there are no restrictions on domestic travel.
This is a developing news story, this post may be updated without warning
