Tassapon Bijleveld, executive chairman of Asia Aviation, the largest shareholder of Thai AirAsia (TAA).
Airlines are urging the government to shut down domestic travel during the Songkran holiday period to prevent a third wave of Covid-19, or else Thailand's tourism will risk losing more over the long run.
With the fresh outbreak starting to spread from entertainment hubs in Bangkok to 20 provinces, the contagion must be nipped in the bud as the long holiday next week will see a mass exodus, particularly of people returning to their hometowns and holidaymakers, said Tassapon Bijleveld, executive chairman of Asia Aviation, the largest shareholder of Thai AirAsia (TAA).
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration on Thursday announced that there will be no lockdown during the traditional New Year celebrations as millions of people have already planned their trips.
However, each province still has the authority to impose its own travel restrictions, such as mandatory quarantine for inter-provincial travellers, if there are risks of virus exposure.
Mr Tassapon said the spike of cases at this time is worrisome as it challenged the government on how to contain the virus when people still continued with their trips.
Most TAA passengers are sticking with their plans. The average load factor next week will hit 80-85%, while the airline recently called almost all furloughed staff back to their posts.
"There won't be a third wave if the government can stop it earlier. It should consider imposing strict travel restrictions. Even though the tourism industry may lose lucrative income, we have to accept it if that would be benefit the whole country," he said.
"That would be better than facing another nationwide lockdown afterwards," said Mr Tassapon.
Thailand has set the reopening date for inoculated tourists, starting in July with Phuket as the first destination to remove mandatory quarantine from entry requirements.
He added that travel restrictions are necessary for the country as long as the vaccination programme rollout remains slow.
For instance, employees in the aviation industry who have already been vaccinated are just those who work in high-risk areas or those residing in Phuket where 70% of TAA's staff have been vaccinated.
Nuntaporn Komonsittivate, head of commercial operations at Thai Lion Air (TLA), said travel restrictions are reasonable for the ongoing situation because the infection clusters are not easily controllable like the labour clusters in Samut Sakhon late last year.
From the latest outbreak, people that were infected tend to travel around which increased the risk of the virus spreading to wider areas.
"Travel restrictions won't be good for airlines, but in the meantime, we should prioritise long-term benefits instead of short-term revenue," she said.
TLA forecasts a load factor of over 70% next week, but it expects that some guests may cancel their trips if the number of new cases escalates in the next few days.
Judging by the fact that the UK strain of the Covid-19 virus has affected more than 1,500 people in Cambodia since February 20, expert virologist Dr Yong Poovorawan believes it may have been brought into Thailand by people crossing the border.
The UK strain was recently found among the recent cluster of cases that emerged in entertainment venues in Thonglor.
Dr Yong said it is unlikely that the strain had been brought in by people coming via official channels because everybody is tested and quarantined for 14 days.
He said Cambodia is still struggling with infections, and it is likely that migrant workers or Thais sneaking across the border may have been carriers of this strain, which is 1.7 times more infectious.
Now that Thailand faces a third wave of Covid-19 infections and many hospitals announced on Thursday that they were running out of beds, the premier instructed the Defence Ministry to set up field hospitals for more than 3,000 patients in Bangkok and its vicinity.
Defence Ministry spokesman Lt-General Kongcheep Tantrawanich said 10 military units have been provided with medical personnel to support the field hospitals.
The Army is looking into turning a military camp into a field hospital in case the situation worsens and infections expand.
A healthcare worker takes a nasal swab sample from a local resident for a COVID-19 test after hundreds of residents of Watthana district and the trendy Thonglor neighborhood tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Bangkok, Thailand, April 8, 2021. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Patpicha Tanakasempipat
BANGKOK (Reuters) - A coronavirus outbreak in Thailand's capital may take more than two months to control, a health official said on Thursday, as authorities announced a broad ban on nightlife to tackle a new wave of infections and a highly contagious variant.
Authorities expect to arrest the outbreak in one or two months in the provinces, but it will likely take longer in Bangkok, the epicentre, said Kiatiphum Wongrajit, the ministry's permanent secretary.
"The main source of the infections is in Bangkok's entertainment venues, which could take longer to contain, depending on measures," Kiatiphum said in a statement.
The COVID-19 taskforce on Thursday said nightspots in Bangkok and 40 provinces, including pubs and karaoke bars, would be closed for two weeks. It did not specify when.
The taskforce also asked employers to let staff work from home and urged against non-essential travel.
Thailand reported 405 new COVID-19 infections on Thursday, in an outbreak that has reached 20 provinces and forced nearly a third of cabinet minister to self-isolate due to exposure to cases.
The spike in infections comes at a tricky time for Thailand, ahead of next week's annual Songkran festival, known for big gatherings and notoriously crowded water fights that authorities have banned.
Adding to concerns, Thailand on Wednesday confirmed the presence locally of the highly transmissible coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 first identified in Britain.
It has been found in more than 100 countries and has been blamed for fuelling new waves of infections in record numbers. (https://tmsnrt.rs/3dFjSo6)
The army was setting up a field hospital with 3,000 beds in 10 army bases, braced for a possible surge in new patients, a spokesman said.
Thailand plans to start its mass immunisation campaign in June, when a locally-manufactured AstraZeneca vaccine becomes available. It has so far immunised about 300,000 people, mostly health workers.
Thai experts are puzzled at how the UK variant evaded the country's strict quarantine system, which has helped keep overall cases to a relatively low 30,310 and deaths at just 95.
The taskforce said a reduction in the quarantine period introduced this month may be reconsidered.
Yong Poovorawan, a senior virologist, said the UK variant may have been brought to Thailand by land from Cambodia, where it is also present.
(Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu Wongcha-um and Patpicha Tanakasempipat; Editing by Martin Petty)
Entertainment venues in 41 provinces, including Bangkok, will be ordered to close for 14 days in a bid to prevent further spread of COVID-19, according to Thailand's Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesperson Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin.
The proposal is expected to be signed off by the Prime Minister as early as tomorrow (Friday).
Daily News reported the proposal includes shutting down all pubs, bars, karaokes and massage parlours for 14 days in 41 provinces.
It is not known if restaurants will be included in the closure order.
At the time of posting there are no restrictions on domestic travel in Thailand, with the Prime Minister reiterating that there are no plans to enforce a national lockdown.
The news comes after Thailand on Wednesdayreported its first case of the more contagious UK strain of the virus.
Earlier on Thursday, provincial health officials in Phuket and Prachuap Khiri Khan ordered all bars to close for 10 and 4 days, respectively.
At Thursday's daily COVID-19 briefing, the CCSA reported 405 new COVID-19 cases.
*This is a developing story. This post may be updated without notice.
Groups of people at high risk for Covid-19, such as staff at entertainment venues, receive Covid-19 vaccines at a public health centre in Wattana district, Bangkok. (Photo by Somchai Poomlard)
Tourism operators have slammed the government's inefficient public inoculation scheme, which is preventing herd immunity as a fresh outbreak affects the industry for a third time.
Thailand's tourism industry was hurt by a second outbreak of the pandemic late last year and was just starting to glimpse a potential recovery this month with the long Songkran holiday beginning next week.
"We cannot stop operations every time a new cluster causes the government to impose strict restrictions. The most urgent need right now is a pro-active strategy for the country's public inoculation," said Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association.
The government must accelerate the sluggish pace of vaccinations and quickly facilitate firms procuring various types and doses of vaccines to create herd immunity, said Mrs Marisa.
The government has to balance economic and public health concerns, such as allowing interprovincial travel to help the economy move forward, she said.
Hoteliers have already received cancellations for both room and restaurant bookings, but most guests who have already booked for Songkran are still awaiting further updates from the government.
The average hotel occupancy nationwide during Songkran is expected to be around 30%, but the occupancy rate might drop after the report on new infections.
Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Domestic Travel, said the recent wave of infections will be more destructive to the tourism industry than the second wave detected in Samut Sakhon because the virus rapidly spread in Bangkok, which is the centre of the country's economic and business activity.
The government should have searched more actively in nearby provinces around Samut Sakhon, as well as Bangkok, when the second wave started in December last year to ensure the virus was under control, he said. Such action would prevent a spike in later cases, such as a third wave, said Mr Thanapol.
Even though tour operators cannot predict the impact of a third wave, domestic tourism is likely to suffer and take longer to recover, he said.
Thai AirAsia said there has not been a significant number of cancellations following the new surge of infections.
However, passengers have shown concern over a 14-day quarantine requirement in Buri Ram province, which had already announced travel restrictions on people from red zones. Airlines are requested to provide them with latest official information.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) also called on the government to speed up administering vaccines to the Thai population.
"Authorities are slow in vaccinating people," said JSCCIB chairman Supant Mongkolsuthree. "They should relax some regulations to facilitate companies that want to import vaccines and give them to employees."
UNCERTAIN OUTLOOK
JSCCIB is preparing to reduce its GDP growth forecast on April 21, following the fresh outbreak of Covid-19 infections recorded earlier this week.
The group is worried the disease transmissions, resulting mainly from a cluster of pubs in Bangkok's Thong Lor area, will plunge the country into a third wave of the pandemic.
He expects the new outbreak will hinder economic recovery as it comes after the government announced a plan to allow vaccinated foreign tourists to visit Phuket without quarantine from July 1.
"The JSCCIB is seriously concerned about whether the government can control the spread of infections," said Mr Supant, who is also chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries.
Earlier this year, JSCCIB predicted GDP would grow by 1.5-3.5% in 2021, with exports rising by 3-5%. It projected the inflation rate at 0.8-1%.
The prediction was based on state economic stimulus measures and a hope for global economic recovery, following the distribution of vaccines in many countries.
If the ongoing outbreak causes the government to impose lockdown measures again during Songkran, it will cause an economic impact valued at 5 billion baht, said Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
He recently talked with Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang about the situation and both agreed to carefully plan appropriate responses to the outbreak.
Public health is the first priority, but any steps against Covid-19 must be carried out with consideration of the impact on the economy. City Hall and the chamber agree only certain businesses will be temporarily shut down, with some areas under strict control, said Mr Sanan.
Chonburi announces forty new cases of the Covid-19 Coronavirus
Chonburi-
The Chonburi Public Health Department announced forty new cases of Covid-19 this morning as cases continue to increase in Chonburi.
Of the forty new cases, 18 were in Mueang Chonburi, 12 in Si Racha, 4 in Banglamung (Pattaya), 2 in Phanat Nikhom, 1 in Ban Bueng, and 3 in Pan Thong. Today is the most new cases since January 10th.
A new cluster was discovered at the Flintstones168(Finstone) Pub, which is in Don Hualor in Mueang Chonburi and had 19 new cases.
The other cases are as follows:
A close contact of a friend who has an infection and is an entertainment establishment employee in Bangkok
A close contact joined the van with a family of 2 infected people who went to the Bangkok motor show.
Another contact of a family of an infected person who went to the motor show.
Two Japanese people exposed to an infected entertainment facility employee in Chonburi (Voice bar).
1 person who contacted the DJ at Crystal Pub, Bangkok, who was infected with Covid-19
2 people who went on a trip with a group of friends in Phuket.
1 Japanese and 1 Thai who is a DJ in a Bangkok pub (Top One)
One Japanese person who is a contact of a patient at the Krystal Pub, Bangkok.
One person who went to MAYA Huahin pub
Family of patients confirmed in Bangkok area, 1 case
In the process of investigating the disease with 7 cases (Siracha 5 cases, Phanat Nikhom 2 cases, one other case)
A total of 510 contacts are currently isolated and being given Covid19 tests. Authorities are also testing in local communities and especially in entertainment districts with proactive testing.
Announcements may come later today from the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on possible further zone changes and restrictions.
A scheduled press conference from the CCSA is at 11:30 AM.
Top Thai virologist Dr Yong Poovorawan painted a grim picture of the potential for harm from Thailand's Covid-19 response coupled with the emergence of the UK variant of the virus.
Dr Yong of Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok was speaking after 24 cases of the faster spreading UK variant emerged in mostly asymptomatic people at Thong Lor nightclubs.
He said that the spread of the virus of this strain was 1.7 times faster.
But he went further comparing this year to last year.
Last year there was lockdown, curfew, no alcohol being sold, widespread shop closures, schools closed everywhere and Songkran was cancelled.
This year the situation was completely different.
He said that with ten times more virus about, ten times less restriction then things would be 100 times worse.
Coupled with the new variant he said that this wave would be 170 times worse than last year.
Of particular concern was the fact that many young people - perhaps full of the virus but asymptomatic - could be taking the virus back to their homes up country where they would pass it on to the vulnerable elderly at ceremonies pouring lustral water on the hands of respected elders.
He was greatly concerned by the spread of Covid at Songkran and the consequences for the country after the holidays that begin next week.
He continued to press for more speed in the vaccine rollout while cautioning that infection can still be passed on by vaccinated people.
He sought to allay fears about blood clots from vaccinations.
But his other messages were anything but reassuring, notes Thaivisa, as new measures to possibly prevent interprovincial travel and re-designate the color of seriously affected zones are due to be announced by the CCSA today.
People receive Sinovac's COVID-19 vaccine after hundreds of residents in the district tested positive for the coronavirus disease in Bangkok, Thailand, April 7, 2021. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand has detected at least 24 cases of the coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 first identified in Britain, a government health expert said on Wednesday, its first known domestic transmission of the highly contagious variant.
The SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.7 has been found in more than 100 countries and has been blamed for fuelling new waves of infections in record numbers.
The UK variant was found in a cluster of 24 visitors to entertainment venues in Bangkok, which were detected at the weekend. Nearly 200 such venues have been closed for two weeks.
"We did everything to block it, and it still gets through," Yong Poovorawan, a government expert and virologist at Chulalongkorn University, told a health ministry briefing.
"This variant is very viral and can spread 1.7 times faster than the usual strain," he said.
Thailand has seen infections jump in the past week, although numbers are still low compared to some of its regional neighbours.
It recorded 334 new infections on Wednesday, with no new deaths, bringing its case total to 29,905 and 95 fatalities.
Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha instructed authorities to prepare field hospitals in anticipation of a spike in infections.
Ten of his ministers and dozens of lawmakers were self-isolating on Wednesday due to exposure to positive cases.
"We can handle things right now and I have instructed the preparation for field hospitals in Bangkok area," Prayuth said of the rise in cases.
"We could need these field hospitals in case the pandemic worsens," he added.
Confirmation of the presence of the B.1.1.7 variant will be a setback for Thailand, which is just a week away from one of its biggest holiday periods.
Yong said he was puzzled at how community transmission had occurred given Thailand's strict border controls, quarantine and testing protocols, which in January had detected the variant in a family traveling from Britain, who were isolated.
Opas Karnkawinpong of the Department of Disease Control warned of thousands of new daily infections if restrictions are not followed during the holiday period.
Thailand is aiming to start is mass immunisation campaign from June but has been vaccinating health workers or people deemed vulnerable, with more than 300,000 recipients so far, according to the Health Ministry.
(Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um and Panarat Thempgumpanat; Editing by Martin Petty)
File Photo of Songkran Festival on Khaosan Road in April 2019
By THE NATION
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided to cancel all Songkran activities scheduled in all districts of the province in a bid to curb Covid-19 from spreading further after a new cluster of cases linked to entertainment venues in Thong Lo swiftly spread to other areas, deputy governor Kriangyos Sudlabha said on Wednesday.
"The Songkran activities at Lan Khon Meuang Plaza in Phra Nakhon district will be cancelled. These include an alms-giving ceremony and pouring water on the Buddha image and elders as blessings," he said.
"Furthermore, activities scheduled to be held in other districts by the district office will also be cancelled," Kriangyos stated.
"As for public and private organisations which cannot cancel their planned Songkran festivities, the BMA urges them to employ strict measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19," he said.
The BMA also announced on Wednesday that it would shut all entertainment venues on Khaosan Road from April 7 to 12 and would provide a free Covid-19 test to all merchants in the area.
"During the Songkran festival, we advise people to perform the ceremony of pouring water on Buddha images and elders at home and avoid going out to crowded areas," Kriangyos said.
"If you have to travel, make sure to wear a face mask at all times, maintain at least a one-metre distance from others and wash your hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitiser," he advised.
FILE PHOTO: People are seen at an empty beach in Phuket, Thailand, March 31, 2021. REUTERS/Jorge Silva
BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand has detected 24 cases of the coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 first detected in Britain, a virologist said on Wednesday, its first reported domestic transmission of the highly contagious variant.
"This variant is very viral and can spread 1.7 times faster than the usual strain," Yong Poovorawan, a senior virologist from Chulalongkorn University told a health ministry briefing.
BANGKOK (NNT) - Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, has asked for cooperation from all sectors to strictly follow the anti-COVID-19 measures of DMHTT - distancing (D), mask wearing (M), hand washing (H), testing (T) and Thai Chana (T). Although most people are cooperative, there are some who let their guard down or refuse to cooperate, and this is a dangerous time.
Government Spokesman, Anucha Burapachaisri, said today that Gen. Prayut wants everyone to take precautionary measures against COVID-19 to the best of their ability. Different agencies must continue overseeing activities that risk spreading the virus in their respective areas. The guidelines for all areas include following the DMHTT measures and having committees on communicable diseases nationwide, consider temporarily closing down establishments with reported infections or venues that risk spreading the disease.
As for guidelines during the Songkran holiday, people are advised to follow the concept of 'Songkran in New Normal, Inheriting Thai Culture' by focusing on traditions, tourism and health. They are encouraged to refrain from activities involving crowds and close contact. Songkran activities must comply with the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration's (CCSA) measures known as DMHTT.
People can participate in a water-pouring ceremony, but it should not be organized in closed or air-conditioned areas. The number of participants has to be limited, with only one person per square meter. They are encouraged to keep a distance of at least a meter from each other and wear protective masks.
Songkran activities are to take place in open areas, with a limit of one person per square meter. People should refrain from organizing activities drawing large crowds or leading to close contact. They are advised to avoid water splashing, powder smearing, foam parties and other events with people from many different areas.
The Government Spokesman said the Prime Minister encourages the public to strictly follow the Songkran in New Normal concept, so as to continue the Thai tradition while taking precautionary measures, as recommended by the CCSA and provincial committees on communicable diseases.
#BreakingNews 08.30am
"Official Songkran events cancelled"
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has cancelled all Songkran events run by the government.
His Cabinet will on Wednesday discuss measures on how to deal with the new wave of Covid-19.
#ThailandNews
Chula specialist fears virus will spread this Songkran, advises extreme caution
Dr Yong Poovorawan
The latest cluster of Covid-19 cases linked to Bangkok's entertainment venues could pose a new challenge for Thailand, especially during the upcoming Songkran festival, Chulalongkorn University virology specialist Dr Yong Poovorawan warned in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
"Infected patients from new hotspots are mostly young pub goers, therefore their symptoms will be minimal or hard to detect, making it difficult to control the outbreak while those infected could unknowingly spread the virus to others," Yong said.
Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang announced on Monday the closure of all entertainment venues in Khlong Toei, Wattana (Thong Lor and Ekkamai) and Bang Khae districts until April 19, after 118 people who visited entertainment venues in these areas tested positive for the virus. Restaurants and entertainment venues in other districts are allowed to stay open until only 9pm and ordered to maintain strict Covid-19 preventive measures.
"Compared to April last year, the number of infected persons this April has jumped from dozens to hundreds per day," Yong pointed out. "This is because last year people took preventive measures, including checking in and out via the Thai Chana mobile platform, whereas nowadays most people ignore these measures," he said.
"Furthermore, last year the government moved Songkran holidays in April to other months to limit inter-provincial travel, but this year Songkran holidays will go ahead as usual (April 13-15). The long weekend starts as early as April 10 and a large number of people are expected to travel to their hometowns" said Yong. "So the risk of the outbreak spreading during Songkran this year is greater, as young people who have unknowingly contracted the virus could spread it to their family members, especially elders during the reunion," he warned.
"I want to urge those who will visit their families during Songkran to strictly adhere to preventive measures, including wearing face masks, washing your hands regularly, maintaining social distance and avoiding touching public surfaces," Yong wrote.
"Alternatively, you can visit them online via video calls or video conferencing, which is also a great way to save on travel expenses while keep everyone safe from the virus," Yong advised.
Chonburi announces ten new cases of Covid-19 this morning, most linked from Bangkok clusters of cases
Chonburi-
The province of Chonburi announced ten new cases of Covid-19 this morning, April 7th, 2021.
The number is less than half of yesterday's 23 cases and local officials have stepped up proactive testing according to their statements this morning. Over 207 additional contacts of previously confirmed cases are still waiting for results and are currently isolated. Additionally, 806 people who work in entertainment venues in Chonburi took Covid-19 tests yesterday and are also waiting for results as authorities test in the local area, especially Si Racha and Pattaya, to see if there are any signs of widespread infection locally.
So far, all the cases appear to have come from other areas according to Chonburi Public Health officials. Today 5 cases have been found in Banglamung, 4 in Si Racha, and one in Mueang Chonburi.
The details on today's cases are as follows:
A family member of two people who recently visited Crystal Pub in Bangkok.
The wife of a man who was a close contact with a singer at Crystal Pub, Bangkok. Crystal Pub has seen multiple cases recently of Covid-19 stemming from the recent Bangkok cluster.
A close contact of a friend who visited Crystal Pub, Bangkok
A close contact of two infected families who went to a motor show in Nonthaburi province.
A DJ of many entertainment venues in Bangkok and Lopburi
A Cambodian national with a work permit
A person with a history of returning recently from Phuket
One Japanese person waiting for further investigation
Details on the other two cases were pending. Chonburi officials have asked people to wear masks and stay calm as well as avoid entertainment venues at this time and follow social distancing rules.
