Thai Royal Gazette releases order changing Covid-19 color zones, new measures to start Monday, May 17th Saturday, 15 May 2021, 20:23. Pattaya News



Thailand-

The Thai Royal Gazette released an order this evening approving a proposal made by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) earlier today to change zone coding in the country that regulates general restrictions and measures related to Covid-19 in the Kingdom.

The order, which takes effect on Monday, May 17th, 2021, reduces the highest and strictest control zones, or dark red, to four areas from six previously: Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Samut Prakan. Chonburi has been dropped to a "red zone" or controlled, and Chiang Mai has been dropped to an "orange zone", or surveillance.

Amongst other measures, the main measures reduced for Chonburi readers, the majority of our audience, is dine-in will be allowed with normal seating until 11:00 P.M. (Although the Governor could strengthen this rule if he chooses.) In "Deep Red" zones, like Bangkok, dine-in will be allowed at 25% capacity until 9:00 P.M. and take-away until 11:00 P.M. Orange zones allow dine-in as normal. Alcohol sales are forbidden at restaurants Kingdom-wide, and bars and entertainment venues must stay closed across the country.

TPN media notes that the Chonburi province will also need to release guidelines and orders, which should be over this weekend, and give guidance around their provincial restrictions. Governors are allowed to strengthen rules, but not weaken them.

Most measures and closures are regulated at a provincial level, so rules around items like gyms, pools, massage shops, beaches, and other venues will be released by the Chonburi government at a later time.

The order also contains an official waiver for mask-wearing at organized official meetings where someone may need to give an official speech or opinion and has either been vaccinated or recently taken a Covid-19 test and proven they are not infected but must follow disease control measures, be socially distanced, and only remove a mask if involved in discussions or speaking.

The seventeen red provinces are Kanchanaburi, Chon Buri, Chachoengsao, Tak, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin), Ayutthaya, Phetchaburi, Yala, Ranong, Rayong, Ratchaburi, Samut Sakhon, Songkhla, and Surat Thani.

The remaining provinces are orange.

We will update you on province-specific orders as soon as they are released. 

🔴 BREAKING: From Monday, restaurants in Dark Red Zone, can have dine-in customers up to 9pm as long as only 25% occupancy. Takeaway allowed until 11pm. Red Zone, can eat in restaurants until 11pm. Orange Zone as normal. The selling & drinking of alcohol still banned in all zones. Richard Barrow



Covid-19 cases in Chonburi plummets to 33 new and confirmed cases, lowest in over a month Saturday, 15 May 2021, 9:35. Pattaya News

Chonburi, Thailand-

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 33 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 this morning (May 15th), the lowest since April 7th, 2021.

This makes a total of 3,644 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 1,259 still in medical care, with a total of thirteen recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April. Two additional deaths were sadly recorded in the past 24 hours.

Additionally, 2,372 people in total have now been released from medical care and fully recovered since this current wave began. 97 people were released yesterday.

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Mueang Chonburi with 5, Si Racha 2, Banglamung (including Pattaya) 18, Phanat Nikhom 1, Sattahip 2, Ban Bueng 1, and Phan Thong 4.

The details on today's cases given were:

1. Six close family member contacts of previous patients.
   -1 person who is a co-worker of a previous confirmed case.
2. In the process of investigation 26 cases.

In the last day, a total of 353 close contacts were tested from contact tracing, and 936 people were tested in proactive testing when medical staff goes out into the community.

All are pending results. Additionally, another 250 people were tested from Royal mobile testing vans and are also waiting for results as officials step up aggressive community testing.

Later today officials with the Thai government are expected to meet around reviewing zone designations and restrictions, although there is no guarantee of changes.

Chonburi Public Health officials are cautioning that although cases are falling due to proximity to Bangkok where cases remain high to stay on alert and if possible work from home and not to associate with people who are not members of your own direct household until the situation improves. 

The official guidance is to stay home and not travel, although there isn't a curfew or stay at home strict order. 

Thailand on Saturday (May 15) reported 3,095 new COVID-19 cases, and 17 additional deaths over the last 24 hours. ● 2,218 new infections ● 877 prison / prison infections Saturday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 99,145 with 565 deaths. Thai Visa



PM denies B50bn Thai Airways recap plan. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday denied reports that the government, through the Finance Ministry, would allocate 50 billion baht to recapitalise financially struggling Thai Airways International Plc (THAI). He was responding to reports the carrier would again become a state enterprise through the re-acquisition of the ministry's majority stake in the airline. Bangkok Post

PM denies B50bn Thai Airways recap plan

Thai Airways International planes are seen at Suvarnabhumi airport. (Bangkok Post file photo)

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday denied reports that the government, through the Finance Ministry, would allocate 50 billion baht to recapitalise financially struggling Thai Airways International Plc (THAI).

He was responding to reports the carrier would again become a state enterprise through the re-acquisition of the ministry's majority stake in the airline.

The prime minister said THAI is currently moving through the debt rehabilitation process.

"I have decided that the government will not involve itself in the work of the rehabilitation plan administrators.

"The government will not provide any financial support... When the rehabilitation plan begins to be implemented, we'll then decide how to proceed," Gen Prayut said.

The airline lost its state-owned status last year when the Finance Ministry reduced its stake to under 50%, to help ease the debt-rehabilitation process.

Previously, several cabinet ministers were concerned the government would need to guarantee a loan worth billions of baht to prop up THAI if it were to come under the state enterprise umbrella again.

Reportedly supporting THAI's reinstatement as a state enterprise were Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith and Deputy Prime Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow, who also heads the government's economic team.

They argued reinstatement, which would require the Finance Ministry to become the majority shareholder again, would boost the airline's financial strength and its bargaining power with creditors.

On Wednesday, creditors postponed a vote on THAI's debt-restructuring plan until next week.

The vote, to be held next Wednesday will decide whether the airline, burdened by debts exceeding 300 billion baht, can stay in business. The airline needs more than 50% of creditors to accept its plan.

Pantip Sripimol, director-general of the State Enterprise Policy Office, said this week's vote was delayed after more than 10 creditors called for the plan to be amended.

One issue involves getting the Finance Ministry, still THAI's biggest shareholder, to guarantee loans for the airline to make it easier for it to borrow and more viable to sustain the company.

But before the ministry can act as a loan guarantor, it must boost its take back to over 50%, which would make THAI a state enterprise again.

Calls to reinstate the Finance Ministry as the majority shareholder have come under fire from critics who fear it would be too much of a financial burden.

Currently, the ministry and the Government Savings Bank together hold 49.9% of THAI's shares.

The airline, which suffered a record loss of 141 billion baht last year, is reportedly seeking a deferment of bond repayments for six years and a waiver of unpaid loan interest.



Travel restrictions in many parts of the world caused by new outbreaks triggered by virus mutations and differing paces of vaccination threaten recovery prospects for the aviation industry, which is suffering its worst crisis. Industry foresees slow recovery, perhaps not until 2024, while mass inoculation trudges along. Bangkok Post

Airlines bemoan lack of coordinated approach to Covid effort

Industry foresees slow recovery, perhaps not until 2024, while mass inoculation trudges along

Thai Airways International jets are grounded at Suvarnabhumi airport.

Travel restrictions in many parts of the world caused by new outbreaks triggered by virus mutations and differing paces of vaccination threaten recovery prospects for the aviation industry, which is suffering its worst crisis.

The lack of standards and coordination as well as the manner in which Covid-related restrictions are enforced is making recovery less predictable or sustainable, said Jeffrey Goh, chief executive of Star Alliance.

Travel is vital to being human and travel policies should support this movement through responsible and risk-based assessments, using testing and controls to protect populations and prevent further spread of the virus, said Mr Goh.

He said inoculations are key to restarting international air travel as well as avoiding quarantine, which is a threat to the recovery of the aviation industry.

However, robust testing protocols remain important while the world waits for people to be vaccinated.

"The role of government is to support the industry and prepare for recovery. This is critical," Mr Goh said. "Beyond financial support, recovery of air travel is dependent on travel restrictions that governments adopt. These measures should be based on medical evidence."

Subhas Menon, director-general at the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), said different travel requirements have to be streamlined through bilateral travel bubbles or corridors for clarification and a more coordinated approach.

Mr Menon suggested all parties in the aviation industry including governments work together to prioritise travel and tourism for global recovery.

He said smart travel solutions have become even more important to make travel seamless because of confusing health and travel requirements.

Testing procedures and certificates of vaccination need to be digitised to facilitate the travel process, via the form of a digital pass.

BRACE FOR TURBULENCE

Mr Menon said the pace of vaccinations in Asia-Pacific is uneven and slower than in Western countries.

This region can expect to achieve herd immunity by 2023 unless vaccine rollouts are accelerated, he said.

"We thought with Asia being the first to encounter the virus, it would be the first to recover," Mr Menon said.

"But Asia-Pacific border restrictions are the most stringent."

He said India is still struggling with a catastrophic virus situation, meaning the region must wait and see for a few months until the new waves and variants subside. The whole region has to simultaneously rebound for a meaningful recovery to take root, said Mr Menon.

The AAPA estimates the aviation industry will take until at least 2024 before it fully recovers.

In terms of passenger growth, Mr Goh said leisure travel will start to shift in the near term, but business travel will remain depressed throughout this year and improve in 2022.

He said the outbreak has made customers expect more flexible air tickets, which are adjustable based on their travel plans in case of emergency travel restrictions.

There is also greater demand for hygienically safer travel experiences.

PRIVATE OPTION

As a result of Covid fears, families and companies may consider booking private jets to avoid crowds on commercial flights.

Demand for private jets will double by next year, said Luzi Matzig, chief executive of VIP Jets, a Don Mueang-based private jet provider.

This growing trend comes from wealthy Asians who are more open to private jet services, both for business and leisure, not only within the region but also to the Middle East and Europe.

Meanwhile, expatriates in Thailand tend to book services to visit their home country, he said.

However, due to travel restrictions, the number of flights has been lowered to 50-60 per year, mostly serving as medical evacuation flights from Cambodia and Myanmar, compared with 75-100 flights a year in the pre-Covid era.



The government is set to relax Covid-19 restrictions, including allowing dine-in services to open until 9pm in maximum and strict control "dark-red zone" provinces. Bangkok Post

Govt set to back easing of curbs

Sit-in dining returns to 'dark-red zones'

The government is set to relax Covid-19 restrictions, including allowing dine-in services to open until 9pm in maximum and strict control "dark-red zone" provinces.

Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, as director of the CCSA, has ordered agencies to find ways to ease the plight of operators of eateries and restaurants and food vendors affected by the restrictions.

The relaxation of restrictions is in line with recommendations made by the Public Health Ministry's Emergency Operation Centre, he said.

In maximum and strict control areas, shown as dark red on public information material, sit-in services can resume until 9pm while takeaway sales will continue to cease operation at 11pm and the ban on alcohol sales will also be retained.

However, dine-in restaurants will only be allowed to operate at 25% of their capacity, so what was previously a table for four will only seat one diner under this round of easing, Dr Taweesilp said.

Schools will remain closed, except for examinations and lot-drawing procedures requested by the Education Ministry to organise some primary and secondary school admissions.

In the light-red zones governed by a second, less severe set of restrictions, dine-in services will be permitted until 11pm. Alcohol sales will also remain prohibited.

Learning activities involving large crowds at schools, universities, and tutorial schools may be permitted but will require permission from provincial communicable disease committees.

In third-tier orange zones, dine-in services can resume normal operating hours with a continued alcohol sales ban and learning activities involving groups can recommence without restriction.

Prior to the green light being given, each province will also have its current colour-coded classification reassessed to ensure public safety, said Dr Taweesilp.

Currently, an average infection rate above 50 cases per day mandates that provincial administrations must impose the toughest curbs. Re-zoning proposals will be announced sometime today, Dr Taweesilp said.

The CCSA yesterday reported 30 new domestic deaths, with the toll now at 548. There were also 2,256 new cases, raising the total to 96,050.

The day's latest batch of cases included 2,068 local infections in 61 provinces, 1,523 of which were confirmed at hospitals and 545 via mass testing, 183 infected prison inmates, and another five Thai returnees from foreign countries.

Bangkok logged the most with 1,087, followed by 157 in Pathum Thani, 131 in Nonthaburi, 121 in Samut Prakan, 64 in Chon Buri, 52 in Prachuap Khiri Khan, 46 in Samut Sakhon, 33 in Rayong, 29 in Ayutthaya and 25 in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

"The number of new cases in Greater Bangkok was three times as many as those in other provinces," Dr Tawee­silp said.



Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha along with Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Tourism & Sport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn are to arrive in Phuket tomorrow (May 15) to see firsthand the COVID situation on the island and to hand over 100,000 doses of COVID vaccine to be used in the mass-vaccination campaign.

Prayut coming to Phuket as July 1 reopening assured

PHUKET: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha along with Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Tourism & Sport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn are to arrive in Phuket tomorrow (May 15) to see firsthand the COVID situation on the island and to hand over 100,000 doses of COVID vaccine to be used in the mass-vaccination campaign.

Vachira Phuket Hospital Director Dr Chalermpong Sukontapol confirmed the news following the meeting of the Phuket Communicable Disease Committee at Phuket provincial Hall today (May 14).

"Tomorrow (May 15), the Prime Minister, the Minister of Public Health and the Minister of Tourism and sport will come to hand over 100,000 doses of Sinovac vaccine. Another 100,000 doses will come on May 18," Dr Chalermpong said.

"I would say it is our good luck to receive the number of vaccines to accomplish our Phuket Sandbox plan. We receive vaccine doses faster than other provinces," he added.

"We will start administering the vaccine doses [that will arrive tomorrow] from May 18-28," Dr Chalermpong said.

"We will receive doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine in early June to give to elders. The vaccine will be given to those who are older than 60 years old and to those who have dangerous diseases [medical conditions] over three days, from June 7-9," he explained.

"Then we will administer a further 140,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to people from June 10-16," he continued.

"After that, we will give the second injection of the Sinovac vaccine to those who received their first injection in May. That will complete our 300,000 people vaccinated with Sinovac.

"For the 140,000 people who will get the AstraZeneca vaccine, they will develop immunity after two weeks. They will get the second injection in August," he said.

"So, that will be 440,000 people in Phuket vaccinated for the virus; 300,000 people will be fully vaccinated with Sinovac and 140,000 will have had their first jab of AstraZeneca. That means we will be able to open on July 1," Dr Chalermpong assured.

"For foreigners, migrant workers, or expats working in Phuket, we will arrange the vaccine doses and give them to you before the end of June for sure," Dr Chalermpong said.

"We are living and working in Phuket together. We will achieve herd immunity together," he added. 

Buriram province to penalize high-risk groups refusing COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals aged 18 and older in Buriram province deemed by the local authorities to be at risk of COVID-19 infection who refuse to get vaccinated, will be penalized, according to a provincial order published recently. | Thai PBS World :

Buriram province to penalize high-risk groups refusing COVID-19 vaccine

views  3,181

Individuals aged 18 and older in Buriram province deemed by the local authorities to be at risk of COVID-19 infection who refuse to get vaccinated, will be penalized, according to a provincial order published recently.

Buriram Governor Thatchakorn Hatthathayakul urged every individual, aged 18 or more, living or working in Buriram, to submit their COVID-19 risk assessment form and apply for vaccination through the publicly available channels by May 31st.

The channels include door-to-door approach by public health volunteers, online registration or personal visits to hospitals or health offices in the province. Failure to apply by May 31st is liable to one month in prison and/or a fine of 10,000 Baht.

If, during the application process, health officials or officials from the Disease Control Department find that the applicant is deemed to be at risk of getting infected, they can order them to get vaccinated at a specific venue and on a specific day.

Those who refuse to receive vaccine jabs, as ordered, may face a maximum fine of 60,000 Baht – 20,000 Baht for a violation of the Communicable Diseases Act and 40,000 Baht for a violation of the emergency decree – and/or two years in prison.



Bangkok Post highlights 15/5



Thai Adds Phuket Flights Ahead Of Planned July Reopening Thai Airways has added four non-stops routes from Europe to Phuket – including from Heathrow – along with two from within Asia. May 14, 2021. Bangkok Jack

Thai Adds Phuket Flights Ahead Of Planned July Reopening

Thai Airways has added four non-stops routes from Europe to Phuket – including from Heathrow – along with two from within Asia.

May 14, 2021

The reason: the opening up of Phuket from July, which is set to be a testbed for the wider country. They'll also be non-stop because they must be, at least for now.

Thai Airways has put on sale the following six routes, with the summer period coinciding with the low season in Thailand.

• Copenhagen-Phuket: once-weekly from July 2nd-September 24th using the A350-900
• Delhi-Phuket: twice-weekly July 2nd-September 26th; A350-900
• Frankfurt-Phuket: once-weekly July 2nd-October 1st; B777-300ER
• Hong Kong-Phuket: once-weekly July 2nd-September 24th; A350-900
• London Heathrow-Phuket: once-weekly July 3rd-September 25th; B777-300ER
• Paris CDG-Phuket: once-weekly July 2nd-September 24th; B777-300ER

In the recent past, Thai Airways has served Phuket non-stop from Copenhagen, Delhi, Frankfurt, and Hong Hong.

Frankfurt, for example, began in November 2016 but became winter-seasonal in 2019, so its summer flights are a return to this flying.

Copenhagen, meanwhile, has always been winter-only, until now.

One-way travel

Aircraft will route to and from Bangkok, with Phuket available non-stop only in one direction: to the island.

This is because it is a requirement is to fly non-stop into Phuket, at least until connections over Bangkok are permitted once again. For example, Heathrow is scheduled as:

• Bangkok-Heathrow: 00:55-07:15
• Heathrow-Phuket: 12:30-06:10+1 (the next day)
• Phuket-Bangkok: 07:45-09:15

Why is it happening?

Thailand's borders have remained closed for a long time, with a tentative reopening date of July 1st.

This is likely to change further depending on the progress of Thailand's third wave of coronavirus.

Vaccinations will be all-important to visiting Phuket, among various other requirements, with Phuket expected to lead the country's recovery effort ahead of other areas.

As is often the case with COVID, uncertainty surrounds the situation. In an article published on May 11th, The Points Guy pointed out that the quarantine-free agreement has been reversed.

Of course, returning home may also prove problematic, especially as Thailand is not on England's green list of countries. Instead, it is amber, which requires passengers to quarantine at home.

Europe to Phuket

It's no surprise that Thai Airways has chosen these six routes to Phuket. After all, most routes were served by the airline before the pandemic hit, showing how important they were to both the island and the carrier.

Indeed, across all airlines, passenger traffic to/from the four European destinations is strong, based on 2019 booking data obtained from OAG Traffic Analyzer.

• London: approximately 160,000 point-to-point round-trip passengers
• Frankfurt: 145,000
• Paris: 130,000
• Copenhagen: 66,000

TUI Airways will resume Gatwick-Phuket on a once-weekly basis from this October, while TUI Nordic is set to restart Copenhagen-Phuket from November.

London to Phuket

Thai Airways carried the most London to Phuket passengers in 2019, with about 53,000 estimated to have connected over Suvarnabhumi.

It was the carrier's largest transit market, with the rest of its top-10 being London to Ko Samui, Krabi, Auckland, Hanoi, Perth, Ho Chi Minh City, Bali, Melbourne, and Siem Reap.

The Gulf carriers have really grown in Phuket in recent years, with up to 45 weekly departures in 2019.

It is therefore no surprise that they were also important in reaching Phuket, although Qatar and the UAE are now on the UK's red list of countries.

Qatar Airways via Doha saw the second-highest number of London passengers, followed by Emirates via Dubai. Then it was:

• Singapore Airlines and SilkAir via Singapore
• Etihad Airways over Abu Dhabi
• Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur
• Air China over Beijing Capital
• Aeroflot via Moscow Sheremetyevo

– SimpleFlying.Com

“ Tio i Topp ” 14/5 . PRD



King of Thailand ‘rushed to ICU’ with breathing problems King Vajiralongkorn of Thailand has been rushed to an Intensive Care Unit at Siriraj Hospital according to reports. May 14, 2021. Bangkok Jack

King of Thailand 'rushed to ICU' with breathing problems

King Vajiralongkorn of Thailand has been rushed to an Intensive Care Unit at Siriraj Hospital according to reports.

May 14, 2021

King Maha Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne in 2016 following the death of of his long-reigning father Bhumibol Adulyadej

The 68-year-old monarch was admitted to ICU a few days ago after suffering from respiratory problems.

Andrew MacGregor Marshall, a journalist specialising in the activities of Thailand's Royal Family, says The King's condition is not understood to be life threatening.

Mr MacGregor Marshall tweeted: "King Vajiralongkorn was rushed to intensive care at Siriraj Hospital a few days ago because of respiratory problems, according to several informed sources.

"Sources say the king was initially treated at Bangkok Hospital then transferred to Siriraj when his condition became serious.

"Despite the rumours, right now there is no sign The King's illness is life-threatening. He has respiratory problems, probably not Covid-related, and was in the ICU at Siriraj."

There has been no official comment from the Thai Royal Household, with speculation becoming increasingly rampant on social media.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun was born to King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit on 28 July 1952 in Bangkok.

The 68-year-old came to the throne after the death of his father in October 2016. His father was beloved in Thailand, and his death led to widespread mourning across the country.

The current King has faced significant opposition however, despite strict lèse majesté laws which can carry up to a 15-year prison sentence.

The King spends the majority of his time with his harem, including his Royal Noble Consort, in a hotel in Germany while the Queen resides in Switzerland.

Mass protests have broken out in the past year throughout Thailand against his reign with people demanding a new Prime Minister, new constitution and a reform of the monarchy. – Royal Central 

Thailand's 10 important tourist provinces/ 4 time periods opening to foreign tourism explained. Thai Visa



Picture: Siam Rath

 

PM's office deputy spokeswoman Traisuree Traisarankun has given details about how Thailand will open up to foreign tourism.

 

It appears the Thais are on track despite the current devastating and most severe wave of Covid-19 yet that is prevalent in the country, reported Siam Rath. 

 

She said there are four timeframes (called Timelines by Siam Rath as per the latest buzzword).

 

#1 We're in that at the moment. This one runs from April 30th to June 30th and allows foreign tourists who have proof of vaccination to come but they must quarantine as per CCSA (Covid committee) requirements.

 

#2 That's July 1st to 30th September and is called the "Phuket Sandbox" - this applies to foreigners who have proof of vaccination that can then stay in that province without the need to quarantine

 

#3 This is the period from October 1st to the end of the year when the sandbox is opened up to 10 provinces including Phuket - Bangkok, parts of Krabi and Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Surat Thani, Phangnga and Buriram. 

 

#4 This is from January 1st 2022 when everything is starting to get back to normal. Now ALL of Thailand will be opened up to foreign tourists who have proof of vaccination. 

 

Traisuree said that 70% vaccination of the locals population in the tourist areas was the target by later in the year. The ten provinces mentioned accounted for 80% of tourism revenue in the country in 2019.

 

That was 1.5 trillion baht out of the total.

 

Siam Rath didn't give an exact timeframe but said that 3.5 million foreigners would come and spend 298 billion baht. 

 

Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Thailand's minister of tourism and sports, said that 200,000 doses of vaccine had been administered in Phuket so far.

 

He said that 740,000 to 750,000 will be administered in time for the July 1st sandbox opening.

 

With capabilities at 15,000 jabs a day there is plenty of time to get to the 70% herd immunity mark, he said. 

 

Chonburi Covid -19 new confirmed cases slightly rise to 64, most in Banglamung Friday, 14 May 2021, 9:40. Pattaya News



Chonburi, Thailand-

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 64 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 this morning (May 14th), a slight rise from yesterday.

This makes a total of 3,611 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 1,325 still in medical care, with a total eleven recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April.

Additionally, 2,275 people in total have now been released from medical care and fully recovered since this current wave began. 122 people were released yesterday.

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Mueang Chonburi with 17, Si Racha 6, Banglamung (including Pattaya) 28, Phanat Nikhom 1, Sattahip 2, Ban Bueng 3, Phan Thong 2, Nong Yai 1, and 4 patients from other provinces transferred to Chonburi for medical care.

The details on today's cases given were:

1. Contact from previous confirmed cases

• 11 family members who were close contacts
• 5 from work places

2. Contacted from previous confirmed cases and being investigated 27 cases.
3. Under investigation 21 cases

In the last day, a total of 175 close contacts were tested from contact tracing, and 765 people were tested in proactive testing when medical staff goes out into the community.

All are pending results. Additionally, another 217 people were tested from Royal mobile testing vans and are also waiting for results as officials step up aggressive community testing.

Sometime later today officials with the Thai government are expected to meet around reviewing zone designations and restrictions, although there is no guarantee of changes.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has downgraded its outlook for domestic trips and tourism receipts this year because of the economic downturn, with the third wave undermining domestic tourism. TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the country needs to maintain the momentum of the 90.5 million domestic trips recorded last year with support from upcoming tourism measures such as "We Travel Together", a hotel and airline subsidy, and "Tour Teaw Thai" (Travel Around Thailand), a co-payment scheme for tour packages. Bangkok Post

TAT slashes goal for local tourism

The ambiance at Don Mueang airport before the third wave. Domestic tourism spending should weaken this year. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has downgraded its outlook for domestic trips and tourism receipts this year because of the economic downturn, with the third wave undermining domestic tourism.

TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the country needs to maintain the momentum of the 90.5 million domestic trips recorded last year with support from upcoming tourism measures such as "We Travel Together", a hotel and airline subsidy, and "Tour Teaw Thai" (Travel Around Thailand), a co-payment scheme for tour packages.

He said the measures may start by the end of June or early July, when the outbreak is hopefully under control, and could extend to Oct 31, a month longer than the previous deadline of September.

The budget for the schemes comes from the emergency loan decree to help mitigate the impact of the outbreak, which needs to be cleared by the end of the year, said Mr Yuthasak.

The agency still needs cabinet approval for the new deadline for these schemes.

Apart from stimulus schemes, TAT plans to run tourism marketing campaigns to encourage locals to take more domestic trips, such as the new series of Unseen Thailand that was postponed because of the third wave in April, he said.

"We have to stimulate the number of trips rather than increase spending per trip, which is more difficult during a tepid economy," said Mr Yuthasak.

Average spending for domestic travellers was 4,300 baht per trip prior to the pandemic, but the figure is expected to dip during the new outbreak.

If the country starts to reopen in the final quarter, Thai travellers might be able to resume outbound travel and could spend more on overseas trips, he said.

Mr Yuthasak said the agency must come up with incentives for companies and provincial administrative organisations to increase their number of trips to maintain jobs and drive the economic recovery next year.

Local sentiment concerning international arrivals in "sandbox" areas is another challenge that needs to be monitored closely, as some Thai tourists might avoid these destinations, he said.

The previous goal for domestic trips was cut at the end of April to 100-120 million trips from 160 million, with tourism revenue decreased to 550 billion baht from 870 billion after the third outbreak ravaged tourism sentiment during Songkran.

14/5



14/5



🔴 BREAKING: Thai health ministry reporting 30 deaths and 2,256 cases (*) on Friday. Full update at 12:30pm. 11 May: 1,919 - 31 dead 12 May: 1,983 - 34 dead 13 May: 4,887 - 32 dead 14 May: 2,256 - 30 dead <— TODAY * 183 new cases were from the prison . Richard Barrows



Bangkok Post highlights 14/5



Thai Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration to discuss zone measures, restrictions tomorrow morning. The spokesman for the Thai CCSA, or Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration, confirmed this afternoon to the Thai media that the CCSA was planning to evaluate the past several weeks of Covid-19 related measures, especially around “deep red” zones, in the country. Thursday, 13 May 2021, 15:10. Pattaya News

Thailand-

The spokesman for the Thai CCSA, or Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration, confirmed this afternoon to the Thai media that the CCSA was planning to evaluate the past several weeks of Covid-19 related measures, especially around "deep red" zones, in the country.

Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, the spokesperson for the Covid-19 center, made the announcement early this afternoon when a reporter for the associated press asked about the restrictions and measures.

Currently, Thailand divides provinces into zones based on risk and Covid-19 cases, with six areas/provinces currently "deep red" which includes Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai among others.  Other provinces are either orange or red based on infections and cases. Some provinces have not had any cases in weeks, whereas others like Bangkok remain the epicenter of the current round of Covid-19.  Most of the dark red provinces have remained roughly the same in terms of cases (or risen like Bangkok) but some, including Chiang Mai and Chonburi, have dropped.

Measures in place for deep red zones include a ban on dine-in, gyms, and early closing times/take-away times for grocery stores and convenience stores. Entertainment venues are currently closed nationwide regardless of zone color. Many provinces have adopted provincial rules that strengthen the national restrictions, notably Phuket and Surat Thani where even social gatherings of as small as two outside of a direct household are banned, regardless of color-coding. The Pattaya News notes that even if the CCSA downgrades Chonburi to allow dine-in, the final decision would be with the Governor who could strengthen restrictions if they wish.

Dr. Taweesin stated to the press that any new measures would be announced at the daily Covid-19 briefing scheduled for tomorrow, May 14th.  This comes as some prominent doctors in Thailand, including advisors to the CCSA, are pushing for tougher restrictions in some areas, especially Bangkok, where the majority of daily Covid-19 cases in the country are coming from. Meanwhile, in places like Chiang Mai that have seen a reduction in cases, restaurant associations, and even the Governor have pleaded with the CCSA to consider reducing them from deep-red status and allow dine-in at restaurants or risk putting tens of thousands of jobs at risk.

We will update our readers as soon as announcements are released, but remind them that any statements from the CCSA would also need to await a Governor's order for regional measures. 

Major Covid19 clusters in Bangkok. PRD



Statistics Covid19 for 13 days. The Nation



Phuket is set to welcome 129,000 international tourists in the first three months of the quarantine-free programme, while the government will team up with airlines to subsidise 100,000 one-way domestic air tickets, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Bangkok Post

Phuket banking on 129,000 arrivals

People receive Covid-19 vaccines in Phuket. The island is rushing to vaccinate locals ahead of the reopening initiative slated for July 1. (Photo by Achadthaya Chuenniran)

Phuket is set to welcome 129,000 international tourists in the first three months of the quarantine-free programme, while the government will team up with airlines to subsidise 100,000 one-way domestic air tickets, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the reopening initiative -- Phuket Sandbox -- is expected to attract 30,000-40,000 tourists per month with long-haul markets being the main target.

He said seven-day tour packages in Phuket will cost around 150,000-200,000 baht per person, which is significantly higher than average spending per of around 50,000 baht per trip prior to the outbreak.

Tourists have to board a direct flight to the island to ensure safety, but if time slots at the airport are fully booked, tourists can transit at Suvarnabhumi airport via a sealed terminal.

TAT also discussed with Thai Airways and Thai Smiles Airways a subsidy scheme for domestic air fares of 1,000-2,000 baht for tourists who visit Phuket via the sandbox programme and will expand this joint promotion with all local airlines.

Mr Yuthasak said tourism would gear up towards this year's tourism goal of 3-4 million visitors in the fourth quarter after another nine areas in the reopening plan are included.

The agency plans to propose standard operating procedures (SOP) of entry process for international arrivals, such as procedures on Covid-19 testing and guidelines for sealed routes to the Centre for Economic Situation Administration for approval within this month.

After the SOP is approved and once there is an official announcement in the Royal Gazette, tour operators can proceed with sales and marketing plans.

TAT also has to work on supply development and vaccination plans, including risk management in the case of an emergency.

He said the country has to watch out for new infection clusters, especially in Bangkok, as it may affect the vaccine distribution to Phuket.

"The new outbreak in Thailand didn't affect tourism sentiment in foreign markets as the media in each country turned their focus towards the situation in India and domestic cases in their own countries," said Mr Yuthasak.

"However, travel agents expressed concern that the virus situation may affect the reopening timeline which prompted TAT to confirm that everything is running as scheduled."

He said travel agents are waiting for clear entry regulations, so they can offer packages to their customers.

” Summa summarum ”. The Nation



🔴 BREAKING: Thai health ministry reporting 32 deaths and 4,887 cases (*) on Thursday. Full update at 12:30pm. 11 May: 1,919 - 31 dead 12 May: 1,983 - 34 dead 13 May: 4,887 - 32 dead <— TODAY . * 2,835 cases from people in prison. So, the regular update is 2,052 new cases