lördag 19 juni 2021

Sandbox latest, CCSA says all regions reopening must reach 70% local vaccination. The Thaiger / Bangkok Post

Sandbox latest, CCSA says all regions reopening must reach 70% local vaccination

Saturday, June 19, 2021

Discussions about re-opening Thailand have spread beyond Phuket with the latest decisions from the CCSA. Meanwhile, Phuket's Sandbox re-opening date of July 1looms.

The main narrative out of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration is the need for regions or provinces, slated for re-opening to vaccinated overseas travellers, to have vaccinated 70% of their resident population before they can open their doors.

In Phuket, just over 62% of the local island population have received a single dose of Covid vaccine, but only just over 30% have been fully vaccinated with both doses. Those numbers have been published by the government's own media outlet, NBT.

The majority of the doses in Phuket have been with China's Coronavac vaccine from Sinovac Biotech in Beijing.

Since February 28, around 7 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered across Thailand. Less than 1,500 people have been hospitalised sometime after being injected with the vaccine. Of the doses administered in Thailand so far, 3.2 million doses were the Sinovac vaccine and 1.9 million doses were from AstraZeneca. Both vaccines involve 2 doses at different times.

The Thai FDA has approved 5 vaccines for use in Thailand at this stage.

Added to the warning about reaching a level of 70% fully vaccinated residents, the CCSA announced that the reopening plan for international travellers would be put on pause if the rate of new infections reached over 90 cases per week.

Speaking to the PM's TV speech on Wednesday, when he announced that Thailand would fully re-open to international tourism in 120 days (mid October), the CCSA noted that the target may not be met "nationwide". They also said that the roll out of re-openings to other tourist locations around Thailand is dependent on a successful implementation of the Phuket sandbox.

Meanwhile, Thailand's Minister for Sports and Tourism, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, announced that each province will have a dedicated centre to monitor the reopening which will work in concert with the Tourism Authority of Thailand his ministry.

Yesterday's CCSA meeting also approved, in principle, the opening of "sealed routes" between 3 of the Gulf Islands – Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao – in the middle of July.

According to the Bangkok post, the CCSA spokesperson said… "tourists who want to visit these islands have to follow additional restrictions. They must stay at alternative local quarantine hotels and spend the first 3 days on the hotel premises before being permitted to travel via sealed routes on Koh Samui between days 4 to 7.

"They can hop to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao from days 8 to 14."

Following this, as per the Phuket Sandbox, travellers will be able to travel anywhere they like around Thailand.

In another Sandbox development, following an announcement to present Thais, diplomats or long-stay residents from using the Sandbox as a way of re-entering Thailand, the TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn yesterday said that that decision has been over-turned and that anyone will be able to enter Thailand from overseas using the Sandbox model.

"However, Thai travellers who went abroad to receive Covid-19 vaccines and want to enter via Phuket must be vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival."

The TAT announced yesterday that 18 airlines have booked slots to fly into Phuket between July and October, offering roughly 200 flights so far. They claim the number of booked seats was at 6,789 as of yesterday. They also estimate that that number would rise to 9,000-10,000 passenger seats before July 1, according to Bangkok Post.

The other sticky issues of US$100,000 Covid insurance premiums, tracking wristbands, multiple Covid tests and what may or no be open on the island from July 1, are still up in the air. The Thaiger believes there will be clarification on many of these issues over the next week.

The clock is ticking, however, as potential travellers are still unable to get a Certificate of Entry until after the Sandbox plan has been officially approved and passed into law with inclusion in the Royal Gazette. Only then will foreign embassies be able to process paperwork allowing foreigners to travel to Thailand as part of the program.

The TAT are running a campaign about the reopening of Thailand to general tourism…

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

Phuket Sandbox: Are we ready? Phuket News

Phuket Sandbox: Are we ready?

A lone lifeguard keeps watch over an empty Patong Beach. Photo: Patong Surf Life Saving

Leading local tourism figures are confident that Phuket's tourism industry is ready to welcome what few tourists will start arriving after the Phuket Tourism Sandbox model launches on July 1, allowing vaccinated foreign tourists onto Phuket without observing any mandatory quarantine other than having to remain on the island.

Following reports that Phuket will not be ready to reopen on July 1, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha went online last Sunday (June 13) and posted confirmation on his own Facebook page that July 1 will go ahead.

PM Prayut stressed that the 'Phuket Sandbox' project was initiated in line with his guidelines to slowly reopen the country to vaccinated foreign tourists to revive tourism. The PM pointed out that the Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA), which he chairs, had already approved the project. However, he also noted that the Sandbox model had yet to be approved by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and the Cabinet, which at last report was expected to pass final judgement on the July 1 reopening next Tuesday (June 22).

PM Prayut is now scheduled to visit Phuket in person to conduct an inspection visit next Friday (June 25).

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Yuthasak Supasorn was already in Phuket in person last Saturday (June 12) to lead a workshop with leading local tourism figures to go over the Sandbox requirements for allowing foreign visitors onto the island.

Mr Yuthasak noted that many tour operators, and governments, were waiting for final confirmation of the requirements of the Sandbox policy by publication in the Royal Gazette, which should be announced in the final week of June to meet the scheme timeline.

Mr Yuthasak said the TAT acknowledged there was growing concern and discontent among the private sector about the additional measures for tourist destinations to reopen, which could discourage visitors in the initial stages. He insisted the tighter screening measures were necessary as the Public Health Ministry had stressed that no tourist should be infected while roaming the island.

"We should accept an influx of tourists is unlikely in the third quarter. The Sandbox scheme was established as a test run, which means it is a gradual process where we determine the best practices to allow other destinations to follow suit," Mr Yuthasak said.

ARE WE READY?

Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, President of the Thai Hotels Association Southern chapter, this week told The Phuket News, "Phuket is very ready, in terms of both business operators and preparation. As the Phuket Governor said, we need three levels of being ready: Phuket, Thailand, and the world."

"Right now, Phuket is ready because our people are vaccinated, and we have enough or even more than enough for tourism industry businesses that are opening to welcome 120,000 tourists in the third quarter of this year.

"Is Thailand ready? We are speeding up to make agreements and confirm conditions on everything, which needs to be approved by the CCSA as soon as possible."

However, Mr Kongsak noted, "If the measures come to be very strict, then tourism cannot move on, and tourists will not come. If the measures come to be not strict, we may have a fourth and subsequent outbreaks, and tourists will not come.

"So every ministry needs to take this all in together and come up with the decision, which must be the most natural. No political issues involved," he said.

"For the world level, we cannot control anything, as it is all about international relations policy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of Tourism and Sports should have made agreements to have travel bubbles with countries, but we have not seen anything," he added.

Phuket already has enough rooms at hotels to accommodate the positive projected number of tourists, Mr Kongsak said.

"We have about 300 hotels open right now," he said.

Tested on whether this will be enough, Mr Kongsak explained that the TAT had projected some 120,000 tourists to come in the first three months after July 1, giving an average demand of 40,000 visitors per month.

"That averages to about 1,000 people per day. Tourists on average stay for 5.5 nights, which gives a demand of 5,000-6,000 room nights. Most tourists stay two people to one room, so we need about 3,000 hotel rooms per day. We have 15,000 rooms, so it is more than enough for the coming tourists," he said.

"For other businesses in the tourism industry, we still have more than enough. For example, we have 14,000 vans registered to serve tourists, but right now we have 9,000. I think that is enough. As for buses, they may not be used at this time, as we do not have tour groups," he added.

CAUTION FIRST

Mr Kongsak cautioned operators from taking government-supported loans in order to open if the demand is not yet there to support their businesses.

"We cannot tell everyone to open their business. If the government supports those who are not ready by giving loans, if those businesses have only 5-10% of the number of customers they need, then they face further losses anyway," he said.

"I told members of my association that if their hotels are still closed, do not rush to open. Ask yourselves, is it worth spending a lot of money to welcome only 5-10% guests? At this time, we cannot afford to imagine a beautiful image of tourism returning to how it was," Mr Kongsak added."

Thanusak Phungdet, President of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, blankly agreed.

"I would love to advise hotel operators who are not yet ready to open, do not rush to open your hotels at this time. Monitor the situation in July first, then decide to make any movement," he told The Phuket News.

"We do not expect a high number of tourists coming in the first couple weeks. I think we will have about 1,000 tourists. In this first month, I think the tourists may be those who work with the TAT," Mr Thanusak said.

"I will be happy to see more bookings after the official announcement [of the entry conditions]. I do expect to see more tourists in August and September," he added.

Mr Kongsak said that he believed the move to extend the minimum number of nights spent on Phuket from seven to 14 had not deterred many visitors wanting to come to Phuket. Pre-COVID, most visitors spent on average only 5.5 nights on the island anyway, he said.

Mr Thanusak admitted that it would deter some visitors, but took this as a blessing.

"Actually, it is a good thing, as we do not want a big number of tourists coming in the first period. Calm down and let's not rush this. There will be no problems if we have a smaller number of tourists. I will be simply satisfied if the TAT can make announcements and promote that Phuket is open again," he said.

However, Mr Thansuak also noted, "We do expect a bigger numbers of tourists in October or in the fourth quarter [of this year]."

Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to confirm Thailand’s readiness to reopen to vaccinated foreign tourists without quarantine requirements, starting with the “Phuket Sandbox” model from 1 July, Surat Thani – Samui Plus from 15 July, followed by other destinations, including Krabi, Phang Nga, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Buri Ram in the following months. TTT Newsroom

Starting with the pilot 'island approach' from July, followed by extension routes from August and 'sealed approach' from September, leading to reopening of more destinations in October.

TAT Newsroom

Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to confirm Thailand's readiness to reopen to vaccinated foreign tourists without quarantine requirements, starting with the "Phuket Sandbox" model from 1 July, Surat Thani – Samui Plus from 15 July, followed by other destinations, including Krabi, Phang Nga, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Buri Ram in the following months.

The plan, approved by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) during today's meeting, will be submitted for final approval from the Cabinet.

Minister of Tourism and Sports H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said, "Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday has set a goal to reopen Thailand to fully vaccinated foreign visitors without quarantine within the next 120 days. This has given hope to everyone in the Thai tourism industry. I believe that the Prime Minister has set such goal in his confidence that the national COVID-19 vaccination programme would have given 50 million people their first shot by early October.

"Thailand's plan to reopen within 120 days meant that if Bangkok or any of the 76 provinces are ready to reopen from October, provided that the local population are inoculated, and the infection rate is at no more than 20-30 cases daily. The key is that the Thai people must be safe, and that the public health guidelines must be adhered to."

TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn said, "Under the latest target set by the Thai Prime Minister to reopen Thailand within the next 120 days, TAT has been instructed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport to adjust our strategy with the aim to reopen pilot destinations under the 'island and sealed approach' within the third quarter, leading to the reopening of more destinations from October."

The 'Island Approach' will begin with the Phuket Sandbox model from 1 July, followed by the Samui Plus (Surat Thani) for Samui-Phangan-Tao Sealed Routes from 15 July. The approach will continue in August with an 'Extension' concept to be introduced to a visit to Phuket, linking with 'Krabi Even More Amazing' (Ko Phi Phi, Ko Ngai and Ko Railay) or 'Phang Nga Prompt' (Khao Lak and Ko Yao).

From September, the 'Sealed Approach' will be launched for specific areas and routes in 'Charming Chiang Mai' (Mueang, Mae Rim, Mae Tang and Doi Tao Districts), Chon Buri: Neo Pattaya (Pattaya City and Bang Lamung and Sattahip Districts), and Buri Ram (Mueang District and the Chang Arena).

"For Buri Ram specifically, 70% of the local population must be inoculated in preparations for the 2021 Thailand MotoGP at the Chang International Circuit on 8-10 October," Mr. Yuthasak said.

Then from October or within the fourth quarter, Bangkok, Cha-Am and Hua Hin, as well as any other Thai destinations that are ready, will be reopened to vaccinated foreign tourists without quarantine.

TAT is also considering the reopening of other destinations with nearby tourist islands, including Pattaya (Ko Lan) and the provinces in the Eastern Economic Corridor (Chachoengsao, Chon Buri and Rayong).

Reopening guidelines for Phuket and Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao):

Pre-arrival

Foreign travellers must travel from countries/regions with a low to medium risk of SAR-CoV-2 virus as announced and constantly updated by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). They must also have already stayed in the said countries/regions no less than 21 days before the travel date;
Thai nationals and foreign expatriates must travel from countries/regions with a low to medium risk of SAR-CoV-2 virus as announced and constantly updated by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH);
They must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine registered with the MoPH or approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) no less than 14 days before the travel date, and must have a vaccine certificate to verify their vaccination;
Children under 6 years of age are allowed when travelling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians;
Travellers who have a history of COVID-19 infection must also be fully vaccinated no less than 14 days before the travel date;
Travellers must have a medical certificate with an RT-PCR laboratory result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected issued no more than 72 hours before departure;
Travellers must have a COVID-19 health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of US$100,000.

Travellers who are qualified and equipped with the required documents are advised to submit application for the Certificate of Entry (COE) via www.entrythailand.go.th.

Arrival

Undergo Immigration and Customs procedures, and a COVID-19 screening, including RT-PCR tests;
Download and install the alert application;
Go directly to your reserved hotel to await the test results;
- Arrivals to Phuket must check-in at the pre-booked SHA Plus-certified accommodation establishment;
- Arrivals to Ko Samui must check-in at alternative local quarantine (ALQ) facilities;
If tested negative for COVID-19, travellers to Phuket can go anywhere in Phuket. Travellers to Ko Samui can leave their room for facilities and services within their accommodation only.

Stay

For travellers to Phuket:
- Travellers who wish to visit Phuket only, no minimum stay is required but they must leave Phuket (Thailand) for another country on or before the intended departure date;
- For travellers who wish to continue the journey to other Thai destinations, they must stay in Phuket for 14 nights, and thereafter will be allowed to travel domestically.
For travellers to Ko Samui:
- During the 1st-3rd nights, travellers can leave their room for facilities and services within their accommodation only.
- During the 4th-7th nights, travellers can travel on specified routes within Ko Samui only.
- During the 8th-14th nights, travellers can travel between Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao.
Undergo a COVID-19 test using an RT-PCR method per the MoPH's guidelines;
Travellers are advised to strictly follow the DMHTTA precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19: D – Distancing, M – Mask wearing, H – Handwashing, T – Temperature check, T – Testing for COVID-19, and A – alert application.

Domestic Departure

For travelling from Phuket or Samui-Phangan-Tao to other Thai destinations, travellers are required to show proof that they have completed a 14-night stay along with the other required documents per the guidelines and measures announced by the respective province of destination.

Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2021/06/thailand-confirms-reopening-plan-from-1-july-2021/

DET FINNS ANDRA VÄRDEN I LIVET ÄN COVID19!! A 78-year-old customer filed a police complaint to the Bandung Police Station in Udon Thani yesterday, June 17th, and asked for a 60-baht refund after his hair was cut unevenly by a local hairdresser. Pattaya News

78-year-old customer files police report on his barber for a bad haircut in Udon Thani

Friday, 18 June 2021, 18:21

Udon Thani –

A 78-year-old customer filed a police complaint to the Bandung Police Station in Udon Thani yesterday, June 17th, and asked for a 60-baht refund after his hair was cut unevenly by a local hairdresser.

The elderly man, whose name was given only as "Wen Fa", arrived at the police station in the afternoon to furiously file a police report against the hairdresser who gave him a displeasing hairstyle. He also wanted a refund of 60 baht for the haircut and another 20 baht for energy drinks he purchased at the shop, totaling 80 baht back. He claimed the hairdresser, who wasn't named by Bandung police, refused to offer him a refund.

Lieutenant Colonel Thaworn Saengchanda, deputy sergeant-in-chief of the Ban Dung Police Station, who was on duty at the time, instead gave the complainant compliments, saying that he should not file any reports as he was already looking good with a new hairstyle. The police also paid him the haircut refund for 60 baht without involving the hairdresser.

Shortly after the conciliation, the man then calmed down and dropped his complaints against the barber, and left the police station. Officials could not help but smile at the situation and felt pleased they were able to resolve it, showing that you never quite know what can happen during a day in Thai law enforcement. The entire incident was photographed and videotaped by the associated Thai press who were at the police station at the time of the incident.

Photo Courtesy: Siamrath

🔴 #COVID19 UPDATE on SATURDAY: 32 deaths and 3,667 cases (435 from prisons). Full details at 12:30pm. Richard Barrow

Govt eases coronavirus curbs. Bangkok Post

Govt eases coronavirus curbs

The government has eased some Covid-19 restrictions to allow dine-in services at restaurants to open until 11pm and reduced the designation of five "dark-red zone" provinces to four.

Bangkok and three adjoining provinces -- Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan -- will remain as dark-red zones with maximum and strict Covid-19 controls when the decision to ease some restrictions is expected to come into effect on Monday.

Meanwhile, Samut Sakhon will join 10 other provinces in being designated as "red zones" of maximum Covid-19 controls. These provinces are Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Trang, Nakhon Pathom, Pattani, Phetchaburi, Songkhla, Saraburi, Yala and Narathiwat.

Nine provinces in the kingdom are orange zones for Covid-19 -- Chanthaburi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ayutthaya, Ranong, Rayong, Ratchaburi, Sa Kaeo and Samut Songkhram.

The kingdom's other 53 provinces are yellow zones of close Covid-19 surveillance.

Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said the zoning adjustment and relaxed measures will come into effect on Monday.

Dr Taweesilp said people in dark-red zones can hold activities involving no more than 50 persons, while air-conditioned restaurants can serve dining-in customers to a maximum 50% of capacity until 11pm. The sale and consumption of alcohol on the premises remain prohibited, he said.

In dark-red zones, department stores and shopping centres can open until 9pm, he said, noting that outdoor sports fields and well-ventilated sports facilities can open without spectators. However, schools will remain closed, he said.

People in red zones can organise activities of no more than 100 people, while restaurants have no limits on the number of dine-in customers and can stay open until 11pm, Dr Taweesilp said. The sale and consumption of alcohol on the premises remain banned, he said.

In red zones, shopping centres and department stores can open as usual but are prohibited from organising promotional events, while schools can open, he said. However, sports facilities can be used until 9pm with a limited number of spectators, he said.

In orange zones, activities are limited to 150 people, while restaurants can open as usual but with a ban on alcohol sale and consumption, he said. Shopping centres, department stores and schools can open as usual, he said. Sports facilities can open with a limit on the number of spectators, he said.

In yellow zones, activities must be capped at 200 people, but restaurants, schools, shopping centres and department stores can operate as usual, Dr Taweesilp said. Sports facilities can open with a cap on spectators, he said.

In all zones, people are required to wear a face mask outside their homes, he said, noting that night entertainment venues and pubs will remain closed.

Dr Taweesilp said the CCSA also relaxed restrictions on film and television programme production. Under the guidelines issued by the CCSA, film and TV crew members must seek permission from the authorities to use areas, he said. They must also comply with local disease control measures, he said.

Crew members and all involved must undergo RT–PCR testing 72 hours before production begins, the CCSA spokesman said. They must also provide timelines of activities seven days in advance, he said.

The number of crew members is limited to no more than 50, he said. Crew members and audience members must strictly follow DMHTT guidelines, he said, referring to social distancing, mask-wearing, hand-washing, temperature-checking and using the Thai Chana app.

However, the mask-wearing requirement will not apply to actors and contestants on-screen, he said, adding that game show participants will be allowed to take off their mask one at a time.

News presenters must use partitions and keep at least two metres apart. For shows shot in public places, the mask mandate applies, he said.

Bangkok Post highlights 19/6

fredag 18 juni 2021

The Chonburi Governor tonight (June 18th) has ordered a temporary lockdown of an area where many migrant workers live in the Mueang Chonburi district due to many confirmed cases of Covid -19. Pattaya News

Chonburi orders temporary lockdown of area where migrant workers live in Chonburi following Covid-19 cluster

Friday, 18 June 2021, 22:27

Chonburi –

The Chonburi Governor tonight (June 18^th) has ordered a temporary lockdown of an area where many migrant workers live in the Mueang Chonburi district due to many confirmed cases of Covid -19.

The order from the Chonburi Governor Phakarathorn Teanchai has been released today (June 18^th) by the Chonburi Public Relations Office.

The order concludes that more confirmed cases and close contacts of Covid -19 were found at the end of Soi Rasprasit in the Baan Kod sub-district.

In order to control the spread of the virus, the Chonburi Disease Control Committee has ordered to temporarily lockdown the area.

No one is allowed to enter and exit the area except necessary with permission from relevant Chonburi officers. Food, water, and supplies will be provided to those in need in this village by health department officials. They will not be permitted to travel for work during this period but Chonburi Public Health Officials stated that they will be taken care of and they are working with their employers as well during the temporary quarantine. The quarantine will take place regardless if someone is positive for the Covid-19 virus or not, those positive will be moved to field hospitals.

The order takes effect from tomorrow (June 19^th) to July 2nd.

This is the latest country list which they update every two weeks.

This is the latest country list which they update every two weeks. This one is dated 16 June. Green is low risk, yellow is medium risk and orange is high risk. To be able to take part in the #PhuketSandbox you must come from either a low or medium risk country. It should be noted you cannot try and cheat the system. You have to be in that country for 2-3 weeks before you come to Thailand. Please also note, this is not the list the TAT will use. I'm posting it just as a guidline so you can have an idea. We should have the final list for the #PhuketReopening soon.

This is the latest country list which they update every two weeks. Richard Barrow

Thai expats desperately searching for Covid-19 insurance with mixed results. Pattaya Mail

Even after vaccination, some expats may need Covid insurance to renew visas.

The recent decision by the Thai Cabinet to approve "in principle" compulsory Covid insurance of at least 3 million baht (US$100,000) when extending O/A annual visas at Thai immigration has certainly set the cat amongst the pigeons. But the whole complex issue remains unclear as the immigration police now have the truly unenviable job of filling in the detail prior to the new rules appearing in the Royal Gazette. That will likely take months.

The important distinction is whether you are in or out of Thailand when making your insurance application. Much easier if you are abroad. The website http://covid19.tgia.org/ offers Covid insurance to anyone aged 0-99 years entering Thailand. The cost is based exclusively on your country of departure and how long your visa is for. As examples a person boarding in London will pay 23,040 baht for one year's cover and someone travelling from the United States 6,400 baht for 90 days.

The virus has had a disastrous effect on so many businesses.

That cover, under the auspices of the Thai General Insurance Association, does incorporate the government's requirement of virus cover of 3 million baht. However, there is a warning notice on the website that the insurance is for visitors to the country "and not for residents of Thailand at this time." So expats already here can forget this particular escape route. Additionally, some countries with very high infection rates (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc.) are excluded from the list of departure points.

So expats are looking for domestic virus cover in Thailand. The website Roojai.com offers Covid insurance to expats who have a work permit or "who have resided here for at least six months." The cost is a sliding scale between 350 and 850 baht annually. However, the policy details obviously would not cover the government stipulation of 3 million baht. For example, inpatient Covid cover is limited to 200,000 baht, subject to approval.

Even American presidents are not immune from the need to seek protection.

Yet another option is to link Covid cover with general medical insurance covering other diseases accidents, etc. Those going to https://longstay.tgia.org can study the integrated policies of several Thai-based and international companies. However, there are age restrictions now that illnesses other than Covid are covered. Expats applying in their 60s might need a prior medical examination and those in their mid-70s and above will have grave problems trying to register the first time.

Of course, the internet is chock-o-block with offers of Covid cover for all ages. It's a case of Caveat Emptor or Buyer Beware. There is no universal definition of Covid cover and it's down to each company to make its own offer. Expressions such as "pre-existing conditions," "non-recognized quarantine center" or "hospitalization without a doctor's recommendation" can and do mean you can't actually claim if you catch the disease. It's a wise course to consult a local insurance agent with a good reputation unless you are very confident about deciphering deliberately obscure language in policy-speak.

The streetwise know full well that insurance brokers can arrange policies for the advanced elderly, but there will certainly be heavy exclusion clauses demanded by the company for obvious reasons. It would be tragic if any new immigration rules were designed simply to raise revenue for insurance companies and had no relevance to the health of the expat population. If, as we are told, the Thai government is looking to attract hundreds of thousands of retirees, investors, digital nomads and property hunters in a revamped immigration policy, the authorities had better watch their step. They could actually empty the place.

This is the new proposed colour-coded map of Thailand for next week. Richard Barrow

Fairness and peoples safety: Our priority in the Covid-19 vaccination programme Along with the international community, Thailand is implementing a mass vaccination programme to create herd immunity and end the Covid-19 pandemic. The Nation

The programme's success depends mainly on the speed of vaccine distribution and the assurance of people's safety after the vaccination. All vaccines are authorised for emergency use only. There is a chance that some vaccine recipients may experience adverse events.

To protect them from adverse effects after the vaccination, on May 3, the National Health Security Board introduced a no-fault compensation programme for individuals who find undesired outcomes after the vaccination.

Not only 49 million people whose health is insured under the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) will benefit from this programme, but another 17 million people from the Social Security Scheme and Civil Servant Medical Benefits Scheme will also be compensated for adverse events.

This covers everyone who receives the Covid-19 vaccine administered under the government's national vaccination programme. However, those who have vaccinations provided by a private party aren't entitled to compensation.

It will not just bring the people's confidence in the Thai government's vaccination campaign, it will also protect their healthcare rights from the uncertainty of the pandemic.

The no-fault compensation programme for Covid-19 vaccination is the first and only national-level programme of its kind ever implemented in Thailand.

This same approach is also implemented globally. For example, in February, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced a programme to compensate eligible individuals in 92 low- and middle-income countries for finding adverse effects after receiving Covax-distributed vaccines.

Thailand is among 25 member states of WHO that implements a no-fault compensation programme for medical errors, even before the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic.

But only UCS beneficiaries benefit from the existing programme initiated by the NHSO. The programme was introduced by doctors, patient groups, and policymakers who understand the hardship of patients when medical errors happen.

Most of the victims stay silent, because they don't want to have a conflict with physicians and medical staff or because they can't afford to file lawsuits against doctors. The suits can take years to settle. The damages of medical errors on the patients, physically and mentally, can worsen during those years.

Therefore, a no-fault compensation programme was introduced and backed up by Section 41 of the National Health Security Act, to ensure that patients will receive quick and fair compensations when they experience medical errors. It also provides a channel for claiming compensation through the NHSO's sub-committee instituted in its 13 regional offices.

As much as giving a challenge, the Covid-19 vaccination programme also shows the Thai government the opportunity to expand the no-fault compensation programme to a national level.

As the NHSO has many years of experience running such a programme, it is assigned to lead this new national move.

We have issued the guideline and criteria for paying preliminary financial compensation to Covid-19 vaccine recipients suffering side effects. They can submit their complaints at every public hospital, Provincial Public Health Office, and the NHSO's Regional Office within two years from the day the side effects are detected.

The NHSO has also tasked its existing regional sub-committee to handle these complaints by examining and deciding on the compensation requests. The compensation will be paid within five days after the subcommittee's approval.

A maximum of 400,000 baht will be paid in compensation for a death, a permanent and severe disability, or a chronic disease requiring treatment for the rest of the patient's life that occurs after the Covid-19 vaccination. A maximum of 240,000 baht will be paid in compensation for loss of organs or a disability and no more than 100,000 baht for less serious chronic injuries or illnesses.

At the end of May, around 260 complaints were submitted to the NHSO, six of which were deaths. The most common side effects of the vaccination are numbness and fever. More than 160 cases have been compensated so far. The rest are under the subcommittee's scrutiny.

To bring more confidence to the Covid-19 vaccination campaign, the NHS board has recently introduced laboratory testing and medication for treating Vaccine-induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT) in the UCS benefits package.

VITT is a prothrombotic syndrome observed in a small number of people who received adenoviral vector-based vaccines. The exact incidence of VITT appears to be rare. However, the symptoms may show up in individuals within four to 30 days after vaccination.

The NHSO will keep monitoring adverse events of the Covid-19 vaccination closely. If any new studies concerning the negative effects arise, we may consider implementing a new programme or a provision.

Fairness and people's safety are our priority.

Published : June 18, 2021

By : Jadej Thammathat-Aree National Health Security Office (NHSO), secretary-general

Pheu Thai opposes PM's plan to reopen Thailand to foreign visitors in 4 months | The opposition Pheu Thai Party is opposing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s call to reopen Thailand to foreign visitors in the next 120 days, describing the mission as “gambling with the lives of Thai people.” Thai PBS World

Pheu Thai opposes PM's plan to reopen Thailand to foreign visitors in 4 months

The opposition Pheu Thai Party is opposing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's call to reopen Thailand to foreign visitors in the next 120 days, describing the mission as "gambling with the lives of Thai people."

The party spokeswoman, Arunee Kasayanont, told the media today (Thursday) that the government's target will put the Thai people at unnecessary risk, because the COVID-19 pandemic is still widespread and the government remains unable to contain the spread of the contagion, which has been infecting 2,000-3,000 people domestically every day, with a 20-30 daily mortality rate, while less than 10% of the country's population are inoculated, which is much lower than several neighboring countries.

She said that the Pheu Thai Party does not believe that Thailand will be ready to reopen in the next 120 days, nor will it be able to acquire up to 105.5 million doses of vaccine within this year as Prayut claimed.

Arunee also pointed out that COVID-19 has already evolved and mutated into several variants and people, who had already been infected, have contracted the virus again, as she proposed that the prime minister take into consideration the lessons of some countries which prematurely reopened their doors to restriction free travel.

She further said that the party would prefer the prime minister to be more cautious and to think more carefully before making a promise to the people and foreign investors alike, "because, if the promise cannot be kept, the government's credibility, which is already lacking, will be further eroded."

Meanwhile, it is reported that the prime minister will visit the resort island of Phuket on June 25^th, to inspect its readiness to welcome fully-inoculated foreign tourists, without quarantine, on July 1^st, under the "Phuket Sandbox" program.

Under the program, foreign tourists, who are fully inoculated, will be required to stay in Phuket for a certain period of time, after which they will be able to travel to other provinces

The prime minister will also hold discussions with provincial officials, hotel and tourism-related business operators about the program.

If this model proves successful, other tourist destinations, such as Bangkok, Krabi, Phang-nga, Surat Thani, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Buri Ram, Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan, will follow suit, tentatively in October, using the same model.

Chonburi announces 142 new cases of Covid-19, primarily driven by market worker clusters and their close contacts. Pattaya News

Chonburi announces 142 new cases of Covid-19, primarily driven by market worker clusters and their close contacts

Friday, 18 June 2021, 7:46