JA, JA, JA - DET ÅTERSTÅR NOG ATT SE DESSVÄRRE!!! Record Covid cases will not have any effect on "Sandbox" or 120 day reopening plan, says TAT chief. ASEAN NOW.



Picture: Sanook

 

The chief of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Yutthasak Suphasorn has insisted that Thailand's record Covid-19 numbers and deaths will not affect either the Phuket Sandbox or the wider reopening of Thailand to foreign tourism. 

 

The foreign tourists will still be coming. 

 

Sanook said that he told this to INN as cases went through the daily 10,000 barrier and deaths topped 100.

 

It also came as the Moto GP slated for Buriram on October was postponed again and record numbers of cases were reported in Cha-Am.

 

These are both areas where the 120 day reopening was planned in earlier announcements by the Thai premier Prayuth Chan-ocha. 

 

Yutthasak - widely criticised online for claims that appear to be plucked from the ether - told the media that in fact 200,000 nights of accommodation had been booked in Phuket.

 

The media made no attempt to drill down on these figures. Were they just tenative bookings, what was the time frame, how many tourists did they represent were left to the reader to guess. 

 

But the media reported in other comments that 1,000 people would be visiting Koh Samui under their "Samui Plus Model" spending 180 million baht between July 15th and August 15th. 

 

The disconnect between the pronouncements of the tourism authorities and the reality on the ground is now becoming a mainstay of online ridicule, notes ASEAN Now. 

 

Anecdotal evidence points to many foreigners contemplating a visit to Thailand closely monitoring the Covid-19 situation in the country, contrary to what the TAT might suggest. 

 

With options for many potential tourists nearer home being more friendly and less onerous regarding documentation, vaccination and testing requirements, a "wait and see" approach may not result in a visit but a cancellation. 

 

Meanwhile, Naew Na reported that the change in regulations introduced by the EU for its nationals returning from Thailand was likely to have a detrimental effect on the Samui Plus Model reopening of three islands in Surat Thani. 

 

Just four days into that plan it already looks under increasing pressure with claims of 1,000 visitors in a month looking ever less likely. 

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has put the brakes on the navy's plan to buy two new submarines worth 22.5 billion baht from China, citing the urgent need to divert funds to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Bangkok Post

B22.5bn subs buy put on ice

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has put the brakes on the navy's plan to buy two new submarines worth 22.5 billion baht from China, citing the urgent need to divert funds to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

Defence Ministry spokesman Lt Gen Kongcheep Tantrawanich said on Sunday Gen Prayut, who concurrently serves as defence minister, had instructed the navy to postpone the purchase plan, because there is an urgent need to manage spending for the maximum benefit of the people.

The Defence Ministry concluded the Covid-19 pandemic shows no signs of abating, so Gen Prayut told the navy to push back the purchase of the submarines and hold talks with China to explain the delay, Lt Gen Kongcheep said.

He said the procurement of the submarines is a government-to-government agreement between the Thai navy and its Chinese counterpart.

Members of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) also voiced opposition to the navy's plan.

Deputy Agriculture Minister and PPRP secretary-general Thamanat Prompow said he had explained the party's stance to the House subcommittee on durable product items, state enterprises, ICT equipment and revolving funds.

The budget to buy the second and third submarines from China was scrutinised by the subcommittee, set up by a House committee vetting the budget bill for the fiscal year 2022.

The navy will explain the need to buy the submarines to the committee today.

The PPRP opposed the procurement as the country is struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic, Capt Thamanat said.

"Therefore, any budget spending must be considered carefully. The country is facing a pandemic crisis. It is like waging the Third World War,'' he said.

"We want to the navy to delay the purchase.''



Nearly all hospitals and field hospitals in Bangkok and other provinces can no longer provide beds for new patients and medical staff are working harder than ever to treat their patients. An additional problem faced by most medical staff is the lack of medical equipment and supplies to adequately assist such a large number of infected cases. Bangkok Post

Country's hospitals seek help in fight against Covid

The Covid-19 situation is worsening with infections and deaths rising rapidly every day for over a month.

Nearly all hospitals and field hospitals in Bangkok and other provinces can no longer provide beds for new patients and medical staff are working harder than ever to treat their patients.

An additional problem faced by most medical staff is the lack of medical equipment and supplies to adequately assist such a large number of infected cases.

That's why many hospitals are calling for donations once again. Everyone can help by donating money or simply sending necessary items to the following hospitals:

Siriraj Foundation at Siriraj Hospital is calling for cash donations for the "Song Tor High Flow Hai Khon Dan Na" project.

The project aims to purchase 100 high-flow nasal cannulas (HFNC), worth 20 million baht, for medium and small hospitals in many provinces in need of this critical device to treat Covid-19 patients. Money can be transferred to Siam Commercial Bank account number 016-300049-4. Deposit documents should be sent to donate_siriraj@hotmail.com or Line OA: @sirirajfoundation. Call 02-419-7658--60 ext 101--4.

Phramongkutklao Hospital is calling for cash donations for medical equipment and supplies.

Donations can be made via money transfer or by cheque a/c payee only to Phramongkutklao Hospital Foundation to TMB Bank account number 038-2-70902-0. Deposit documents should be sent to foundation_pmk@hotmail.com. Call 02-354-3699 or 098-860-1411.

BMA General Hospital is accepting cash donations for the construction of a negative-pressure isolation ward for patients in critical condition as well as medical equipment and supplies.

Donations can be made via bank transfer to Bangkok Bank account number 001-0-87506-0. Deposit documents should be sent to Line OA: bma63. Interested people may send medical equipment and supplies, personal care items for patients, food, bottled water and other necessary items directly to the hospital's administrative department, 19th floor of 100 Years Anusorn Building. Call 02-220-8000 ext 11934.

Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, is raising funds to purchase medical equipment.

Money can be transferred to Krung Thai Bank account number 012-0-31980-2. Deposit documents should be sent to Line OA: @ual1226j. Necessary items can be sent directly to the hospital from 8am to 4pm on weekdays. Call 02-244-3030.

Police General Hospital is raising funds for medical equipment and supplies, medicine and necessary items.

Donations can be made via bank transfer to Krung Thai Bank account number 982-2-72843-3. Deposit documents should be sent to foundation.police.go.th@gmail.com. Call 088-002-8699.

Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University is raising funds to purchase medical equipment.

Donations can be made via money transfer to Bangkok Bank account number 090-3-50015-5, Kasikorn Bangkok account number 879-200448-3, and Siam Commercial Bank account number 026-3-05216-3. Deposit documents should be sent to Line OA: @RamaFoundation. Alternatively, donate online at ramafoundation.or.th. Call 02-201-1111.

Thammasat University Field Hospital is accepting donations of cash and necessary items to support the treatment of Covid-19 patients.

Money can be transferred to Bangkok Bank account number 091-0-20188-8and TMB Bank account number 050-2-00002-9. Deposit documents should be sent to Line OA: 0650542565. Medical equipment and medical masks can be sent directly to Thammasat University Hospital. Call 089-887-6405or 083-777-4062.

Ratchaphiphat Hospital is calling for cash donations for a laboratory for Covid-19 testing.

Donations can be made via bank transfer to Krung Thai Bank account number 191-1-15952-6 and deposit documents should be sent to the hospital by calling 084-108-1561. Those who don't want evidence for a tax deduction can transfer money to Krung Thai Bank account number 191-0-20940-6 instead. Alternatively, cash donations are accepted at the hospital, which is located on Phetkasem 77.

Banphotphisai Hospital urgently needs medical supplies.

Items such as PPE suits, cover-all suits, isolation gowns, face shields, leg covers, bouffant caps and N95 masks can be sent directly to Banphotphisai Hospital, 700 Moo 2, Banphot Phisai-Pho Talay Road, Charoen Phon subdistrict, Banphot Phisai district, Nakhon Sawan 60180. Alternatively, donate money via bank transfer to Krung Thai Bank account number 631-0-38957-2. Deposit documents should be sent to the hospital by calling 056-279-028 ext 160.

Khon Kaen Hospital is calling for cash donations to purchase medical supplies and office supplies and to improve its negative air pressure ward.

Donations can be made via bank transfer to Krung Thai Bank account number 405-0-71334-9. Deposit documents should be sent to Line OA: prkkh. Call 043-009-9000 ext 1197.

Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Hospital is calling for donations of cash and medical equipment.

Money can be transferred to Krung Thai Bank account number 678-0-75044-1. Deposit documents should be sent to the hospital by calling 073-510-462 or 073-510-478. Medical equipment can be sent directly to the hospital in Narathiwat daily from 8am to 5pm. Call 081-959-9526.

Pattani Hospital is raising funds to purchase an Ethylene Oxide gas steriliser (450L) worth 2 million baht.

Donations can be made via bank transfer to Krung Thai Bank account number 907-0-95471-0. Deposit documents should be sent to chanisara@gmail.com. Call 093-598-2459.



The Department of Disease Control insists it has ample supplies to administer 10 million doses a month of AstraZeneca and Sinovac to those living in Bangkok and surrounding provinces. Bangkok Post

Govt sticks to 10-million jab pledge

Senior citizens wait for their turn to be vaccinated at Bang Sue Grand Station on Sunday. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)

The Department of Disease Control insists it has ample supplies to administer 10 million doses a month of AstraZeneca and Sinovac to those living in Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, said the government will increase the pace at which it is vaccinating people living in in high-infection areas after having almost completed its initial target of immunising healthcare officers.

Next to receive their shots will be those suffering from chronic health complaints, which are estimated to have a 70% higher chance of dying from infection than healthy individuals.

Next on the list of priorities will be Bangkok, its neighbours and other areas with high infection rates.

When asked how much AstraZeneca formula it has available, Dr Opas said the government was looking at other brands with a strong reputation and had recently placed an order with Pfizer.

As to the question of whether more Sinovac vaccine will be ordered, he said the cabinet agreed there was evidence that Sinovac can help lessen critical symptoms.

Sinovac has come under fire recently after evidence emerged of people having received both doses but still falling ill with the virus.

Dr Opas also told a media briefing yesterday that the use of a mix of vaccines may help to boost immunity against emerging strains of the virus.

He said immunity could be achieved two weeks after taking mixed doses for a month and added the government hopes cross-vaccination will help it maximise its current resources and administer five million doses of Sinovac and six million doses of AstraZeneca a month.

The government has come under pressure after reports emerged of people who had received the full course of Sinovac treatment becoming infected with Covid-19.

Meanwhile, a recent poll by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University showed that most people think the Covid-19 situation is extremely serious and will take at least two years to abate.

The poll was conducted online among 1,702 people nationwide during July 5-15, as the numbers of infections and deaths were rising but vaccinations were proceeding slowly.

Concerning the seriousness of the Covid-19 situation, 60.9% thought it was extremely serious, 24.1% very serious and 14.95% fairly serious.

Of the respondents, 36.7% thought it would take more than two years for the country to recover; 25.9% said two years; 27.6% said one year; and 9.7% thought six months.



The leaked AstraZeneca letter concerning negotiations over the domestic production and supply of its vaccine in Thailand has proven a slap in the face to the government and hammers home the reality of mistakes made in its national vaccination programme. Bangkok Post

Leaked letter a blow to govt

The leaked AstraZeneca letter concerning negotiations over the domestic production and supply of its vaccine in Thailand has proven a slap in the face to the government and hammers home the reality of mistakes made in its national vaccination programme.

What a pity that the government, and Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in particular, are unlikely to ever own up to their mistakes.

The government has resumed a policy of strict lockdown measures as the number of new daily infections soars past the 10,000 mark, yet for the public, tough controls are hard to accept when the administration refuses to learn from past mistakes as it pursues another common policy -- that of blaming others for its own failings.

In the leaked letter from the company, dated June 25, and obtained by the Isranews Agency, AstraZeneca appears to directly contradict statements made by the government regarding supply.

Interestingly, the quantities mentioned by the pharmaceutical giant suggest the initial figures bandied around by the government bore little relation to the deal that had actually been struck.

"I hope that you will be pleased this is nearly twice the volume we discussed during our meeting on 7 September 2020, when your team estimated that Thailand's healthcare system required approximately three million doses per month," it said.

"At that time, we also explained the opportunity for the government to procure more vaccines at no profit through the Covax facility, which together with the direct purchase agreements constitutes AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine supply strategy," the company said in the letter to Mr Anutin.

The message from the letter is at odds with statements made to the public proudly announcing that a deal had been struck for the company to deliver 10 million doses per month.

When this figure was subsequently not met, the government accused the company of choosing to export two-thirds of the vaccine it was producing, leaving only only 5-6 million doses for domestic supply each month. It is now talking about placing curbs on exports of vaccines which it says are needed in Thailand, which could affect the company's clients elsewhere in the region.

So far, no one has come out to comment on the authenticity of the letter, despite Mr Anutin having claimed it was he who demanded the company supply at least 10 million doses a month.

As the Covid situation becomes more critical, the government only seems able to point more fingers.

Last week, the government blamed people for defying its previous restriction measures.

A few months ago, it also blamed people for lowering their guard, resulting in the new wave of coronavirus transmissions.

They put the blame on the public despite most major clusters being the outcome of corruption concerning smuggled migrant workers, and nepotism.

The government refuses to accept any blame for failing to curb Covid-19.

It has never admitted any blunders in allowing large crowds to return to their home towns during the Songkran festival and made excuses that its vaccine policy was devised when the situation was very different.

As the daily tally sets new records, the government must try to regain a sense of decorum.

Without owning up to its mistakes, it will be difficult find a lasting solution to this crisis.



The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 615 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with two new deaths, July 19th. Today is the first time in 12 days cases have dropped. Pattaya News

Chonburi Covid-19 cases drop for the first time in 12 days to 615 new cases

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 615 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with two new deaths, July 19th. Today is the first time in 12 days cases have dropped.

Monday, 19 July 2021, 7:24

Chonburi –

  

The drop will be reassuring for many local residents and 150 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. However, there were also three new deaths.

This makes a total of 15,990 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 6,770 still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 81 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April. The details on yesterday's three new deaths were not given, which is standard for the health department.

Additionally, 9,139 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave began.

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Mueang Chonburi 117, Si Racha 201, Banglamung (Pattaya) 175, Panat Nikhom 21, Sattahip 40, Ban Bueang 34, Pan Thong 8, Bor Thong 5, Ko Chan 2, and 12 new cases transferred from other provinces for medical care.

The details on the cases are as follows:

1. Cluster, a school in Phanat Nikhom District, 6 cases

2. Cluster, Prime Products Industry, Bor Thong District, 2 cases

3. Central Festival Pattaya Beach, 28 persons

4. 18 enlisted soldiers, their exact location was not named

5. An establishment in Mueang Chon Buri District, 13 cases (was not named)

6. A risky career, meeting a lot of people (High contact roles like taxi drivers)-10 cases

7. 8 medical personnel

8. Emerson Electric (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Rayong Province 2 persons

9. Shiraiichi Calcium (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Rayong Province 2 persons

10. Gameball (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Rayong Province 2 cases

11. Atosa Catering Equipment (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Rayong Province 1 person

12. Q-Con Eastern Co., Ltd., Rayong Province 1 person

13. Provided a history of traveling to other provinces
13.1 Bangkok 2 cases
13.2 Phuket Province 1 case
13.3 Prachinburi Province 1 person

14. Close contacts of a confirmed patient
14.1 20 close persons in general
14.2 Joined a party-3 people

15. Close contacts of confirmed patients
15.1 A total of 131 family members
15.2 Co-workers at workplaces-63

16. Close contacts of confirmed patients (under investigation) 166 cases

17. 135 cases are under investigation in general.

A total of 506 close contact searches were received today with 1,738 initial proactive searches, and more proactive search reports are pending.

There are currently, in Chonburi, clusters of Covid-19 at 15 establishments and five markets, 10 construction worker camps, and four communities.

Chonburi was announced as a "Maximum Control" province, or "Dark Red" by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) yesterday, July 20th, If you missed that you can read the changes here:

‼️NEW HIGH - #COVID19 Update on Monday: 11,784 cases & 81 deaths. 14 July: 9,317 - 87 dead 15 July: 9,186 - 98 dead 16 July: 9,692 - 67 dead 17 July: 10,082 - 141 dead 18 July: 11,397 - 101 dead. Richard Barrow

 







Bangkok Post highlights 19/7