"A picture like this must not be seen again. It is the responsibility of all agencies, not just the Public Health Ministry. Agencies involved must find ways to take these people to field hospitals," the prime minister said. Bangkok Post



Bodies in streets stun PM

Medical workers in protective suits examine the body of a man found dead on Soi Sukhumvit 20 in Watthana district, Bangkok, on Thursday morning. (Photo supplied)

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed concern about people who died of Covid-19 after not receiving timely treatment.

He has instructed all agencies involved to overcome the problem.

During a meeting of the Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA) via video conference on Thursday, Gen Prayut said: "You must help me find ways to reduce the number of infected people who stay at home and wait for an ambulance or wait on the streets.

"A picture like this must not be seen again. It is the responsibility of all agencies, not just the Public Health Ministry. Agencies involved must find ways to take these people to field hospitals," the prime minister said.

He made the remarks following an outcry over the delay in collecting a body, one of three, found in a street in Phra Nakhon district on Tuesday night.

The sight of the body shrouded in white cloth and lying on the street uncollected for almost 12 hours in Ban Phan Thom of Phra Nakhon district sparked public outrage.

The man was identified as Somkiat Ruenkao, 50, a car park attendant at Wat Bowon Niwet. Police received a call about the man who had fainted on the street at 11am on Tuesday.

Paramedics and rescuers arrived later with oxygen. They tried in vain to revive the man, prompting the police to call forensic experts from Vajira Hospital to examine the body.

The Por Teck Tung foundation collected the body at 10pm and brought it to Vajira Hospital for an autopsy. The man had Covid-19, Metropolitan Police Bureau spokesman Piya Tawichai said.

The spokesman said police were also alerted about 6.30pm on Tuesday to a second body, that of Seri Rueng­rojanarit, 59, from Rayong, found on Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

Vajira Hospital forensic officials arrived to examine the body at 7.15pm and the Por Teck Tung rescuers delivered it shortly afterwards to the hospital where a Covid-19 test was performed. The result was pending.

The third body, identified by police as Bangpot Jermjenkarn, 81, was discovered in Wat Suthat Thepphawararam in the Sao Chingcha area at 7.30pm. The forensic team from the Police General Hospital arrived to collect the body at 9pm. Tests confirmed he was infected with Covid-19.

The CESA on Thursday also looked at a report on the current economic situation submitted by the National Economic and Social Development Council.

It discussed economic and investment stimulus proposals aimed at attracting high-calibre foreigners to the country. The meeting was also briefed on progress in the reopening of Phuket under the sandbox scheme which started on July 1.

Deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul on Thursday said the cabinet on Tuesday instructed the Public Health Ministry to work with other agencies to come up with measures to transport Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms in Bangkok and surrounding provinces who want to return to their home provinces and seek medical treatment at local or field hospitals.

She said the National Health Security Office, the National Institute for Emergency Medicine, the army, and the Transport Ministry have collaborated to arrange vehicles to transport those patients to their home provinces.

Strict precautions will be taken to make sure patients are transported safely to their destinations and to prevent the spread of the disease throughout the journey.

They can contact 1330 ext.15 or register on http://crmdci.nhso.go.th/

Meanwhile, the Public Health Ministry on Thursday reported a new daily record of 13,655 Covid-19 cases, and 87 more fatalities over the previous 24 hours. There were 13,110 cases in the general population and 545 among prison inmates.

Bangkok had the most new cases at 2,893, followed by 965 in Samut Sakhon and 895 in Samut Prakan.

Chonburi Covid -19 cases hits a new record high with 669 cases and four new deaths - The Pattaya News

Chonburi Covid -19 cases hits a new record high with 669 cases and four new deaths

Friday, 23 July 2021, 10:58

Chonburi –

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 669 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with four new deaths, July 23^rd.

277 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi.

This makes a total of 18,452 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 8,209 still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 92 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April. The details on yesterday's four new deaths were not given, which is standard for the health department.

Additionally, 10,151 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 109, Si Racha 169, Banglamung (Pattaya) 229, Panat Nikhom 37, Sattahip 5, Ban Bueang 27, Pan Thong 54, Bor Thong 1, Ko Chan, 4, and 34 new cases transferred from other provinces for medical care.

The details on the cases are as follows:

1. Cluster, a business in Panat Nikhom, 9 cases
2. Cluster, a business in Si Racha, 6 cases
3. Cluster, a business in Mueang Chonburi(1), 7 cases
4. Cluster, a business in Mueang Chonburi (2), 5 cases
5. Cluster at Syntech Construction Public Co., Ltd in Banglamung, 1 case
6. A risky career, meeting a lot of people, 6 cases
7. 4 medical personnel
8. Central Festival Pattaya Beach, 2 cases
9. Transferred from Bangkok for medical care, 2 cases
10. Provided a history of traveling to Samut Prakan, 1 case
11. Super Fast Technology Co.,Ltd in Rayong, 3 cases
12. Close contacts of a confirmed patient

12.1 Family members, 180

12.2 Co-workers at workplaces, 67

12.3 Close persons in general, 10 cases

13. Close contacts of confirmed patients (under investigation), 100 cases

14. Under investigation in general, 266 cases

Note: New active case finding from people eligible in the Social Security system who did walk-ins, 28 cases (Total 148 cases so far from this method)

A total of 726 close contact searches were received today with 1,461 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.

The Chonburi Governor released an updated order last night (July 22^nd) with more Covid-19 closures and restrictions. The order is effective from today until further notice. The Thai version of the order is here for reference, the translation in English is below.

Chonburi governor releases more Covid -19 closures and restrictions, including beach closures, effective until further notice

A respiratory disease expert yesterday called on the government to stop buying China's Sinovac vaccine doses until a new generation of the shot, able to protect against all coronavirus strains, is developed. The cabinet recently agreed to procure 10.9 million additional Sinovac doses at 6.1 billion baht. Bangkok Post



Halt China virus shots, says expert

A respiratory disease expert yesterday called on the government to stop buying China's Sinovac vaccine doses until a new generation of the shot, able to protect against all coronavirus strains, is developed.

The cabinet recently agreed to procure 10.9 million additional Sinovac doses at 6.1 billion baht.

Manoon Leechawengwongs, head of Vichaiyut Hospital's intensive care unit, said that while the Sinovac vaccine is effective in preventing severe illnesses and deaths, the immunity which the vaccine provides naturally reduces over time.

Therefore, the government should suspend procurement of the vaccine until a generation effective against all coronavirus strains is developed, he said.

Medical personnel on the frontline of the fight against the pandemic are at a greater risk of being infected, he said.

When they get infected, the virus can spread to their patients and colleagues.

He said infections would cause hospitals to be shortstaffed as infected staff would need to quarantine due to infection risks.

Watcharapong Khuwijitsuwan, secretary to the public health minister, yesterday defended the quality of the Sinovac vaccine amid growing criticism, saying the jab is part of the World Health Organization's Covax initiative, which aims to provide equal access to Covid-19 vaccines.

He said research findings from Malaysia indicate the Sinovac vaccine is as effective as Western mRNA vaccines.

Some have argued that the vaccine, which uses killed viral particles, is not as effective against more infectious variants.

Mr Watcharapong said findings from the Health Ministry show that the Chinese vaccine is 75% effective against the Delta strain.

He said the country is procuring various vaccines, but added that not every vaccine can be delivered as needed. He said some critics have a political bias.

"It is best to have as many vaccines as possible. Waiting for the one that we like may not help us fight the spread," he said.



New infections stymie Asian market. A spike in new Covid cases in Thailand and other Asian countries is leaving little hope of reviving the short-haul market this year despite the country reopening more destinations, according to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta). "There's no hope on the horizon as Thailand is still plagued with a high tally of Covid-19 cases, while the vaccines we need were not delivered as expected," said Atta president Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn. Bangkok Post



New infections stymie Asian market

A spike in new Covid cases in Thailand and other Asian countries is leaving little hope of reviving the short-haul market this year despite the country reopening more destinations, according to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta).

"There's no hope on the horizon as Thailand is still plagued with a high tally of Covid-19 cases, while the vaccines we need were not delivered as expected," said Atta president Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn.

He said the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant has altered the plan to lift travel restrictions in many countries, particularly those in Asia that previously had a promising record of virus containment, but are now seeing an upsurge in new cases.

Meanwhile, partner agents in China -- which has controlled the pandemic but doesn't have a reopening policy -- said they will be ready to arrange outbound trips to Thailand as soon as Beijing allows tour companies to resume services. Thailand must be prepared to welcome guests when the opportunity arises, said Mr Sisdivachr.

Surawat Akaraworamat, Atta vice-president, said Taiwan faced a new wave of the pandemic in May, but thanks to decisive control measures, the country managed to squeeze the infection rate to fewer than 30 cases this week.

Outbound tour operators are worried about the number of new cases in Thailand, which will definitely affect travel bubble discussions between the two countries, said Mr Surawat.

"There are inquiries about the Phuket sandbox, but without direct flights, travellers are required to transit in Singapore, where the airfare is as high as 30,000 baht," he said.

Vichai Sahassapol, managing director of Donna International Travel, said the Vietnamese market would not start to see outbound trips until the first or second quarter next year because of a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases.

Vietnam imposed a lockdown in 19 provinces, particularly in the South, which includes Ho Chi Minh City. The 5,537 new cases recorded on July 21 caused the total number this month to overshadow the whole of June, during which only 12,000 cases were detected.

"This situation tells us this market will need more time to recover," he said.

Pirach Hansrisuk, also an Atta vice-president, said Singapore is battling a resurgence of Covid-19 as well, with the city-state reporting 179 new cases on Wednesday.

Covid-19 Surge Pops Asia's 'Travel Bubbles' - Gary Bowerman, director of travel and tourism research firm Check-in Asia, travel is complicated by the large disparity between health and border-control regulations across Asia. No one is working together, due to a lack of trust between Asian governments about managing the pandemic, he said. As a result, air travel in Asia isn’t expected to recover until July next year. Flight-tracking firm OAG thinks it will be summer 2023 before Asia gets its act together. Bangkok Herald







Covid-19 Surge Pops Asia's 'Travel Bubbles'

23 July 2021

Once seen as the yellow brick road to resuming international tourism, "travel bubbles" are popping under the weight of the region's relentless waves of coronavirus outbreaks.

Renewed lockdowns in Thailand, Tokyo and Australia brought on by the faster-spreading delta variant are closing air-travel corridors that allow travel between countries without need for quarantine before they even fully open.

The much-ballyhooed travel link between Singapore and Hong Kong never really got =underway. Talks between Sinagpore and Australia have stalled by Australia and New Zeland's quarantine-free corridor has been closed as often as it has been open.

With delusional governments in Thailand, Australia and elsewhere clinging foolishly to "zero Covid" strategy, the failure of even bilateral, quarantine-free travel shows how difficult it will be for Asia to return to normal.

Governments who continue to try to stamp out Covid-19 no matter the economic cost and their reliance on strict movement controls stands in stark contrast to Europe and the U.S., which are returning to pre-pandemic normal, due largely to higher rates of vaccination.

Gary Bowerman, director of travel and tourism research firm Check-in Asia, travel is complicated by the large disparity between health and border-control regulations across Asia. No one is working together, due to a lack of trust between Asian governments about managing the pandemic, he said.

Because countries like Thailand failed to procure sufficient amounts of Covid-19 vaccines, lockdowns are the only weapons left to their leaders, despite more than a year of experience that broad, economy-crippling shutdowns do more harm than good.

As a result, air travel in Asia isn't expected to recover until July next year. Flight-tracking firm OAG thinks it will be summer 2023 before Asia gets its act together.

Even if Asia can subdue the pandemic to allow Asia-Pacific travel to resume, a new issue is rearing iits head: Which vaccines will be accepted by which countries?

Thailand, among others, has leaned heavily on Chinese-made vaccines that never were proven to be highly effective and, in the face of the delta variant, increasingly are seen as near-useless. It's possible that, to travel in the region, travelers will have to have been inoculated with more-proven vaccines from AstraZeneca Plc., Pfizer Inc, Moderna Inc. or Johnson & Johnson Corp.

Airline seat capacity by market 2021 vs. 2019

Bryan Foong, chief strategy officer at Malaysia Airlines, said countries need to set a uniform standard that airlines can follow.

AirAsia Group Bhd. CEO Tony Fernandes thinks some countries may simply be off limits to many travelers for years to come, pointing a finger at Australia, which he called a "hermit kingdom" during a recent webinar.

Travel to countries that erect ridiculous barriers to entry, such as Thailand's rules for fully vaccinated travelers for three prepaid Covid-19 tests and US$100,000 in health insurance may simply make it too painful for tourists to take. 

Thailand may be facing Covid-19 pandemic situation for up to one more year if things don't improve, Medical Services Department chief estimates - The Pattaya News

Thailand may be facing Covid-19 pandemic situation for up to one more year if things don't improve, Medical Services Department chief estimates

Thursday, 22 July 2021, 22:43

National –

Thailand's Covid-19 domestic outbreak situation may last for about 1-3 months or even up to one year, the Director-General of the Department of Medical Services estimated.

Medical Services Department chief Somsak Ankasil personally stated in footage to thank medical officials in the country on Tuesday, July 20th, that Thailand may be suffering from the covid outbreak for another 1-3 months, depending on many factors. However, he also said that if obstacles and problems continued, the pandemic could even last up to another year, already having gone on 18 months.

The country must also receive assistance from all sectors in order to battle the crisis, including Thai government policies that potentially and proactively reduce the number of infections and control the spread of the virus.

Cooperation from people in the country is also crucial in terms of Covid-19 measures like social distancing, mask-wearing, and obeying restrictions. However, it would be more difficult to demand any cooperation from the people since they are already tired and many people are growing discontent, he stated.

"The Department of Medical Services always prioritized every citizen in the country. Even if we are already tired of dealing with the pandemic situation, all of us, 18,000 people, would collaboratively work to help Thai people get through this together within 1-3 months. It may continue for another half year or 1 year, but we must go through this together," Dr. Somsak concluded.

😥😥😥NEW HIGH - #COVID19 Update on Friday: 14,575 cases & 114 deaths😥😥😥. Richard Barrow

 







Bangkok Post highlights 23/7

 

Chonburi Governor released an updated order this evening (July 22nd) with more Covid-19 closures and restrictions. The order is effective from today until further notice - The Pattaya News

Chonburi governor releases more Covid -19 

The Chonburi Governor released an updated order this evening (July 22nd) with more Covid-19 closures and restrictions. The order is effective from today until further notice. 

 Chonburi Governor released an updated order this evening (July 22nd) with more Covid-19 closures and restrictions. The order is effective from today until further notice. The Thai version of the order is here for reference, the translation in English is below.

Thursday, 22 July 2021, 20:13

Chonburi –

First, get caught up on the previous closures and restrictions by reading our prior article here. 

TPN media notes that there have been additional restrictions and closures to "prevent Covid-19" nearly daily this week. The reaction to the closures by readers and social media, however, has been almost universally negative, especially the closure of public areas like parks and swimming pools.

Here are the additional closures:

• Public places for shows. Any show, of any type, is essentially banned currently.
• Playgrounds and places with playthings for kids, indoor or outdoor.
• ALL Tourism places both government and private. This essentially closes all tourism attractions, regardless of size or if it is indoors or outdoors.
• Zoos, animal parks, or places with animal shows
• No one is allowed to use beaches and reservoirs in Chonburi except for the normal occupation of local fishermen. There is no exception for exercise, the beaches will be completely closed and off-limits. This includes swimming.
• No one is allowed to use Koh Loi Bridge in Si Racha except for traffic to Koh Loi – Koh Sichang. This area is a popular gathering spot, according to officials, for local youth and residents.
•  No one is allowed to use the Chonlamart Vithi bridge in Mueang Chonburi except with permission from officials. This is another popular local gathering spot.
• Cargo boats from outside the Chonburi area: No one is allowed to land except with permission from public health officials. This may heavily impact the Laem Chabang Port and additional health measures there.

The Chonburi Governor ordered more worker camps closed in the province after cases of Covid-19 were reportedly found at the locations.

The order was posted by the Chonburi Public Relations office. The order states, "Many Covid -19 confirmed cases are being found at these locations below. In order to control the spread of the virus, the Chonburi communicable disease committee has ordered the closure of the following:

1. Construction worker camp of the Standard Performance Co., Ltd (SPC) in Surasak, Si Racha from today until August 16^th.
2. Construction worker camp of Wissawapat Co., Ltd in Nongprue, Banglamung from today until August 18^th.

Owners and operators must strictly follow all orders and measurements from the Public Health Officials. The order in Thai is here for reference.