“ No One Said the Country Would Reopen Oct. 1’ – So When Will It? Don’t Ask Anutin “The matter cannot be rushed as information on the pandemic situation and risks must be thoroughly addressed,” he told the media. Anutin also hinted at another wrinkle: That the country may only be reopened for travelers from certain countries, as in “low-risk”. Based on the asinine number of daily cases and deaths again in the United States due to the coronavirus delta variant and anti-vaccine idiots, the U.S. could end up on the “no go” list. “If we are not ready, the reopening will not be possible,” Anutin said. “We must look at several factors.” Bangkok Herald

'No One Said the Country Would Reopen Oct. 1' – So When Will It? Don't Ask Anutin

17 September 2021

"No one said the country will reopen on Oct. 1."

An obvious lie was the parting remark from often foot-in-mouth Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul Tuesday while answering reporters' questions on the only topic on Thailand's mind these days: When will the country reopen to foreign tourists.

The answer differs by the day. First, it's Oct. 1. Then it's Oct. 15. Some "academics" say it should be Nov. 1. Now? No one can really say.

The only thing that does seem clear is that Bangkok won't be among the cities "reopening", and we use that word loosely.

Tourism and Sports Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn recommended Tuesday that Bangkok's welcome mat should be held back until Oct. 15, instead of the Oct. 1 date he "confirmed" just a day before.

To be fair, Pipat nor his ministry can decide what will or won't open, although their cooperation are needed and input listened to, unlike the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The reason for the 15-day delay? Bangkok Gov. Aswin Kwanmuang thinks the city can administer Covid-19 vaccine jabs to 32 percent more of the city's official population by then. Only 38 percent are fully vaccinated now. And even that number has been massaged.

According to the jab counters, the only people who are considered Bangkok residents are the ones with legally registered households in one of the 50 districts. Anyone working in the capital and not registered there (including nearly all expats) or anyone working in the city but commutes from Samut Prakan or other suburbs aren't included in that 70 percent goal.

But only about 3.4 million people have been fully vaccinated. It would take more than 3 million more second doses to reach the goal in the next month.

But, Pipat said, rest assured (at least today), quarantine-free entry into Bangkok will happen Oct. 15. Quarantine-free doesn't mean tourists (or expats or returning Thais) won't have to stay in a price government-certified hotel for at least a week. Or that they won't have to pay at least 8,000 baht for needless coronavirus tests at a government-certified lab. Or that they will be restricted to the capital for seven days and then another "sandbox" environment for a second week.

It just means they won't have to be jailed in a hotel room for a few days, like was planned in Pattaya.

But if the Chicken Littles in ivory towers who spout over-caution from their Facebook pages have their way, the entire October reopening would be pushed to November. Anutin acknowledged the pooyai are listening to the revered "academics" over their reluctance to reopen the country at all.

The academics are the main force behind the failed "zero Covid" strategy. They're being paid by Chula and Thammasat, so if the country was locked down and sealed off, it wouldn't hurt them. So that's their position.

Before his laughable claim no one said the country would reopen Oct. 1, Anutin said the entire reopening is still up in the air. "Medical experts" and the Department of Disease Control will decide whether the country is ready to reopen or not.

"The matter cannot be rushed as information on the pandemic situation and risks must be thoroughly addressed," he told the media.

Anutin also hinted at another wrinkle: That the country may only be reopened for travelers from certain countries, as in "low-risk". Based on the asinine number of daily cases and deaths again in the United States due to the coronavirus delta variant and anti-vaccine idiots, the U.S. could end up on the "no go" list.

"If we are not ready, the reopening will not be possible," Anutin said. "We must look at several factors." 

Bangkok governor rejects tourism minister’s plan to reopen capital on Oct 15. Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang declared on Friday that Thailand’s capital will not reopen to fully vaccinated and COVID-19 negative international arrivals on October 15th, as announced by Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn on Wednesday (September 15th). PBS World

Bangkok governor rejects tourism minister's plan to reopen capital on Oct 15

views  7,686

Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang declared on Friday that Thailand's capital will not reopen to fully vaccinated and COVID-19 negative international arrivals on October 15^th, as announced by Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn on Wednesday (September 15^th).

Citing the need to vaccinate at least 70% of the city's population first, Pol Gen Aswin claimed he never said Bangkok will reopen, because a decision of this kind must prioritise the people.

"To be able to reopen, infection prevention measures must be improved first. If we decide to reopen now, and there's a new outbreak, it would be problematic," he said.

To reopen, at least 70% of Bangkok's population needs to have received two doses of vaccine and further discussions must be held with relevant agencies, the governor said, adding that City Hall will determine the reopening date itself.

The governor expects the 70% full vaccination target to be hit by October 22^nd, but the campaign may be sped up if more doses of vaccines are allocated to the city.

Only almost 40% of Bangkok's population aged 18 and over have received two doses of vaccine.

On September 15^th, the tourism and sports minister announced in a press briefing that the reopening of Bangkok will be postponed from October 1^st, to October 15^th, as the authorities want at least 70% of the city's population vaccinated first, which was expected to be by mid-October.

He said four other provinces – Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan are still scheduled to reopen on October 1^st, but still pending the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and the cabinet's approvals. 

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 - Hua Hin: 100K foreigners spending 1.2 billion is highly likely to achieved. ASEAN NOW did the maths. Let's say that's about 40 flights over about 13 weeks. If the foreign tourists all arrived by air that would mean 2,500 passengers on each flight. Siam Rath didn't think to question the advisor about that absurdity in the numbers. ASEAN NOW

Picture: Siam Rath

 

A transport ministry advisor named Udon Olsan told Siam Rath that ambition plans to target 100,000 foreign tourists spending 1.2 billion baht in the fourth quarter were "very likely to be achieved" when Hua Hin reopens.

 

The plans for the reopening of the resort in Prachuap Khiri Khan are ready and set to roll from October 1st along with several other tourist areas.

 

Many have said that 100,000 foreigners from October to December in Hua Hin is unrealistic especially after the Phuket Sandbox has only attracted just over 30,000 in two and a half months. 

 

Udon begs to differ.

 

He pointed to the fact that seven airlines from China, Hong Kong, India, Singapore and Malaysia will be operating three direct flights a week into Hua Hin starting next month.

 

These are charter and scheduled flights. 

 

ASEAN NOW did the maths. 

 

Let's say that's about 40 flights over about 13 weeks. If the foreign tourists all arrived by air that would mean 2,500 passengers on each flight. 

 

Siam Rath didn't think to question the advisor about that absurdity in the numbers.

 

They also reported a former political leader called Suwat Liptaphallop as saying that Hua Hin was ready and able to open up. 

 

He claimed that almost 50% of the Thai population in the country had been vaccinated and that "herd immunity" was in touching distance. 

 

These claims, when placed alongside the necessity of at least two doses being administered, are also somewhat economical with the truth, notes ASEAN NOW. 

 

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 935 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with 12 new deaths, September 17th. Pattaya News

Chonburi new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 drop to 935 with 12 deaths

Friday, 17 September 2021, 10:13

Highlights:

• 935 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today

• 831 people recovered and were released from medical care

• 12 new deaths

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 935 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with 12 new deaths, September 17th.

This makes a total of 77,752 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 13,701 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 553 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April. The details on yesterday's 12 new deaths were not given, which is standard for the health department.

Additionally, 831 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 63,498 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began.

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Mueang Chonburi 142, Si Racha 151, Banglamung (Pattaya) 152, Panat Nikhom 55, Sattahip 63, Ban Bueang 141, Pan Thong 44, ฺBor Thong 8, Ko Chan 18, Nong Yai 4, Koh Sichang 5, Soldiers in Sattahip 95, and 57 transferred from other provinces for medical care.

The details on the cases are as follows: 

1. Cluster, military conscripts in Sattahip, 60 cases
2. Cluster, soldiers area in Sattahip, 35 cases
3. Cluster, Hansol Technics company in Ban Bueng, 42 cases
4. Cluster, Thai Jurong Engineering company in Ban Bueng, 14 cases
5. Cluster, Kasem Engineering & Consultant company in Ban Bueng, 7 cases
6. Cluster, Meyer Industries in Si Racha, 5 cases
7. Cluster, Essilor optical laboratory in Pan Thong, 5 cases
8. Cluster, worker camp Phon Phranakorn in Banglamung, 8 cases
9. A risky occupation, meeting a lot of people, 30 cases
10. Many establishments in Rayong Province brought to Chonburi for medical care, 43 cases
11. Back from a risky area in Rayong, 1 cases
12. Close contacts of confirmed patients in the family – 282 cases, in workplaces – 147 cases and close friends – 25 cases
13. Close contacts of confirmed patients (under investigation), 70 cases
14. 161 cases are under investigation in general as to the cause of the disease

A total of 1,083 close contact searches were received today, and 368 proactive search reports are pending.

There are currently clusters of outbreaks in 75 establishments and five markets, 10 construction worker camps, and four communities.

DEN HÄR MÅSTE NI BARA LÄSA !!! CIRKUS THAILAND NÄR DET ÄR SOM ”BÄST”. 😂😂😂😡😡😡😂😂😂😡😡😡. Anutin: No one said we'd open the country and Bangkok on October 1st. In fact he passed the buck on everything when pressed for answers by the Thai media as reported by Thai Rath yesterday. What about the tourism minister and the Bangkok governor delaying reopening to October 15th? No one told me about that, he said. What about having no quarantine for foreigners visiting the country? That's not up to me, he said, there are experts and committees examining the data. ASEAN NIW

Picture: Thai Rath

 

Thailand's deputy prime minister and health minister Anutin Charnvirakul denied there was any specific dates for opening up the country or Bangkok.

 

In fact he passed the buck on everything when pressed for answers by the Thai media as reported by Thai Rath yesterday.

 

What about the tourism minister and the Bangkok governor delaying reopening to October 15th?

 

No one told me about that, he said.

 

What about having no quarantine for foreigners visiting the country?

 

That's not up to me, he said, there are experts and committees examining the data.

 

Pressed further on the issue by a clearly exasperated band of reporters he went off on a tangent about other country's having vaccination plans.

 

What about the confusion expressed by doctors and medical professionals and delaying opening for a month?

 

"No one said there was a specific date," he claimed. "And what Bangkok decides is up to them - they have their own committees".

 

He did say there were lots of things to consider but reiterated that there was no specific timing. 

 

Would we start getting back to normal on October 1st the press demanded?

 

The answer was the same - don't ask me, I don't know. Ask them.

 

He didn't mention that his boss Prauyth Chan-ocha had specifically said on June 15th that Thailand would open in 120 days.

 

Or that the tourism authorities had repeatedly spoke of Phase 2 reopening on October 1st before Pipat Ratchakitprakan and Gen Aswin Kwanmuang had put the date back.

 

On the vaccination of school students with Pfizer and school reopening he said that on 29th September part of an expected 30 million doses of that vaccine would arrive and the education authorities have a plan.

 

He added that the FDA were examining the possibility of using Sinopharm on students aged 12+ as well as Pfizer. 

 



IGEN OCH IGEN OCH IGEN ! JAG KAN INTE HÅLLA RÄKNINGEN PÅ ALLA NERSTÄNGNINGAR I SRI RACHA !!! Chonburi Governor orders Covid-19 related temporary closures of worker camp in Si Racha. “The Worker camp of the CAZ (Thailand) Public Company Limited in the Thung Sukhala sub-district, Si Racha from yesterday (September 15th) to October 12th.” Pattaya News

Chonburi Governor orders Covid-19 related temporary closures of worker camp in Si Racha

The Chonburi Governor, Phakkhrathon Thianchai, has announced  this afternoon (September 16th) the temporary closure of a worker camp in Si Racha.

Thursday, 16 September 2021, 23:43

Chonburi-

The order was posted by the Chonburi Public Relations office this afternoon. The orders conclude, "Many Covid -19 confirmed cases were being found at worker camp in Si Racha."

"In order to control the spread of the virus, the Chonburi communicable disease committee has ordered the following temporary closure of the place below."

"The Worker camp of the CAZ (Thailand) Public Company Limited in the Thung Sukhala sub-district, Si Racha from yesterday (September 15th) to October 12th."

"Any necessary reasons to enter or exit must have permission from a Chonburi Public Health Official. Owners and operators must strictly follow the orders."

The orders, in Thai, are below.

Covid19 Thailand 17/9.

 

Thai Tourism Reopening Plan Stokes Concerns of Virus Resurgence. “If there’s a new wave of outbreak, it’d be difficult for the majority of people to survive because they have been fighting this for a long time and their resources are running low,” Thira said. “It would inevitably affect the economy in the end.” Bloomberg.com

 Thai Tourism Reopening Plan Stokes Concerns of Virus Resurgence

Randy Thanthong-Knight16 september 2021 15:36 GMT+7

As Thailand gears up for the reopening of Bangkok and several key provinces in October, some doctors warn that hospitalizations could surge again because the vaccination rate remains low across the nation.

Only 18% of the population is fully inoculated at present, a level that offers only limited protection from the spread of Covid-19, especially with the impending increase of the movements of people and the arrival of tourists -- who will be granted quarantine waivers based on their vaccination status. 

Coverage should exceed 70% before reopening because fully vaccinated people can still get infected and spread the virus, said Prasit Watanapa, dean of Mahidol University's Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital. He said that the emergence of a new variant could worsen the situation and squeeze the health-care system. 

Vaccination Coverage

Thai provinces are ramping up vaccinations to prepare for reopenings

Sources: Health Ministry, Bloomberg

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha has pushed for a wider reopening in an effort to boost the foreigner-driven tourism sector. The scrapping of quarantines -- typically two weeks -- is part of the government's "living with Covid-19" strategy that aims to revive the economy and put people back to work -- while concurrently limiting fallout from the virus. 

The resort island of Phuket, the first province to reopen in July when the vaccination rate there was ramped up to about 70%, is now battling spikes in cases, especially among migrants and in fishing communities. 

READ: Economies on the Brink Push Southeast Asia to Reopen

The Phuket experience is not unlike what's happened in other global destinations, with cases jumping in the Maldives and Seychelles following their reopenings to tourists -- despite high vaccination rates. 

Thira Woratanarat, an associate professor at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Medicine, said a surge in infections would likely be evident six to eight weeks after the wider tourism reopening. Current control measures include curfews, limits on restaurant dining, clamps on alcohol sales and gym closures. 

The upcoming phases of reopenings are scheduled between Oct. 1 and Oct. 15, depending on province and the readiness of local authorities. 

Less Pressure

Thailand's number of Covid-19 patients has decreased in recent weeks

Sources: Health Ministry, Bloomberg

"If there's a new wave of outbreak, it'd be difficult for the majority of people to survive because they have been fighting this for a long time and their resources are running low," Thira said. "It would inevitably affect the economy in the end." 

Prominent doctor calls for one-month delay to Thailand’s border reopening. As for welcoming back tourists, the prominent doctor said Thailand will be reopening borders faster than other countries and, in countries which have reopened their borders, more than 70% of the public have been fully vaccinated, while only 38% of the public in Thailand have had their first jab and a mere 19% of the population has received 2 shots. PBS World

Prominent doctor calls for one-month delay to Thailand's border reopening

views  235

Dr. Prasit Watanapa, dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital of Mahidol University, is suggesting that the government take the "Phuket Sandbox" scheme into account before reopening borders on October 1^st, cautioning that the country is not yet ready, due to low rates of vaccination. The reopening date should be pushed back a 1 month to ensure that Thailand is ready.

His remark on Thursday comes as four more provinces – Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Prachuap Khriri Khan, and Phetchaburi are set to welcome fully vaccinated COVID-negative international arrivals from Oct 1^st and Bangkok to follow from October 15^th.

Dr. Prasit cautioned the government over their plan to reopen borders in a fortnight. Officials should draw lessons from the "Phuket Sandbox", he said, as although most of the population of the island have been fully vaccinated, there are still chances of being infected and spreading the virus, as evidenced in more than 200 cases reported on the island each day in recent weeks.

If quarantine measures are lifted, however, it would be worrisome because the "Sandbox" scheme was meant as an experiment only in limited areas, not the whole country, and does not have a broad impact and can be cancelled or adjusted, said Dr. Prasit.

As for welcoming back tourists, the prominent doctor said Thailand will be reopening borders faster than other countries and, in countries which have reopened their borders, more than 70% of the public have been fully vaccinated, while only 38% of the public in Thailand have had their first jab and a mere 19% of the population has received 2 shots.

To ensure safety, 60% of the population should be vaccinated with one dose, while 40-50% should be vaccinated with two, he said.

Dr. Prasit also stated that one of the most worrying prospects at the moment is another wave of the pandemic. There must be sufficient beds for patients and ICU facilities, as we should not face the situation of inadequate beds again, with hopes that there will be no mutation of the virus that might affect the efficacy of the vaccines. 

😂😂😂😂😂👎👎👎👎👎 BANGKOK Currently, just 37% of residents are fully vaccinated. Re-opening of Bangkok pushed back 2 weeks to reach 70% vaccination goal. The Thaiger

Re-opening of Bangkok pushed back 2 weeks to reach 70% vaccination goal

Published

 on  

 Thursday, September 16, 2021 09:00

By 

 Maya Taylor

A Bangkok street pre-pandemic. PHOTO: Flickr/Kris Duda

Following a meeting between the Bangkok governor and the tourism minister, officials have decided to delay the re-opening of the capital by 2 weeks. Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says the capital's re-opening will be pushed back to October 15, as most residents are still waiting for their second vaccination. Currently, just 37% of residents are fully vaccinated.

The Bangkok Post reports that the original plan had been to open just 21 Bangkok districts, but Governor Aswin Kwanmuang suggested waiting until every area can be re-opened, to avoid inconveniencing tourists who need to travel across districts. Phiphat says the re-opening of the capital will benefit tourism nationwide.

"The quarantine-free entry via Bangkok will benefit the whole country as tourists usually visit Bangkok as their first destination before travelling to other provinces. With the 7+7 extension plan which will be enabled at the same time, tourists can stay in the capital city for just 7 days and choose another 8 provinces in the pilot re-opening programme as their second choice."

The popular tourist islands of Phuket and Samui, the first 2 participants in the sandbox programme, have now been joined by Phang Nga and Krabi, with Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, and Cha-am to follow shortly. Phiphat adds that if quarantine is eventually reduced from 14 days to 7, sandbox visitors will not be restricted to locations in the 7+7 extension programme, but can travel anywhere in the country from day 8.

Meanwhile, the minister adds that as well as re-opening to foreign tourists, he hopes domestic tourism will also resume from mid-October, adding that he expects travel restrictions to be relaxed from October 15.

"From mid-October, we will not only open for international tourists, but the domestic stimulus campaigns which aim to spur local spending will be rolled out at the same time."

For more information on how to get into Thailand during the pandemic, CLICK HERE.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

Increasing number of youths becoming drug dealers, among them 8-year-olds. THE Thai Sang Thai Party said today (Sept. 16) the drug epidemic in the country raises a lot of concern as youths and children have easy access to amphetamines and it is worrisome that many of them have upgraded from drug users to small drug dealers with eight-year-old children among them, Sanook.com said this morning (Sept. 16). Thai Newsroom

Party: Increasing number of youths becoming drug dealers, among them 8-year-olds

September 16, 2021 TNR Staff

THE Thai Sang Thai Party said today (Sept. 16) the drug epidemic in the country raises a lot of concern as youths and children have easy access to amphetamines and it is worrisome that many of them have upgraded from drug users to small drug dealers with eight-year-old children among them, Sanook.com said this morning (Sept. 16).

Mr. Phacharakorn Annopporn, the party's deputy spokesman, said a key factor for proliferation of amphetamines among these youngsters is the price with the average being 40-50 baht a pill.

Statistics from the Narcotics Control Board show that there were over 200,000 arrests and prosecutions last year, an increase of 10 percent a year over the past five years.

In resolving the problem, relevant agencies have to step up drug prevention and suppression measures and change the category of a drug user to a patient so that the addicts can receive treatment and rehabilitation then return to society as quickly as possible.

The authorities also have to break the vicious circle of influential people using drugs for criminal purposes through the implementation of a transparent drug policy that can be checked every step of the way.

"Economic revitalization is an important part of solving the drug problem because I believe no one wants to commit a crime. But the current Covid era economic situation leads to people becoming jobless and then left without any money.

"So the government has to solve economic problems as soon as possible so that people can have a better life, and also promote and support children and youths in building their future more so than currently done," he added.

Thailand vaccination report