Covid-19: Detailed info on vaccinations, hospitalisations, and provinces. The Thaiger

Covid-19: Detailed info on vaccinations, hospitalisations, and provinces

By 

Neill Fronde

Sunday, September 19, 2021 15:13

Covid-19 numbers continue to slowly fall as today's report from the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration saw 117 deaths and 13,576 new infections in the past 24 hours. 131,095 people remain under medical supervision while 12,492 people have been released from medical care in the last 24 hours, bring the total recovered from the virus to 1,330,238.

395 of the infections were uncovered within Thailand's prison system, where nearly 66,000 total Covid-19 cases have been found since April. Another 2,509 possible cases are pending after testing positive using less reliable antigen test kits, but they will not be counted in the country's official Covid-19 numbers until testing positive with an RT-PCR test.

Currently, there are 3,646 people receiving critical treatment in ICU facilities in hospitals and 768 people requiring the use of ventilators.

There have now been a total of 15,363 deaths and 1,476,477 Covid-19 infections since the beginning of the more contagious third wave of the Coronavirus beginning April 3.

OTHER COVID-19 NEWS:

• Phuket has seen infections remaining steady with one new Sandbox infection and one new death, the second of a prison inmate this week. Read the story here.
• PM Prayut Chan-o-Cha has agreed to suggest to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration to lift Covid-19 restrictions on theatres and filmmaking. Read the story here.
• The CCSA released a statement with several conflicting vaccination goals for Thailand for the month of October, with the main target to hit 50% vaccination. Read the story here.
• Over half of the prison population in the Correctional Institute for Young Offenders in Nakhon Si Thammarat has tested positive for Covid-19, causing the prison to seal off. Read the story here.

HOSPITALS & MEDICAL CARE

After a steady decline in hospitalisations and Covid-19 patients under medical care, the last few days have seen the numbers slowly climbing again. Of note, while the totals have decreased by 35,000 throughout the month and those in home and community isolation have dropped 80%, those patients in hospital care has nearly doubled since the beginning of the month.

VACCINATIONS

While vaccinations have been slow in Thailand, September has seen a fairly steady daily rate of people being administered vaccines, with daily inoculations between 700,000 and 900,000 each day aside from weekends when the figures are about halved.

With 43.6 million vaccines administered, nearly 14.3 million people are new fully vaccinated and the number of people who have received a third vaccine or booster shot is approaching 900,000.

PROVINCIAL NEWS:

While the daily provincial update information available has been spotty this week, The Thaiger is working to provide full information on provincial updates in English as soon as possible.

The 14 provinces (and the prison system which is counted separately) are included below with daily infection numbers for the last week. Totals are included for the entire pandemic and from April 1 when the third wave of Covid-19 began it's far more infectious spread throughout Thailand.

	PROVINCE	From 1 Apr	12 Sep	13 Sep	14 Sep	15 Sep	16 Sep	17 Sep	18 Sep	TOTAL
1	Bangkok	319,666	3,356	3,329	2,788	2,772	2,386	2,911	2,843	340,551
2	Samut Prakan	92,721	832	443	811	1,351	1,455	1,110	1,018	99,741
3	Samut Sakhon	82,390	506	402	542	404	338	387	288	85,257
4	Chonburi	72,554	848	650	955	835	973	935	848	78,598
5	Prisons	62,361	276	163	271	451	394	790	854	65,560
6	Nonthaburi	47,818	410	468	482	359	295	326	399	50,557
7	Pathum Thani	33,481	196	207	70	164	139	177	138	34,572
8	Nakhon Pathom	28,876	194	158	167	145	148	128	145	20,962
9	Chachoengsao	26,157	206	148	208	284	208	167	224	27,602
10	Rayong	22,654	524	647	217	680	445	136	414	20,217
11	Ratchaburi	22,795	216	299	314	137	389	50	378	125,670
12	Songkhla	22,374	396	301	272	327	470	312	370	24,322
13	Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya	23,707	221	217	206	134	80	110	106	24,781
14	Saraburi	21,412	251	233	127	218	279	329	289	23,138
15	Nakhon Ratchasima	20,989	168	212	162	178	163	200	328	22,400

SOURCE: Department of Disease Control



Chonburi new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 rise to 926 with 3 new deaths - The Pattaya News

Chonburi new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 rise to 926 with 3 new deaths

Sunday, 19 September 2021, 12:06

Highlights:

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

• 945 people recovered and were released from medical care

• 3 new deaths

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 926 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with 3 new deaths, September 19th.

Additionally, 945 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 65,393 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began.

This makes a total of 79,526 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 13,571 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 562 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April. The details on yesterday's 11 new deaths were not given, which is standard for the health department.

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Mueang Chonburi 152, Si Racha 244, Banglamung (Pattaya) 132, Panat Nikhom 38, Sattahip 122, Ban Bueang 118, Pan Thong 35, Bor Thong 8, Ko Chan 16, Nong Yai 11, Si Chang 2, and 48 transferred from other provinces for medical care.

The details on the cases are as follows:

1. Cluster among groups of Sergeant Majors of the Marine Corps in Sattahip, 24 cases
2. Cluster, Military area in Sattahip, 4 cases
3. Cluster, group of military conscripts 2/2021 in Sattahip, 17 cases
4. Cluster, Boonchai Gas Sattahip Company Limited in Sattahip, 13 cases
5. Cluster, CSSG Company (Subcontract Company) in Phan Thong, 8 cases
6. Cluster, Essilor Optical Laboratory (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in Phan Thong, 4 cases
7. Cluster, Nilkosol Co., Ltd. in Mueang Chonburi, 8 cases
8. Cluster, Siam Ricken Industrial Company Limited in Mueang Chonburi, 5 cases
9. Cluster, Amagasaki Pipe (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in Mueang Chonburi, 5 cases
10. Cluster Eastern Supply Company Limited at Golden Dragon Industrial Park in Nong Yai, 5 cases
11. Many establishments in Rayong Province brought to Chonburi for medical care, 47 cases
12. High-risk workers which are customer facing, 17 cases
13. 3 medical staff
14. Back from a risky area in Rayong – 4 cases, Chachoengsao – 2 cases, and Samut Prakan – 1 case
15. Close contacts of confirmed patients in the family – 286 cases, in workplaces – 124 cases, close friends – 32 cases and joined parties, 1 case
16. Close contacts of confirmed patients (under investigation), 132 cases
17. 154 cases are under investigation in general as to the cause of the disease

A total of 1,093 close contact searches were received today, and 220 proactive search reports are pending.

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



”Goda tider” för Corona och dess mutationer….??

Hej,

Så här ser det ut nu från fredag em till söndag kväll efter att restriktionerna lättade LITE!!!
Smittspridningen är i runda slängar ungefär som den var innan 1/9. Både nationellt och i
Chonburi. Svagt avtagande men….
Cirka 20% nationellt har fått 2 sprutor så det är en bit kvar…
Konstaterade idag och även tidigare att folk håller bra distans på beachen och sitter i
grupper MEN de som sitter under parasollen har inte riktigt anammat budskapet kunde
jag konstatera. Min finkänslighet…..gjorde att jag inte ville utsätta dem för min kamera.
Ha en fortsatt fin helg.
Med vänlig hälsning,
Ola



Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) is aiming to hit the inoculation target of giving the first COVID-19 vaccine shot to at least 50% of the population by the end of next month. NNT

Thailand's Department of Disease Control (DDC) is aiming to hit the inoculation target of giving the first COVID-19 vaccine shot to at least 50% of the population by the end of next month.

DDC Director-General Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong said the Ministry of Public Health can give 900,000 vaccine doses per day and hopes to reach the plan for half of the population to have had the first jab by October.

According to the DDC, from February 28th to September 16th, about 43.3 million shots of vaccines were administered, of which 28.4 million were first doses and around 14.3 million were the second. The department also hopes to provide 1 million doses in just one day, to mark Prince Mahidol day, a key public health event, on September 24th.

Dr. Opas added that people are also learning to live with the pandemic. They have been following the Ministry of Public Health's universal prevention guidelines, such as wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing in crowded areas.

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) is aiming to hit the inoculation target of giving the first COVID-19 vaccine shot to at least 50% of the population by the end of next month. NNT



😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 The Tourism and Sports Ministry has told the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to propose the plan on reopening five provinces to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration on September 23, Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Saturday. The Nation

TAT told to propose plan on reopening five provinces to CCSA on Sept 23

The Tourism and Sports Ministry has told the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to propose the plan on reopening five provinces to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration on September 23, Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Saturday.

Under the plan, five provinces -- Bangkok, Chonburi (Pattaya, Bang Lamung and Sattahip), Phetchaburi (Cha-am), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin), Chiang Mai (Muang, Mae Taeng, Mae Rim and Doi Tao) -- will be reopened to fully vaccinated foreign tourists from October 1.

Phiphat said that over 90 per cent of Bangkokians had received the first jab, but only 37 per cent had received the second jab.

He expected the number of fully vaccinated Bangkokians will reach 70 per cent by October 22.

"However, if we can accelerate the vaccination, we can reopen Bangkok earlier," he said.

🔴 UPDATE: 13,576 confirmed cases, 2,509 probable cases, and 117 deaths (1.04%). Out of 131,095 patients ⬆️, 45,044 are in hospital, 66,210 in ‘hospitel’ and 13,633 in home/community isolation. 3,646 in a serious condition (-55) with 768 on ventilators (+8). Richard Barrow



2006 coup a success, claims mastermind Sonthi The Sept 19, 2006 coup against the Thaksin Shinawatra government was a success, former army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin claimed in an interview with the Bangkok Post to mark its 15th anniversary. However, the 2006 coup was deemed overshadowed by the May 22, 2014 takeover led by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha who has managed to stay on for five years and returned to power in the 2019 general election with support from his brothers in arms, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon and Gen Anupong Paojinda.

2006 coup a success, claims mastermind Sonthi

The Sept 19, 2006 coup against the Thaksin Shinawatra government was a success, former army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin claimed in an interview with the Bangkok Post to mark its 15th anniversary.

His assessment is based on gestures of support for his military intervention reflected by the bouquets of flowers presented to the coup-makers and troops.

However, the 2006 coup was deemed overshadowed by the May 22, 2014 takeover led by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha who has managed to stay on for five years and returned to power in the 2019 general election with support from his brothers in arms, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon and Gen Anupong Paojinda.

During their time in power, the three brothers (Prayut, Prawit, and Anupong) and their teams have put in place mechanisms to help the regime prolong its grip on power.

The military-appointed Senate can join MPs in the prime minister's selection while the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) was formed to back Gen Prayut as the premier. The armed forces, meanwhile, have closed ranks behind him.

The 2006 takeover pales in comparison to its successor as it lasted just 12 months before an election, which was ultimately followed by more political strife.

The big three: In this file photo taken in May 2007, army chief and coup leader Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin (centre) gives a press conference following the dissolution of political parties over election fraud. He is accompanied by Gen Anupong Paojinda and Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, who held the rank of lieutenant general at that time.

Some political observers criticise the 2006 putsch as a failure because Thaksin's political network came back to power with his younger sister Yingluck Shinawatra assuming the prime ministership. The 2014 coup is seen by some as a correction.

However, Gen Sonthi said the events should not be compared because the political contexts were different.

"I think there is no use in talking about it. But if you ask me if it is a success or a failure...people were in a joyful mood and gave flowers to soldiers," he said.

Gen Sonthi said he did not assume the prime minister's post after the coup because he was aware of its limitations and thought he should put the right man in the job.

He said whether another military takeover will happen depends on how people in power conduct themselves. Corruption, nepotism and undemocratic actions can make people upset and prompt action.

When asked if a military intervention is necessary to defuse a political crisis, he said it is important to understand what democracy is about.

He also said there are different types of democracy and Thailand should find one that fits its needs and looks ahead rather than backwards.

When asked if the 2006 coup at least kept Thaksin, who is in self-imposed exile, away, he said there is no use discussing the past and Thaksin is up to something new, given his increased activity.

The ex-premier has used the Clubhouse app under the alias Tony Woodsome to take aim at the government and on Wednesday discussed Thai politics and the future of young Thais.



🔴 #COVID19 on Sunday: ⬇️ 13,576 cases ⬇️ 117 deaths. Richard Barrow



Bangkok Post highlights 19/9



UK continues to suppress visits to Thailand. In a shock decision, the UK authorities have refused to remove Thailand from its list of banned countries. Although the British Department of Transport has ended the bizarre traffic lights system, it has retained a list of 60-plus countries which Britsshould avoid for Covid reasons. If they do insist on coming, then they must enter a 10/11 days of compulsory quarantine in an approved hotel on re-entry to UK at a cost of 2,285 pounds for an individual. Additionally, they must take a battery of pre-departure and post-arrival Covid tests. Bangkok Jack

UK continues to suppress visits to Thailand

Barry KenyonSeptember 18, 2021

Thailand is one of 60 countries which the UK government wants Brits to avoid.

In a shock decision, the UK authorities have refused to remove Thailand from its list of banned countries. Although the British Department of Transport has ended the bizarre traffic lights system, it has retained a list of 60-plus countries which Britsshould avoid for Covid reasons. If they do insist on coming, then they must enter a 10/11 days of compulsory quarantine in an approved hotel on re-entry to UK at a cost of 2,285 pounds for an individual. Additionally, they must take a battery of pre-departure and post-arrival Covid tests.



Although several countries have been removed from the former UK red list – including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan – Thailand is not the only Southeast Asian country to be out of bounds for Brits. Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines are also listed as no-go areas, but Singapore, Cambodia and Vietnam are regarded as sufficiently safe for travel, including holidays. Grant Shapps, the UK transport secretary, said the new system of grading got rid of amber-listed countries. "All countries are now either green or red," he said.

The bad news for Thai travel comes as a shock as Thailand's number of recorded infections has been on a downward trajectory whilst vaccinated numbers have been rising. However, the British authorities are not satisfied that the Bangkok authorities have the virus under control and remain doubtful that enough testing is occurring on a daily basis. One consequence of the continuing ban is that Thai citizens with valid visas will not be able to land in the UK as only British passport holders and permanent residents are permitted to enter before being ushered into a quarantine hotel.

British tourists are likely to be even thinner on the ground in Thailand, at least for now.

The overall consequence for Brits determined to travel to Thailand, in spite of all, is a period of 14 days compulsory quarantine in a Thai hotel on arrival, unless they are part of the Sandbox program which restricts their movement for two weeks but is not a formal quarantine. At present, Sandbox operates only in Phuket and a few other southern islands. Returning to UK, Brits must then undergo another dose of expensive hotel quarantine plus ongoing health tests.

The British government can change the status of countries at any time. But a re-examination of Thailand's prospects is not expected until mid-October at the earliest. The Tourist Authority of Thailand says it is very disappointed by the continuing British ban, but believes that Asian visitors will the first to enjoy Thai vacations as the country opens up again. 

Thailand vaccination report 18/9



The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 848 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with 6 new deaths, September 18th. Pattaya News

Chonburi new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 drop to 848 with 6 deaths

Saturday, 18 September 2021, 10:20

Highlights:

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

• 950 people recovered and were released from medical care

• 6 new deaths

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 848 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with 6 new deaths, September 18th.

This makes a total of 78,600 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 13,593 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 559 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April. The details on yesterday's 6 new deaths were not given, which is standard for the health department.

Additionally, 950 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 64,448 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 222, Si Racha 193, Banglamung (Pattaya) 128, Panat Nikhom 37, Sattahip 86, Ban Bueang 52, Pan Thong 49, ฺBor Thong 8, Ko Chan 17, Nong Yai 7, and 49 transferred from other provinces for medical care.

The details on the cases are as follows:

1. Cluster, military conscripts in Sattahip, 49 cases
2. Cluster, Cobra Group company in Pan Thong, 8 cases
3. Cluster, CSSG company in Pan Thong, 8 cases
4. Cluster, Meyer Industries company in Si Racha, 5 cases
5. Cluster, Sia, Riken Industrial company in Mueang Chonburi, 5 cases
6. Cluster, Amakasaki Pip company in Mueang Chonburi, 5 cases
7. Many establishments in Rayong Province brought to Chonburi for medical care, 35 cases
8. A risky occupation, meeting a lot of people, 35 cases
9. 1 medical staff
10. Back from a risky area in Rayong -2, Bangkok – 1 case and Chachoengsao – 1 case
11. Close contacts of confirmed patients in the family – 243 cases, in workplaces – 143 cases and close friends – 24 cases
12. Close contacts of confirmed patients (under investigation), 102 cases
13. 181 cases are under investigation in general as to the cause of the disease

A total of 967 close contact searches were received today, and 395 proactive search reports are pending.

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

😂😂😂😂😂 NU ÄR DE I FARTEN IGEN 😂😂😂😂 “Any other people who talked about the Bangkok reopening have no authority. You have to ask me. We’ll reopen when it’s safe," says Bangkok governor... The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has no plans to reopen to foreign tourists on Oct 15 and it will not be up for talks until more than 70% of residents are fully vaccinated, says Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang. Phuket News

Capital not open to tourists yet: BMA

BANGKOK: The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has no plans to reopen to foreign tourists on Oct 15 and it will not be up for talks until more than 70% of residents are fully vaccinated, says Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang.

Pol Gen Aswin denied speculation that the capital will reopen for foreign tourists and activities on Oct 15, insisting he never said Bangkok will reopen on that date because health safety is a top priority, reports the Bangkok Post.

He said that the focus is to speed up inoculation of the city's residents and talk about reopening can be initiated after more than 70% of population get their second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.

"Any other people who talked about the Bangkok reopening have no authority. You have to ask me. We'll reopen when it's safe. If a new outbreak erupts, we'll be back to square one. There is no pressure. I'm a heavy man. They can't do that," he said.

Speculation about the reopening in the middle of October stems from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's statement made on June 16 that his government will reopen the country within 120 days which falls in the middle of October.

On the progress of the vaccination campaign, the governor said that under the timeline the city should reach the target of 70% on Oct 22 but it could be as early as Oct 10 if vaccines are delivered sooner.

Currently, the interval between two shots of the AstraZeneca vaccine has been cut to six weeks.

Meanwhile, the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said yesterday (Sept 17) no decision has been made on a reopening plan for Bangkok and the issue must be discussed and planned thoroughly by several concerned parties.

Assistant CCSA spokeswoman Dr Apisamai Srirangson said there are three main criteria when considering the tourism reopening programme - preparedness, disease control measures and a COVID-19 response plan for cluster infections.

She also said the 14-day mandatory quarantine at alternative quarantine facilities for arrivals outside the sandbox areas remains unchanged, when asked about a possible shortened quarantine.

However, people entering the country may be allowed to quarantine at Safety and Health Administration (SHA) hotels, she noted.

According to Dr Apisamai, by the end of October at least 50% of people in every province need to be vaccinated while the vaccination target in the districts selected for reopening under the "COVID-free setting" approach is set at 80%.

Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul allayed concerns about the reopening of Bangkok, saying no decision was made.

He said the issue would have to be considered by the BMA's communicable disease panel first.

Mr Anutin also said the date of country's reopening was not considered either and that several factors would have to be taken into account.

When asked about further relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in October, he said the Department of Disease Control would assess the situation and make recommendations.

Oct 1 reopening up in air. Experts say target may be premature. Thira Woratanarat, an associate professor at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Medicine, posted a message on Facebook on Thursday, warning against the plan to reopen Thailand. He said the number of new cases in Thailand remained high and foreign arrivals could bring the virus with them. Even if they are fully vaccinated, they can still contract the virus during their journey, he said. Bangkok Post

Oct 1 reopening up in air

People in Nonthaburi sit apart from one another distancing as they wait to be vaccinated with Sinopharm jabs. The municipality has made walk-in vaccinations available from Wednesday to Sunday for Nonthaburi residents. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

The Public Health Ministry on Thursday addressed concerns raised by academics over the government's plan to reopen the country to vaccinated foreign tourists starting next month.

The plan is in line with the pledge which Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha made in June to welcome vaccinated tourists within 120 days. However, some critics, including academics, have said the government may be acting too early.

Commenting on issues surrounding the plan, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday said medical experts and the Department of Disease Control (DDC) must decide whether the country is ready to reopen.

"The matter cannot be rushed as information on the pandemic situation and risks must be thoroughly addressed," Mr Anutin said, adding the government is ready to lend its full support.

"We cannot order [the reopening] yet because we must investigate academic information and make an assessment."

The degree of the severity of the Covid-19 situation in countries which prospective foreigners may depart from must be taken into account, he said, adding the DDC will make an assessment and present it for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration's (CCSA) consideration.

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

Responding to criticism that an Oct 1 reopening may be premature, Mr Anutin said: "No one said the country will reopen on Oct 1."

Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said that as of Wednesday more than 70% of residents of Bangkok had been given their first Covid-19 vaccine shots, while 38% had received both jabs.

However, he said Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang and his public health officials agreed most residents are still waiting for their second jabs and these cannot be administered to most of them in time for Oct 1.

The reopening timeline for Bangkok should be postponed from Oct 1 to Oct 15 as the capital is expected to have administered second shots to 70% of its residents by then, Mr Phiphat said.

All 50 districts in the capital will reopen to vaccinated foreign tourists after 70% of Bangkok residents receive their second shots, he said.

Mr Phiphat said personnel in the service industries and public transport drivers must receive two vaccine shots.

If they are not fully vaccinated, they can risk spreading the disease to foreign tourists who use their services, he said, adding the Tourism Authority of Thailand is asking operators of taxi cooperatives to issue vaccination certificates to fully vaccinated drivers.

Under the plan to reopen Bangkok to inoculated foreign tourists, all 50 districts will be reopened, including Din Daeng and Huai Khwang, which still have infection clusters, as the authorities are confident existing containment measures can cope, he said.

Mr Phiphat cited Phuket, which still has about 200 new daily infections, though there are no reports of local residents spreading the virus to foreign tourists there or vice versa.

He added that four provinces -- Chiang Mai, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phetchaburi and Chon Buri -- will reopen to vaccinated foreign tourists on Oct 1 as planned.

Thira Woratanarat, an associate professor at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Medicine, posted a message on Facebook on Thursday, warning against the plan to reopen Thailand.

He said the number of new cases in Thailand remained high and foreign arrivals could bring the virus with them. Even if they are fully vaccinated, they can still contract the virus during their journey, he said.

The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has revealed that the goals for vaccination service in October 2021 is to inoculate at least 50% of the population in each province, fully vaccinate the public, extend the vaccination to people who are aged 12 years old and above, give a booster dose to those who received two doses of Sinovac, and vaccinate people in the essential economic zones and control the spread of virus in those areas. PRD



Thaksin linked to THAI's losses. NACC begins probe of aircraft purchases. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has launched a probe into ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's decision to approve Thai Airways International Plc's (THAI) plan to purchase Airbus aircraft worth more than 53 billion baht years ago. The move by the fugitive former prime minister allegedly led to huge losses. Bangkok Post

Thaksin linked to THAI's losses. NACC begins probe of aircraft purchases

Thai Airways International staff members welcome an Airbus A340 aircraft at Don Mueang Airport on April 8, 2005. (Bangkok Post photo)

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has launched a probe into ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's decision to approve Thai Airways International Plc's (THAI) plan to purchase Airbus aircraft worth more than 53 billion baht years ago.

The move by the fugitive former prime minister allegedly led to huge losses.

Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, deputy secretary-general of the NACC, said the commission has set up a nine-member panel to look into allegations that Thaksin approved the purchase of multiple Airbus A340-500 and A340-600 aircraft between 2002 and 2004. He said the decision plunged the airline into debt.

Apart from Thaksin, there are four other people suspected of being involved in the decision, Mr Niwatchai said.

The other four are Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkij, who served as transport minister at the time; former deputy transport minister Phichet Sathirachawal; former THAI board chairman Thanong Bidaya and former THAI president Kanok Abhiradee, according to an Isra News Agency report.

Between 2002 and 2004, Thaksin's cabinet approved THAI's plan to purchase 10 A340-500 and A340-600 aircraft worth about 53.5 billion baht. The purchase plan was submitted by Mr Suriya at the time.

The purchase of A340-500 aircraft was also mentioned in report by a fact-finding panel set up on Aug 28 by the Transport Ministry to look into alleged corruption in THAI. Pol Lt Gen Charnthep Sesawet was assigned as head of the panel.

The report pointed out that THAI's financial losses were the result of the purchase of the 10 aircraft, which was carried out under a procurement plan between 2003 and 2004.

According to the report, the aircraft were in service between July 2005 and Jan 7, 2013, on 51 routes, including Bangkok-New York and Bangkok-Los Angeles. But THAI ended up suffering 39.8 billion baht in losses on all the routes, it said.

In particular, flights on the Bangkok-New York and Bangkok-Los Angeles routes recorded losses of more than 12.4 billion baht as Airbus A340-500s and A340-600s are meant for long-haul flights, the report said, noting the airplanes consumed huge amounts of fuel but did not have many seats.

Moreover, the aircraft were in use for only six to 10 years, lower than the general threshold of 20 years of service, and this was not cost-effective, according to the report.

The aircraft in question are now decommissioned, and waiting to be sold but THAI also suffered an impairment loss of more than 22.9 billion baht, it said.

Thaksin faced several other legal wrangles, including charges over the Ratchadaphisek land purchase case. On Oct 21, 2008, the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced him in absentia to two years in jail, convicting him of violating the National Counter-Corruption Act.

The move to probe Thaksin's airplane purchases comes amid his criticism of the current government via the Clubhouse app under the alias of Tony Woodsome. He has taken aim at the Prayut Chan-o-cha government over several issues, including the handling of the Covid-19 crisis and the economic problems caused by the pandemic.

On Wednesday, Thaksin appeared on Clubhouse again, discussing a topic on Thai politics and the future of young Thais.

At one point, he said the government should sit down for talks with young people, adding that use of violence against protesters will not help.

🔴 #COVID19 on Saturday: ⬇️ 14,109 cases ⬇️ 122 deaths. Richard Barrow



Bangkok Post highlights 18/9

 

The Ministry of Public Health have issued information on which vaccines are accepted in Thailand. ASEAN NOW

 



COVID Vaccinations Cover Majorities in 8 Provinces. The inoculations covered more than 50% of people in eight provinces namely Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Phuket and Phangnga. TNA

COVID Vaccinations Cover Majorities in 8 Provinces

17 September 2021 17:29

BANGKOK, Sept 17 (TNA) – More than 50% of people in eight provinces have been vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration.

Dr. Apisamai Srirangson, assistant spokeswoman for CCSA, said that as of Sept 17,  43,342,103 doses of COVID-19 vaccines had been administered in the country. Of them, 28.4 million doses were for the first jab for 39.5% of the population, 14.2 million doses as the second jab for 19.8% of the population and 620,000 doses as the third jab.

The inoculations covered more than 50% of people in eight provinces namely Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Phuket and Phangnga.

Meanwhile, more than 70% of elderly people aged 60 and over have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in five provinces namely Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Phuket, Ranong and Phangnga.

Dr. Apisamai also said that the Public Health Ministry approved the third and booster jab for the people who had received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Sinovac. The booster inoculation would start on Sept 24 for about 3 million people who had obtained two doses of the Sinovac vaccine between March and May. The people would be invited via SMS.

In Phuket where more than 70% of people had been inoculated twice with the Sinovac vaccine, a study found that when a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine was administered as their third jab into their skin, it boosted antibodies similar to muscular injection. Therefore, the Public Health Ministry resolved to start intradermal injection in Phuket. With intradermal injection, one dose of the vaccine could be administered for five people, 0.1ml each. (TNA) 

Dutchman’s lawsuit to strike down higher expat fees at Thai hospitals nears verdict. Coconut.co

Dutchman's lawsuit to strike down higher expat fees at Thai hospitals nears verdict

Sep 17, 2021 | 3:24pm Bangkok time

Dutch national Erwin Buse, at left. Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, at right. Photos: Sanook, Government Public Relations Office

A court will hear Tuesday the final arguments in an anti-discrimination suit brought by a Dutch national seeking to end dual-pricing at Thailand's public hospitals.

The Administrative Court in Phetchaburi province will hold its final hearing in the two-year-old case brought by Erwin Buse, who is representing himself against health ministry lawyers to challenge the higher fees for non-Thais as unconstitutional.

In his suit, 52-year-old Buse contended that the new fare structure not only violated the constitution's protections against discrimination, but also regulations stipulating that public hospital fees be determined by simple calculations of actual costs.

Reached for comment, Buse said Friday afternoon that he could not comment on the court proceedings until they were concluded, but noted that he hoped a positive ruling would benefit a much larger community.

"I tell them I'm representing all the foreigners living in Thailand," he said. "It's not about me. This is not my personal case."

Dual-pricing for foreigners now legal at Thai public hospitals

His lawsuit named the Health Ministry and its head, who is now Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. It asks the court to annul the rate structure and order the ministry to revert to what had previously been in place since 2004. A ruling is likely to come within days of Tuesday's hearing.

Buse first took on overcharging on a personal level several years ago when he was traveling 100 kilometers from his rural residence for cancer treatments at Hua Hin Hospital. He described being charged hundreds of baht in "additional fees" each time.

Under new rules enacted in September 2019, public hospitals were instructed to charge patients at what amounts to four tiers based on their legal status: Thai nationals, citizens of neighboring countries and working foreigners on non-immigrant visas. The fourth group consists of tourists, retirees and foreigners married to Thai nationals.

While foreigners from other ASEAN nations pay the same rates as citizens, fees go up significantly for the third group – which includes most expats – while retirees and tourists pay much more, often double.

For example, according to a ministry fee structure published at the time, simple antibody screenings cost Thais and ASEAN residents THB130 and expats THB190. Retirees and tourists pay double – THB260.

On the higher end, a spinal MRI that costs citizens and their neighbors THB18,700 jumps up to THB23,375 for working expats and THB28,050 for retirees/tourists.

In 2018, Buse was said to have prevailed in his long-running battle to obtain compensation for his high Hua Hin Hospital fees. Despite several highly publicized claims he would be reimbursed, he never was. He lives in a rural corner of Prachuap Khiri Khan province with his wife, where he tends to goats.

Clarification: A description of the four fee tiers was amended after publication to include foreigners whose legal status is based on their marriage to a Thai national.

Related
Thai public hospitals ordered to implement dual-pricing for foreigners
Dual-pricing for foreigners now legal at Thai public hospitals



Safety first: health measures key to reopening. Dr Apisamai said no decision has been made at this point. The ministry has not yet put forward any plan to reopen more of the country to foreign tourists. Bangkok Post

Safety first: health measures key to reopening

A vendor waits for customers at a shop on empty Khaosan Road, formerly a mecca for backpackers visiting Bangkok. (Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya)

Reopening Bangkok and other cities to vaccinated foreign tourists is dependent on proper health measures being in place to cope with any surge in infections, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said on Friday.

Assistant spokeswoman Apisamai Srirangson said the CCSA needs to be convinced that preparations made by the Public Health Ministry are adequate.

This would be the issue when the virus task force considers any reopening plan for approval.

"It does not mean the areas (to be reopened) must be free of new transmissions, but that the public health system in those areas must be ready," she said.

The Tourism and Sports Ministry is pushing for the reopening of popular attractions in Chiang Mai, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chon Buri on Oct 1, and Bangkok possibly on Oct 15.

This follows the trial reopening of Phuket, known as the Phuket sandbox, that started in July.

Dr Apisamai  said the success of the Phuket sandbox was due to the mobilisation of health resources, some from Bangkok, to support the programme.

Health authorities and academics are worried about another virus surge after the country opens up more places to vaccinated tourists.

Dr Apisamai said no decision has been made at this point. The ministry has not yet put forward any plan to reopen more of the country to foreign tourists. 

Thailand vaccination report 17/9