Dec 15 The Best Date For Thailand To Reopen, Says Top Health Official
Thailand should reopen on December 15, so the momentum between protecting public health and reviving the economy can be maintained, Dr Chalermchai Boonyaleephan, vice chairman of the Public Health Commission, said on Monday.
In a post on the Blockdit platform, he said every country should strike a balance between the economy and public health, and one key criterion in doing this is to ensure that at least 70 per cent of the population has been vaccinated.
"To reach that point, we need to speed up the vaccine rollout to ensure 70 per cent of the population is double jabbed by November 30," he said.
"After that, it will take another 14 days before immunity kicks in, so Thailand should be ready to reopen on December 15."
He added that everyone's opinion on when Thailand should reopen is different because the impact on each individual is different.
As of Monday, Thailand's total caseload from Covid-19 stood at 1,793,812 – 1,668,250 of whom have recovered, 107,226 are still in hospitals and 18,336 have died.
Separately, another 238,015 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 217,372 their second shot and 19,666 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 65,677,794.
Chonburi new cases of Covid-19 drop to another over three month low with 354 and 2 new deaths
PHOTO: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
Highlights:
354 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today
596 people recovered and were released from medical care
2 new deaths
The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 354 new and confirmedcases of Covid-19 today with 2 new deaths, October 18th.
This makes a total of 96,988 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 7,768 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 677 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April.
Additionally, 596 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 88,543 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began.
The two new deaths yesterday were elderly males aged 67 and 70 according to the Chonburi Department of Public Health. Both were family contacts of previously confirmed cases and had chronic health problems. Neither of them were vaccinated.
The district-level new cases were as follows today:
Mueang Chonburi 65, Si Racha 94, Banglamung (Pattaya) 71, Panat Nikhom 20, Sattahip 29, Ban Bueang 10, Phan Thong 6, Bor Thong 12, Ko Chan 5, Nong Yai 1, and 41 people transferred from other provinces for medical care.
As you probably know already, the prime minister addressed the nation last Monday about the re-opening of the country to fully vaccinated tourists on 1st November. (You can read the official translation on my website.) He basically said he wanted to "entice some of the year-end and new year holiday season travellers during the next few months to support the many millions of people who earn a living from our tourism, travel and entertainment sectors". The headlines in Thailand and across the world the next day declared that the country was re-opening for sure. But what all of them missed were two particularly important words "consider re-opening".
As usual, there is only two weeks to go and there is a lot of uncertainty and confusion. We do not even know the list of countries from where vaccinated people can come from without having to do quarantine. Then to add to the confusion, they started talking about 15 provinces where tourists can go. So, do you have the freedom of the country or not? Do you have to stay within these 15 provinces for the first seven days? If that is so, they will then surely make you pre-book SHA hotels in advance just to make sure you do not leave these provinces. So many questions and so many contradictory statements coming from various government departments. Hopefully, we will get clearer guidelines later this week. My advice to you is, do not book anything yet.
Analysis: All of the currently known details about reopening Pattaya and other parts of Thailand to vaccinated foreign tourists without quarantine from November 1st
Secondly, continued messages about "reopening" events in Pattaya such as music festivals and fireworks festivals have caused even more people to message us, many of who want to be here for these events. (It is worth noting that these events are really designed for domestic tourists which will be the vast, vast majority of the audience.)
We get it. We really do. Many people cannot wait to return to Thailand, especially for a regular holiday. Many business owners, especially here in Pattaya, would like nothing more than to welcome back true tourists without quarantine and tons of paperwork, here for a holiday. It would be the first time in about 21 months roughly if it took place.
However, what we are about to tell you is likely not what most of you want to hear. Are you ready for it? This is why "official" information has been so difficult to find and various media sources are full of conflicting information, proposals, speculation, and opinion. Ok, here we go: Here is what is known, factually, legally, stamped and sealed, and officially about the reopening plan from November:
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Got it? Wait, you say, there was a blank space? Yes, let's explain why.
At this point, there is still heated internal discussion between various conflicting departments and organizations at a national level on how to do this safely. Obviously, the medical sector disagrees strongly with the business sector. If the medical sector had their way we would probably be waiting for 80% fully vaccinated nationwide and many more months of cautious waiting and baby steps. If the business sector had its way, we would open tomorrow with no rules. As a result, the two sides with polar opposite views will need to compromise and come up with the best current solution.
This is why so many different opinions and speculation (and it is speculation, although much of it is educated and real proposals being debated) are out there. From one test for Covid to multiple tests, to free roam to staying in fifteen zones, to staying at a SHA+ hotel, to blue zones, it can be incredibly confusing. We get that.
The Prime Minister never "promised" the country would grand reopen on November 1st. He stated that he was asking the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and the Ministry of Public Health to consider it. Here is his exact statement:
I have, therefore, instructed the CCSA and the Ministry of Public Health to urgently consider within this week to allow, as of 1 November, international visitors to enter Thailand without any requirement for quarantine if they are fully vaccinated and arrive by air from low-risk countries.
In reality, it is nearly certain some sort of plan will take place. Things will be much better than they are currently. And as always, it will likely start out with very strict rules that will "ease" over time. And they will ease. We certainly understand the process has been too slow for many. We would advise readers to NOT BOOK ANY FLIGHTS OR HOTELS that can not be canceled and fully refunded until all details are final. If you do book, do so for an existing program like the Phuket Sandbox or a 7-day quarantine and be pleasantly surprised if things ease before then.
As soon as official, solid, in the Royal Gazette and rubber-stamped information is released we will be the first to tell you. We do occasionally inform about proposals to keep people aware, but consistently remind our readers they are only proposals and may or may not take place.
At this point, there is no finalized "low-risk" list of countries allowed to enter Thailand without quarantine. The CCSA is debating this list and it will "likely" be many more than ten according to them. We will likely know sometime later this week. There is no final list right now so consistent calls to embassies (as some have told us they have done) will not be able to help you out.
There are no clear answers about children and processes with them.
There is no guarantee bars, nightlife, red-light districts, pubs, etc. will open on December 1st, it is also only being considered "by" December 1st.
There is no guarantee about insurance requirements, but it is nearly certain to stay, although possibly the maximum coverage will be lowered. Again, a proposal.
There is no clarity yet if there will be so-called blue zones, restricted provinces, or other items. This has confused many people with some media talking about fifteen allowed provinces, some talking about blue zones, and some talking about free roam. The confusion is simply because all of these are proposals and nothing, yes nothing, is finalized yet.
There is no clarity on so-called "swab hubs" or if one will have to stay a night in an approved hotel waiting for Covid-19 results. Again, a proposal.
All this being said, yes some of these ideas are being seriously considered, have been proposed, and could happen. But nothing is finalized or official yet. (Well, in terms of these topics. The Pattaya Music Festival was made official this weekend but again, it is meant for domestic tourists, not foreign tourists. Additionally, it will have strict rules that are still being fleshed out.)
The easiest way to think of the reopening is that November 1st will be a "from" date for policy changes, being tweaked and adjusted as things go along. It is not a "grand reopening of the gates" like some people seem to think. It is a huge step forward, don't get us wrong. Again, almost two years since vaccinated foreign tourists have been seriously considered to enter the Pattaya area without quarantine and a ton of paperwork. That is MASSIVE. It is a huge step forward. It is not going to please everyone with the proposals and plan suggestions, but things will, as always, ease over time.
As for the so-called Thailand Pass and how it will differ from the Certificate of Entry, this is also a work in progress and probably won't be ready to go on November 1st. It will be simplified and will be an improvement, especially on the backend, on entering the country. However, it will likely not be as simple as many tourists and visitors want, at least not at first. Again, it is a step forward.
For now, take a deep breath, don't let all the different takes on reopening stress you out, and wait for official information BEFORE booking flights or hotels, and we hope to see you all soon in Thailand and Pattaya.
It's been a long wait for many. We truly believe here at TPN media there is light at the end of the tunnel for tourism to return but there may be some speedbumps still in that tunnel. We are much further ahead than we were several months ago and things will continue to improve, just a bit slower than many wish.
Nov 1 opening will kickstart recovery of Thai economy: Kasikorn Research Centre
Opening the country from November 1 will give Thailand's tourism industry a much-needed boost, and positive economic growth can be expected next year if the Covid-19 situation is well-managed, the Kasikorn Research Centre said on Saturday.
The centre said the number of foreign arrivals should rise by 64 per cent, especially since the November 1 opening falls within Thailand's high season.
The centre predicts that 2021 will see a total of 180,000 foreign tourists, 30,000 more than it forecast previously, generating revenue of at least 13.5 billion baht.
The research centre also said the key factors drawing visitors to the country include provinces with low infection rates, special tourist visas and sandbox schemes. The Phuket Sandbox scheme launched in July has proved to be very popular among tourists from the US, UK, Germany and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Google's travel insight data shows that more people have been hunting for hotel or accommodation deals in Thailand. Countries with the highest number of searches include Russia, the US, UK, Germany and India. The search centred around Bangkok, Pattaya City, Koh Samui in Surat Thani and Phuket's Karon and Patong areas.
The research centre added that the most crucial factor to bring Thailand's tourism sector back would be to properly manage the pandemic by getting more than 70 per cent of the population fully vaccinated.
The return of international tourists is Pattaya's dearest desire.
Lots of good news about Pattaya is pouring out. November and December will see lots of mass attractions including music and cultural festivals, fireworks displays and a thrilling countdown to new year 2022. The curfew lingers for now 11 pm – 3 am, but might have a short future. Legal booze will be back on December 1, barring virus hiccups, and chrome pole dancers can start writhing once again in Sexy Soi Six.
Pattaya Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome admits that the opening up will appeal to domestic tourists, principally Bangkokians, who already crowd parts of Pattaya at weekends as curfew enforcement and the booze sales ban seem to have a few holes in their respective buckets. The mayor also anticipates 200,000 foreign tourists per month in the immediate future, an optimistic view echoed by Pattaya's entertainment and tourism association.
Exactly how wannabe tourists will enter the country is not yet crystal clear. We know that the hated certificate of entry provided by embassies will be replaced by a website-based app Thailand Pass to receive the uploaded application documentation. TP will then issue to successful applicants an email letter of confirmation, not a traditional visa, which passengers will show airline staff and Thai airport immigration officers who can access all computerized details by scanning the passport.
Everybody wonders if Pattaya's nightlife can brighten any time soon.
The all-important detail on what documentation is required has not yet been published but will likely include Covid insurance and a self-declared health and vaccination history to be scrutinized remotely by Thailand's Department of Disease Control. Provided there are no mammoth internet site collapses, the new system will be a simplified version of the embassy-controlled and familiar bureaucracy. But hopes that tourists will once again vacation in Thailand armed only with a passportand an air ticket, without prior vetting, are most improbable.
Most of Thailand's international tourists in 2019, the last normal year, were from China, India and Russia. Russia has already agreed to restart flights to Thailand, including charter, although no detail agreed yet. Chinese embassy spokesperson Yang Xin told the Bangkok Post that reopening talks could begin, although currently Chinese group vacationers cannot travel abroad. The situation in India is similarly blurred. It is likely to be December at the earliest before Thai airports notice much difference.
British sources are adopting a wait and see approach too. The overall European contribution to the Thai tourist trade has been dropping steadily for many years and was less than 10 percent two years ago, with the UK counting around one percent. The BBC noted that Thailand was getting ready for reopening, but commented only on the end of lengthy quarantine for fully-vaccinated Brits. The British government has removed Thailand from its red-zone danger list, but remains cautionary about vacationing there. Some vaccines used in Thailand, notably Chinese brands, are not acceptable for entry to the UK. Thailand's tourist door is indeed being unlocked, but it may take a while yet for sun worshippers to ring the bell.
Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Real, Growing Among Thailand's Youth
Thai officials treat it as a given that 70, 80 or even 100 percent of Thais will be vaccinated against Covid-19. In their minds, vaccine hesitancy doesn't exist and they seem to believe everyone want a jab.
Thai teenagers showed the old men running the kingdom this week that they're delusional.
While Thailand has not experienced the same type of vaccine hesitancy seen in the United States and other western countries – one driven by selfishness, ignorance and politics – it does exist in Thailand, and is increasing among secondary school- and university-aged youths.
Within days of the launch of Thailand's campaign to vaccinate children ages 12-17 with the mRNA vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, a wave of online discussions expressing hesitancy towards the vaccine formed.
In the U.S., youths aren't getting vaccinated because they don't believe Covid-19 is a threat because they are not among the most affected age groups. That's not been the case for Thai youths.
Thailand estimates 5 million teenagers qualify for the Pfizer shots and 3.6 million of them – or their parents – have signed up for jabs. But among the 28 percent that haven't registered – as well as a portion of those whose parents registered for their children's inoculations – there is real reluctance to get vaxed.
In online posts containing the hashtag #ไฟเซอร์นักเรียน ("Pfizer for students"), concerns were raised about the side effects of vaccines and fear that Pfizer will be mischievously replaced by shots of CoronaVac, made by China's Sinovac Biotech. Both reasons have reflect the significant mistrust young Thais have in the current military-backed government.
That distrust is not unfounded: For months, the government on ex-generals with no experience in managing a health crisis have showed how unprepared they are to manage both the pandemic and the vaccination campaign.
Just before receiving their second jab, some Thais found out that the other half of their shots regimen would be a different vaccine due to sudden changes in the government policy.
In some cases, people had to choose between delaying their second shot or mix-and-matching vaccines, as some hospitals ran out of stock. Now foreign countries like the United Kingdom are refusing to accept mix-and-match regimens, categorizing those who got both Sinovac and AstraZeneca Plc's vaccine as "unvaccinated".
In response to the issue, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that the problem was that "vaccination centers operated too fast and did not go according to the amount of vaccine they had." Many have found this statement irresponsible.
Having witnessed the vaccination crisis in the country, students are afraid their second shot also will be substituted with another vaccine than Pfizer. More worryingly, some wrote online that they fear their second dose will have a Pfizer logo on the vial, but another substance inside.
Although that is unlikely, such fears show that younger Thais do not trust the government to the point that they could imagine the regime deceiving them in this way.
The new wave of vaccine hesitancy among the younger generation comes after a smaller resistance from the general public. Unlike Americans, Thais are not crowing about "personal freedom" and the "choice" to put their own misguided beliefs ahead of the good of their own family members, friends and coworkers. Thais' hesitancy comes from the poor choices the government made at the start of the vaccination campaign.
A recent YouGov poll showed that the number of Thais willing to get vaccinated dropped from 83 percent in January to 72 percent in July. This trend was the reverse of that observed in other Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam.
It's clear Thailand's rulers are now paying the price for their earlier inefficiencies and lack of decisiveness.
The main reason cited was the government's slow and disorganized vaccination program, as well as the country's heavy reliance on Chinese-made Sinovac doses. Believing that mRNA vaccines are more effective, many Thais have been calling for Pfizer and Moderna to be offered as alternatives.
Apart from questions about the Chinese-made vaccine's safety and effectiveness, the government's heavy reliance on Sinovac has been portrayed by many as reflecting its "increasing tilt towards China."
Given that the topic of vaccines is inextricably connected to politics, the demand for the government to replace Sinovac with mRNA vaccines has also been registered by pro-democracy protestors since July.
Once thing Thai anti-vaxers have in common with their counterparts in the west is misinformation and the spread of conspiracy theories online. However, Thai hesitancy has been worsened by the high level of public distrust following months of chaos in the vaccine program.
It's clear Thailand's rulers are now paying the price for its earlier inefficiencies and lack of decisiveness.
As of early Oct. 15, 47 percent of Thais have not received even a single coronavirus vaccine dose and only 35 percent are fully vaccinated.
The number of vaccines procured so far is only sufficient for half of the population, assuming every individual needs two doses. Furthermore, as the country has been relying mainly on the Sinovac and AstraZeneca shots, mRNA vaccines are considered rare items.
Thus, students' hesitancy towards Pfizer – widely perceived as the "best" vaccine – sparked anger among those who wanted to get Pfizer shots but previously received other vaccines, not to mention those who have struggled to get vaccinated at all.
The government has lost the trust of its people. The quicker it put the vaccination program back on track, the faster Thailand will return to normality, rebuild its economy and earn people's trust again.
PHUKET: Following the proclamation by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday that Thailand will reopen to vaccinated tourists from some countries the Thai government defines as "low risk", it has been full steam ahead with easing the COVID restrictions within the country, opening the door for domestic tourism to resume.
We'll soon know how ready tourists are to come to Phuket on holiday, but the real question is, how ready is Phuket to receive them?
If the traffic at the Phuket Check Point onto the island yesterday (Oct 16) – the first day of the eased restrictions allowing vaccinated domestic arrivals into Phuket without having to undergo a COVID test – is any indication, domestic tourism is already on the rise. It's as if Thais and other local residents living in other provinces were just waiting for the green light.
The opening of the gates to international tourists will be something a little different. So far, considering the requirements of the dreaded Certificate of Entry (COE), only the truly dedicated or those already with family, friends or businesses in Thailand have seen coming to Phuket worth the expense and effort.
With the COE to be displaced by a digital 'Thailand Health Pass', noticeably one of the key announcements made in announcing the reopening of the country on Nov 1, we are yet to see how effective that measure will be in encouraging tourists to come.
The COE itself has been a critical issue long identified by major tourism figures on the island as one of the main barriers to resuming tourism. However, immediately after the announcement on Monday that the COE was to go, the first thing tour operators asked for was for chartered flights to be allowed to resume. Now that is saying something about the number of tourists ready to come.
Signs of life are already returning. Tourists were back on Bangla Rd last night, the beaches now have more visitors and main tourist areas now seem safer with many more ambient lighting from the businesses that can afford to already reopen in anticipation of more trade.
Yet, many tourist areas on the island still bear the scars of the COVID-19 shutdown over the past 18 months. Buildings sit empty and dilapidated, and not just in Karon, probably the hardest hit area on the island.
As Wirintra Paphakityosapat, President of the Association of Phuket Tour Operators and SME entrepreneurs in Phuket, pointed out just on Friday, SME operators on the island are in dire need of support. The loans and financial support touted by the government have been beyond their grasp, many ironically for being unable to prove being able to repay the loans at a later date.
tourism figures in Phuket, including Phuket Chamber of Commerce President Thanusak Phungdet, warned last year that the longer the COVID tourism shutdown dragged on the more damage to the island's tourism infrastructure would be inflicted. Now we can all see it with our own eyes.
Trying to pretend that just allowing tourists to return will fix all the problems will not work. We need to rebuild our tourism industry, and it will take time before there is any sense of equilibrium restored between demand and supply.
It may be harsh to say, but the bottom line is that the quality of facilities and services provided by hotels and tourism businesses in Phuket is not tourists' main concern. Of course many will sympathise with the financial suffering sustained by Phuket residents throughout the COVID economic crisis, but for the bulk of tourists who just want to come here on holiday, they simply expect a holiday experience commensurate with what they have paid – and they will not book until they are confident that the rug won't be pulled out from under them.
Nov 1 opening will kickstart recovery of Thai economy: Kasikorn Research Centre
Nov 1 opening will kickstart recovery of Thai economy: Kasikorn Research Centre
