In its latest update on Friday, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said that tourists arriving under the Test & Go scheme must have a fully-paid one-night stay at an SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) hotel. The Nation

Tourists under Test & Go scheme must have paid, one-night stay at SHA++ hotel

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In its latest update on Friday, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said that tourists arriving under the Test & Go scheme must have a fully-paid one-night stay at an SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) hotel.

SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) hotels are those that meet the Amazing Thailand SHA Plus standards and have partnered up with certified hospitals for the RT-PCR test. The list of hotels is available at https://web.thailandsha.com/shaextraplus.

TAT also said it takes up to seven working days for a Thailand Pass to be issued. As for test results, TAT said the normal waiting period should be 24 hours, though it may vary depending on the laboratory's working hours.

Vaccination update November 20th



The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) collected 403,235 krathong from canals, lakes and other waterways in the capital, following the annual Loy Krathong festival on Friday night. PBS World

403,235 krathong baskets collected from waterways across Bangkok

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The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) collected 403,235 krathong from canals, lakes and other waterways in the capital, following the annual Loy Krathong festival on Friday night.

Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang said today (Saturday) that the quantity of krathong collected this year was about 80,000 fewer than last year and 96.46% of them were made with degradable materials, compared to 96.40% last year.

City officials started collecting the floating krathong at about 8pm last night and had completed the task by 5am this morning.

The district with the most krathong was Chatuchak, where 12,595 were collected, of which 12,240 are degradable. Bang Sue district had the fewest, at only 99. Klong Sam Wa district had the highest number of non-degradable krathong at 470.

In Phra Nakhon, Bangkok Yai, Bang Khae, Min Buri, Prawet, Thawee Wattana and Sathorn districts, 100% of the krathong used were degradable.

The quantity of krathong being floated in waterways in Bangkok has been declining since 2018, with 841,327 in 2018, 502,204 in 2019, 492,537 in 2020 and 403,235 last night.

All the collected krathong will be separated into degradable and non-degradable and will be disposed of properly by the BMA.

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 178 new and confirmedcases of Covid-19 today with 2 new deaths, November 20th. Pattaya News

Chonburi announces 178 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 2 new deaths

Saturday, 20 November 2021, 12:03

Highlights:

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

• 191 people recovered and were released from medical care

• 2 new deaths

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 178 new and confirmedcases of Covid-19 today with 2 new deaths, November 20th.

This makes a total of 105,821 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 2,270 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 749 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April.

Additionally, 191 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 102,802 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began.

Only four cases out of 2,270 were listed as being in serious condition in Chonburi currently, either on a ventilator or pneumonia.

In total, 1,790,730 people in Pattaya and Chonburi have received their first dose of a Covid -19 vaccine which is 76.89 percent of the total Chonburi population. Of those, 283,508 have received their first dose and are what the Thai government calls 608 groups (elders, have chronic health problems, and pregnant) which is 76.64 percent of those in these risk groups in Chonburi.

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Mueang Chonburi 29, Si Racha 50, Banglamung (Pattaya) 30, Panat Nikhom 7, Sattahip 9, Ban Bueang 2, Phan Thong 10, Bor Thong 3, Ko Chan 3, Nong Yai 1,  Soldiers in Sattahip 19, and 18 people transferred from other provinces for medical care

The details on the cases are as follows:

1. Work and stayed in Rayong, transferred from other provinces for medical care, 19 cases
2. Cluster soldiers in Sattahip, 19 cases
3. Risky occupations meeting many people, 4 cases
4. 1 medical personal
5. Close contacts from previously confirmed cases in families – 43 cases, in workplaces – 44 cases, close friends – 10 cases, and joined parties – 4 case
6. Close contact of a confirmed patient (under investigation), 5 cases
7. 29 cases, in general, are under investigation as to how they contracted Covid-19

Govt explains delay in reopening entertainment venues. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration has given two reasons for delaying the reopening of entertainment places, and said operators must improve disease control standards. Bangkok Jack / Bangkok Post

Govt explains delay in reopening entertainment venues

November 20, 2021

Closed down

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration has given two reasons for delaying the reopening of entertainment places, and said operators must improve disease control standards.

Apisamai Srirangson, a spokeswoman for the CCSA, admitted on Friday that when the government postponed their reopening from December to Jan 16 the operators of entertainment venues were bitterly disappointed.

One reason for the delay was that the country had not been able to bring the number of new daily Covid-19 cases to below 5,000 and fatalities continued at about 50 a day, she said.

The other reason was the Public Health Ministry and local organisations said the operators of entertainment venues had not registered compliance with the Covid-19 control standard, known as Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration Plus (SHA+), Dr Apisamai said.

The standard was mandatory for reopening, she said.

"Please improve your premises … Whether reopening will happen or not does not depend on the decision of CCSA, but on the readiness of the premises themselves," Dr Apisamai said.

Covid-19 vaccination of staff of entertainment venues was among the criteria of the SHA+ standard. Details of the standard were available from the Department of Health, she said.

Premises that met the standard would get an SHA+ sign from the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Visitors would look for such signs at entertainment venues, Dr Apisamai said.

Under the CCSA's plan, from Nov 16 to Jan 15 the Interior and Public Health ministries would enforce disease control and ventilation regulations and officials would evaluate the reopening readiness of entertainment places.

From Jan 16 onwards, entertainment places would reopen only in high surveillance, surveillance and tourism pilot zones. Places that cause Covid-19 outbreaks would be closed.

Entertainment venues have been ordered closed since early April after some of them were found to be the centre of Covid-19 outbreaks. – Bangkok Post

Thailand to procure 90m doses next year. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has revealed that Thailand will have at least 90 million Covid-19 vaccine doses next year. Bangkok Post

Thailand to procure 90m doses next year

Health workers distribute AstraZeneca vaccine booster shots to Si Mum Muang Market staff members and vendors at the Pattana Wittaya School in Pathum Thani on Friday. (Photo: Apichit Jinakul)

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has revealed that Thailand will have at least 90 million Covid-19 vaccine doses next year.

Mr Anutin, who is also deputy prime minister, held a semi-virtual meeting on Friday about how to handle the outbreak situation in the fiscal year 2022 with executive officials from provincial communicable disease committees, provincial governors and other agencies.

After the meeting, Mr Anutin said the Covid-19 situation in the country has improved and Thailand has enough doses for this year.

So far, 86 million doses have been administered, he said, adding the government is still aiming to reach the 100-million milestone this month.

Mr Anuthin said Thailand will have at least 90 million doses -- 60 million from AstraZeneca and 30 million from Pfizer -- next year.

In addition, Thailand will also have the protein-based Novavax vaccine and the locally made vaccines separately being developed by Chulalongkorn University, the Government Pharmaceutical Organization and the Baiya Phytopharm Company, he said.

Those vaccines will be used as booster shots, Mr Anuthin said.

On Wednesday, the ministry was informed that France would donate 400,000 Pfizer vaccine doses to Thailand but the date has not yet been confirmed, he said.

"We must understand that the vaccines significantly help mitigate the disease's severity -- together with complying with the universal protection guidelines against Covid-19 to bring back normal life."

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed concern that over 11 million people have yet to be vaccinated, he said.

The Disease Control Department, provincial public health offices and provincial governors will expedite vaccinations to ensure they are administered next month at the latest, said Mr Anutin.

Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, spokesman for the government, said it has encouraged governors, members of the private sector and related agencies to give incentives to unvaccinated people who go to get jabs.

The vaccination rate in the country has slowed down as some people are waiting for alternative vaccines, he said. The 11 million unvaccinated people account for 17% of the population, he said.

Provincial governors may reward people for getting their shots and the private sector may offer service discounts.

From Feb 28 to Thursday, a total of 87,859,504 doses were distributed, including 46 million first jabs, 38 million second jabs and 2.9 million third or booster shots.

Bangkok Post highlights 20/11



CCSA to consider night venues' plea There is a small possibility that nightlife venues could be allowed to reopen before Jan 16, according to the chief of the Centre for Covid-10 Situation Administration (CCSA) operation centre. Bangkok Post

CCSA to consider night venues' plea

There is a small possibility that nightlife venues could be allowed to reopen before Jan 16, according to the chief of the Centre for Covid-10 Situation Administration (CCSA) operation centre.

Supoj Malaniyom, who is also chief of the National Security Council (NSC), was responding to growing calls from night entertainment businesses such as pubs, bars and karaoke venues to allow them to resume activities on Dec 1.

The CCSA originally planned to reopen these venues on Dec 1, but decided to push the date back to Jan 16 to avoid a possible surge of Covid-19 infections during festive activities.

Gen Supoj said yesterday the operators' proposal involving safety measures and risk management will be considered by the CCSA. While it is possible the reopening could come sooner than Jan 16 for nightlife businesses that are ready and prepared, he ruled out a Dec 1 reopening for the sector.

He insisted Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was concerned about the effect Covid restrictions have had on the nightlife sector and related jobs such as musicians and suppliers.

"We've discussed it, but the situation isn't in their favour," he said.

"However, as the operators are determined to cooperate and make preparations, we'll bring up the issue for consideration. I think there is a chance because the proposed measures are really good." Gen Supoj said nightlife operators are required to register for reopening and undergo inspections by relevant agencies. If they pass the inspections, they will be put on a list which will be reviewed by the CCSA's operation centre next week.

CCSA spokeswoman Apisamai Srirangson said yesterday the delayed reopening of night entertainment venues is due to two reasons -- the infection rate, and compliance with the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration Plus (SHA Plus).

"One reason is that we are unable to bring the number of daily new cases to below 5,000 while fatalities continue at 50 a day," she said. "The other is that the operators have yet to be certified with the SHA Plus standard."

Dr Apisamai urged operators to join the Covid-free setting programme, saying they have one month to prepare and register for an inspection to obtain SHA Plus certification.

"The reopening depends on the readiness of the venues," she said. "It's about the management of the premises to meet Covid-19 safety and control standards."

She said local officials should also promote a better understanding about the SHA/SHA Plus standards among business operators.

Health authorities have expressed satisfaction with the operators' compliance with virus restrictions following an inspection at Khao San Road on Wednesday night. 

Danish Professor: Countries with tourism magnets such as Maya Bay face a dilemma. scandasia.com

Danish Professor: Countries with tourism magnets such as Maya Bay face a dilemma

November 19, 2021 - by Gregers Møller - 

Today, tourists are only allowed to sail to the outskirts of Maya Bay, but next year you can once again gain access to the world-famous beach. Photo: Mladen Antonov / Ritzau Scanpix

Thailand's iconic Maya Bay is set to reopen at the turn of the year after being closed in 2018 to restore coral reefs that were damaged by the major flow of tourists. 

But although tourism is an important source of income, it can also harm the environment and according to Danish Flemming Sørensen, professor MSO at Roskilde University and researcher in tourism and sustainability, countries with tourism magnets such as Maya Bay face a dilemma.

In an interview with media TV2, he says that tourism is a huge, global system that has its own logic that drives this growth. "It requires moderation from the actors in the system, but also some regulation and determination from the authorities in relation to not letting tourism run wild in such areas," he says. 

The pandemic has been crucial for international tourism, Flemming Sørensen explains.

Over the last few decades, there has been a steady tourism growth, and projections for the coming decades showed the same development but the unstoppable growth took an unexpected dive when the world suddenly shut down in 2020.

"It has been especially important for areas such as Thailand, where international tourism was such a big sector," Flemmings Sørensen says.

Maya Bay is part of the island of Phi Phi Leh in Krabi province and became world-famous in the movie 'The Beach' from 2000. Before the closure, the bay was only open to day tourists but the large number of tourists visiting damaged the island's coral reefs, and therefore the authorities decided to close the island and begin restoration work of the coral reefs.

Now Maya Bay has returned to a good state, Thai Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-Acha recently said and the island is ready to open again – with restricted access this time, however. 

To protect the environment and avoid a state of over-tourism like in the past, it is not allowed to sail into the bay, and tourists are dropped off on the other side of the island. Only eight speed boats are allowed to dock at a time while visitors are limited to one hour with a maximum of 300 tourists for a limited time each day. 

This is what everyday life in Maya Bay looked like before it closed. Photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha / Ritzau Scanpix 

Covid19 update November 20th

 

Sverige regering har valt att gå vidare med Folkhälsomyndighetens förslag om att införa krav på vaccinationsbevis vid allmänna sammankomster och offentliga tillställningar från och med den 1 december 2021. Eftersom man ännu inte har hittat en lösning för svenska medborgare som vaccinerats i ett tredjeland kan detta bli problematiskt för de utlandssvenskar som besöker Sverige eller har nyligen flyttat tillbaka. SVIV.se

Vaccinationsbevis kan krävas vid offentliga tillställningar och allmänna sammankomster i Sverige

18 november 2021

Sverige regering har valt att gå vidare med Folkhälsomyndighetens förslag om att införa krav på vaccinationsbevis vid allmänna sammankomster och offentliga tillställningar från och med den 1 december 2021. Eftersom man ännu inte har hittat en lösning för svenska medborgare som vaccinerats i ett tredjeland kan detta bli problematiskt för de utlandssvenskar som besöker Sverige eller har nyligen flyttat tillbaka.

Folkhälsomyndigheten har lämnat en hemställan till regeringen om att införa vaccinationsbevis för personer som är 18 år och äldre från den 1 december. Myndigheten ser behovet vid arrangemang inomhus med fler än 100 deltagare. Syftet med att gå vidare med Folkhälsomyndighetens förslag är enligt regeringen att "begränsa smittspridning bland framför allt ovaccinerade genom att förhindra att ovaccinerade personer samlas i större grupper, samtidigt som verksamheter kan fortsätta att ta emot besökare".

E-hälsomyndigheten utfärdar sedan den 1 juli 2021 vaccinationsbevis för resor. Det är detta vaccinationsbevis som ska användas vid allmänna sammankomster och offentliga tillställningar inomhus med fler än 100 personer.

Tidigare påtryckningar

Svenskar i Världen har tidigare uppmärksammat regeringen och e-hälsomyndigheten i deras förstudie om framtagningen av ett system för manuellt utfärdande av covidbevis, att det är av stor vikt att svenska medborgare som har vaccinerats i ett tredjeland ska kunna få ett covidbevis utfärdat i Sverige.

Tyvärr meddelar regeringen efter avslutad förstudie att just denna målgrupp hamnar utanför det uppdrag som nu ska genomföras. I sin redovisning av förstudien meddelar E-hälsomyndigheten att för att kunna utfärda vaccinationsbevis för de personer som vaccinerats i ett tredjeland krävs ett flertal åtgärder.

Man menar att "en sådan möjlighet förutsätter att äktheten av dokument på utförda vaccinationer i tredjeland kan bedömas samt att det handlar om ett vaccin som är godkänt inom EU", och att "en annan förutsättning är att det behöver finnas ett system för utfärdande av dessa vaccinationsbevis som inte bygger på att uppgifter hämtas från det nationella vaccinationsregistret, eftersom inga i utlandet givna vaccinationer får registreras där".

Vidare menar E-hälsomyndigheten att det finns skäl för att det ska vara en nationell myndighet som får i uppdrag att verifiera dessa dokument och inte hälso- och sjukvården. Det pågår en kartläggning för att se vilken myndighet som bäst lämpar sig för detta. Regeringen meddelar i sitt beslut att dessa frågor hanteras utanför detta uppdrag.

Vaccinerade utlandssvenskar stängs ute från svenska samhället

Att regeringen nu valt att gå vidare med förslaget om att införa covidpass vid allmänna sammankomster och offentliga tillställningar sätter gruppen utlandssvenskar i en svår sits. Många utlandssvenskar planerar att besöka Sverige under julledigheten och även framöver. Många har även flyttat hem. Genom detta förslag förbjuder man dessa svenska medborgare att besöka konserter och andra sammankomster, trots att de har giltiga vaccinationer.

Regeringen måste därför komma med en lösning snarast för denna målgrupp. Svenskar i Världen har kontaktat socialminister Lena Hallengren, E-hälsomyndighetens generaldirektör Janna Valik och Folkhälsomyndighetens generaldirektör Karin Tegmark Visell.

Pressmeddelande från regeringen gällande införande av covidpass vid allmänna sammankomster och offentliga tillställningar. 

Regeringsbeslut gällande "Uppdrag att tillhandahålla en manuell rutin för utfärdande av covidbevis samt kompletterande funktionalitet för inrapportering".

E-hälsomyndighetens förstudie.

Vaccination update November 19th

 

Thai authorities attracted by compulsory vaccination possibilities. Slowly but surely, Thailand appears to be moving towards mandatory Covid vaccination requirements. Last May, the Buri Ram governor required high-risk groups to vaccinate or risk jail or fines. The Justice Ministry, quoting emergency decree laws, stated that all prison staff are required to vaccinate or lose their jobs. Pattaya Mail

Thai authorities attracted by compulsory vaccination possibilities

Barry KenyonNovember 19, 2021

It's becoming harder to avoid the embrace of vaccines.

Slowly but surely, Thailand appears to be moving towards mandatory Covid vaccination requirements.  Last May, the Buri Ram governor required high-risk groups to vaccinate or risk jail or fines.  The Justice Ministry, quoting emergency decree laws, stated that all prison staff are required to vaccinate or lose their jobs.



This week the national health authorities proclaimed that entry by anyone into a public building would soon require vaccination proof.  The prediction, initially seen as fake news on Thai social media, was later confirmed by Bangkok's anti-fake new center.  At least one immigration police bureau has conducted a survey into how many of its retiree expats have already been jabbed.  The notion of non-vaxxers being refused extensions of stay or renewal of annual visas is clearly not off the future agenda.

In world history terms, compulsory vaccination is nothing new.  As early as 1853, a UK law required all infants to be vaccinated against smallpox.  By April 2022, all frontline health workers in England will need to be jabbed or quit their jobs.  Some European countries, such as Slovakia and Italy, already have stringent rules in place.  New York authorities insisted on mandatory vaccination during the swine flu outbreak of 2009.

The future of world travel revolves around Covid-related issues.

In Thailand, opposition to compulsory vaccination is very diverse.  Some argue it is an infringement of human rights, others claim the vaccines are dangerous to health whilst conspiracy theorists believe the whole thing is a trick by insurance and medical professionals to make a fortune out of false pandemic claims.  Social media are literally agog with claims and assumptions.



On a more mundane level, Thailand is clearly not yet prepared for extreme measures.  There are people who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons, whilst the specific situation of children and of pregnant mothers needs to be addressed.  Then there are individuals who are awaiting the arrival of their preferred vaccine brand, whilst around half the population is  not yet doubly-jabbed because of shortages of one sort and another.

Any compulsory vaccination program would need to address the actual evidence to be presented.  Here in Pattaya, even the temperature testing at malls is often unenforced whilst the use of apps to register attendance has virtually died out.  In the country at large, there is already an illegal black market of fake vaccination certificates via the internet.  The principal Thai data base of properly-performed vaccinations, the app Thai Prom (Doctor is Ready), is not yet comprehensively linked to all government departments.

Thailand does have a colorful history of grandiose national plans which have then fallen flat at the first hurdle.  They cover now-forgotten publicity stunts such as fines for dropping cigarette ends in public or ordering food carts to move on after parking 30 minutes in one location.  Covid is on an altogether different level of importance.  Look before you leap.

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 223 new and confirmedcases of Covid-19 today with 3 new deaths, November 19th. Pattaya News

Chonburi announces 223 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 3 new deaths

Friday, 19 November 2021, 11:51

Highlights:

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

• 175 people recovered and were released from medical care

• 3 new deaths

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 223 new and confirmedcases of Covid-19 today with 3 new deaths, November 19th.

This makes a total of 105,643 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 2,285 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 747 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April.

Additionally, 175 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 102,611 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began.

Only four cases out of 2,285 were listed as being in serious condition in Chonburi currently, either on a ventilator or pneumonia.

In total, 1,786,150 people in Pattaya and Chonburi have received their first dose of a Covid -19 vaccine which is 76.69 percent of the total Chonburi population. Of those, 283,175 have received their first dose and are what the Thai government calls 608 groups (elders, have chronic health problems, and pregnant) which is 76.55 percent of those in these risk groups in Chonburi.

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Mueang Chonburi 52, Si Racha 65, Banglamung (Pattaya) 40, Panat Nikhom 7, Sattahip 2, Ban Bueang 2, Phan Thong 12, Bor Thong 3, Ko Chan 1, Nong Yai 2,  Soldiers in Sattahip 12, and 25 people transferred from other provinces for medical care

The details on the cases are as follows:

1. Work and stayed in Rayong, transferred from other provinces for medical care, 24 cases
2. Cluster soldiers in Sattahip, 12 cases
3. Cluster, Superb Furniture company in Si Racha, 7 cases
4. Cluster, Sony Technology, 4 cases
5. Cluster, Denzo group company in Phan Thong, 7 cases
6. Risky occupations meeting many people, 3 cases
7. 2  medical personal
8. Back from risky areas in Rayong – 2 cases, Samut Prakan – 2 cases and Chanthaburi – 1 cases
9. Close contacts from previously confirmed cases in families – 46 cases, in workplaces – 51 cases, close friends – 8 cases, and joined parties – 1 case
10. Close contact of a confirmed patient (under investigation), 6 cases
11. 50 cases, in general, are under investigation as to how they contracted Covid-19