Thailand News - Corona - By Ola J.

söndag 9 januari 2022

A new NIDA Poll asked people about their thoughts on 2022, asking about politics, the economy, and the Covid-19 pandemic, with the majority of respondents not having a particularly positive outlook on the coming year. They were asked if the economy will improve, if the pandemic will subside, and also if PM Prayut Chan-o-cha will remain in power or what will happen in the world of politics. The Thaiger / Bangkok Post

NIDA Poll: No optimism about pandemic, economy, and politics

Sunday, January 9, 2022 20:12

A new NIDA Poll asked people about their thoughts on 2022, asking about politics, the economy, and the Covid-19 pandemic, with the majority of respondents not having a particularly positive outlook on the coming year. They were asked if the economy will improve, if the pandemic will subside, and also if PM Prayut Chan-o-cha will remain in power or what will happen in the world of politics.

The poll was conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration who surveyed a representative sample of 1,325 people who were of various ages over 18, and from a variety of different locations, occupations, and levels of education. The surveyed people were interviewed by phone between January 4 and January 6.

How do you expect 2022 to be regarding Covid-19, politics, and economics?

46.34% – it will probably remain as chaotic as 2021
34.72% – it will be even more chaotic
10.04% – it will be less chaotic
3.77% – it will be calm
5.13% – no answer or were not interested in the poll question

NIDA Poll: No optimism about pandemic, economy, and politics | News by Thaiger

Will PM Prayut Chan-o-cha stay in power?

45.36% – PM Prayut will retain his power throughout the year
11.47% – a new election will come via a House dissolution
7.85% – there will be cabinet reshuffles
7.32% – PM Prayut will resign
6.64% – PM Prayut no longer qualifies for the Prime Minister position after the 8-year constitutional term limit
3.47% – expect rifts in the coalition parties that lead to government collapse
3.17% – Protesters will oust PM Prayut from the prime ministership
1.28% – a military coup will seize power from PM Prayut and his government
0.98% – PM Prayut will be outmanoeuvred politically and lose the prime minister position
12.46% – no answer or were not interested in the poll question

NIDA Poll: No optimism about pandemic, economy, and politics | News by Thaiger

Compared with 2021, how will the economic situation be in 2022?

45.73% – the economic situation will be worse
34.04% – the economic situation will remain about the same
20.23% – the economic situation will improve

Poll question 3

Will the Covid-19 pandemic get better or worse?

42.04% – the pandemic situation will get more serious
24.98% – the pandemic situation will remain about the same
18.72% – the pandemic will subside in 2022
14.26% – the pandemic will no longer be cause for concern

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

Bangsaen på listan igen idag ! The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 921 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with one new death, January 9th, 2022. Pattaya News

Chonburi, led by Banglamung with 477, announces 921 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and one new death

Sunday, 9 January 2022, 11:31

268836688_4909695059051389_4195010081468555136_n — PHOTO: Sophon Cable TV (STV)

Highlights:

921 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today
188 people recovered and were released from medical care
One new death

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 921 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with one new death, January 9th, 2022.

This makes a total of 119,014 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 6,743 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 795 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April.

Additionally, 188 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 111,476 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began.

Two people were listed as being in serious condition in Chonburi currently, either on a ventilator or pneumonia. Both of them were not vaccinated. According to the Chonburi Department of Public Health, the vast majority of recent cases are mild or asymptomatic.

In total, 1,919,470 people in Pattaya and Chonburi have received their first dose of a Covid -19 vaccine which is 82.41 percent of the total Chonburi population. Of those, 299,011 have received their first dose and are what the Thai government calls 608 groups (elders, have chronic health problems, and pregnant) which is 80.83 percent of those in these risk groups in Chonburi.

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Mueang Chonburi 129, Si Racha 180, Banglamung (Pattaya) 477, Panat Nikhom 10, Sattahip 54 (in navy area 7), Ban Bueng 8, Phan Thong 24, Bor Thong 3, and 36 people transferred from other provinces for medical care.

The details on the cases are as follows:

Work and stayed in Rayong, transferred from other provinces for medical care, 33 cases
Active case finding at restaurants that sell alcohol in Pattaya and Banglamung, 44 cases
Active case finding at restaurants that sell alcohol in Bang Saen and Wonnapa Beach in Mueang Chonburi, 7 cases
Active case finding in students at Burapha University in Mueang Chonburi (staffers and customers at restaurants that sell alcohol), 7 cases
Cluster, Cool Club (restaurant selling alcohol) in Si Racha, 10 cases
Risky occupations meeting many people, 15 cases
18 medical personnel
Back from other provinces 21 cases
8.1 Chiang Mai 4 cases
8.2 Kanchanaburi 2 cases
8.3 Chanthaburi 2 cases
8.4 Ratchaburi 2 cases
8.5 Ubon Ratchathani 2 cases
8.6 Bangkok 1 case
8.7 Udon Thani, 1 case
8.8 Khon Kaen 1 case
8.9 Tak 1 case
8.10 Nan 1 case
8.11 Buriram 1 case
8.12 Prachuap Khiri Khan 1 case
8.13 Phayao 1 case
8.14 Phetchabun 1 case
8.15 Phuket 1 case
8.16 Samut Prakan 1 case
8.17 Samut Songkhram 1 case
8.18 Sa Kaeo 1 case
8.19 Surin 1 case
8.20 Amnat Charoen 1 case
8.21 Udon Thani 1 case
Close contacts from previously confirmed cases in families – 140 cases, in workplaces – 106 cases, close personal contacts – 57 cases, and joined a party – 104 cases
Close contacts of a confirmed patient (under investigation), 45 cases
147 cases close contacts of a confirmed patient (under investigation)

Have a Test & Go QR code to enter Thailand? Read this. | Thaiger

Have a Test & Go QR code to enter Thailand? Read this.

Tim Newton

Sunday, January 9, 2022 11:46

Details emerging from last Friday's deliberations by the CCSA have now been published in the Royal Gazette, enacting them into law. Missing from the published guidelines about changes to the Thailand Pass, is any reference to a cut-off date which was both stated and then published by government representatives on Friday following a meeting of the CCSA.

Speaking to the deputy representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday, the spokesperson told The Thaiger…

"The date was shown through a PowerPoint presentation that was used in the CCSA meeting. It was actually a proposal only for discussion in the meeting, but as it was shown on television it was taken for a conclusion.

As for arrivals after 15 January for those with Thailand Pass QR codes already, this will be assessed and announced in due course."

As of today, and sifting through the tea leaves, it would appear that travellers who already have a QR code for the Test & Go program, will be able to enter the country, even after January 15. But we would urge anyone intending to travel to Thailand at this time to consult with their Embassy and keep abreast of any future changes. You should also check re-entry procedures into your home country, and any changes to flight schedules.

For the immediate future, and given the rise of new Covid infections, including Omicron cases, the Thai government have a history of being risk-averse and adding more restrictions, not revoking them at these times.

Apart from the changes to the Thailand Pass announced on Friday, 3 more Sandbox locations were announced, allowing travellers to still travel to Thailand, but by spending 7 days in the chosen Sandbox region, producing a negative test, then able to travel to other destination in Thailand. Those locations are Phang Nga, Krabi and Koh Samui (which will also include access to Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao). Registration for the 4 Sandbox regions opens on Tuesday, January 11.

The serving of alcohol was also banned in 69 provinces from today, but left the Blue Zones – Bangkok, Chon Buri, Kanchanaburi, Krabi, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phang Nga and Phuket – able to serve alcohol in SHA+ approved restaurants, but only until 9pm.

So, bottomline, you can still travel to Thailand if you want or need to. But, with the Test & Go program now suspended indefinitely, you can only enter through the 4 Sandbox regions or submitting to a period of quarantine at a registered Alternative Quarantine.

This from the Tourism Authority of Thailand website…

Protocol for Test & Go travellers who have obtained their Thailand Pass QR code before 22 December, 2021, with scheduled arrival dates in Thailand from 24 December, 2021, onwards…

They must undergo their second COVID-19 test using the RT-PCR technique (not ATK self-test) at government-designated facilities on Day 5-6 of their stay in Thailand, or when they experience respiratory symptoms (no additional cost).
Travellers must complete the TM6 Immigration Form (while on the plane).
Upon arrival in the airport's terminal, travellers must complete and sign the Quarantine Form before proceeding to the Health Control screening point. Children under 12 years of age can use the same form as their parents/guardians. *Soon this step will be conducted while on the plane.
Present the required documents, including the Thailand Pass, arrival date and RT-PCR test results to the Communicable Disease Control officers to carry out the checks. Provided that all documents are in order, the officers will then affix the Quarantine Form with the official seal of Thailand's Department of Disease Control, along with instructions on either to under a quarantine or mandatory stay, and the 2 required RT-PCR tests.
Travellers will receive a copy of the affixed Quarantine Form, along with a QR code indicating the list of government-designated hospitals/lab centres for their second RT-PCR test (no additional cost).
Travellers can then proceed to the Immigration. As well as going through the Immigration procedures, travellers must also present their copy of the affixed Quarantine Form and passport to the Immigration officer to carry out the checks. Provided that all are in order, travellers will then be allowed to proceed to a prearranged transfer to the reserved hotel.
Upon arrival at the hotel, travellers must present their copy of the affixed Quarantine Form to the hotel staff to carry out the checks on the type of entry scheme permitted to the travellers. The travellers' information will then be registered on the COSTE system. Afterwards, travellers must undergo the first RT-PCR test (except for those who have already taken the test at government-designated hospitals/lab centres prior to their arrival at the hotel.)
If receiving a negative RT-PCR test result, travellers must inform the hotel staff of their intended accommodation on Day 5-6 to be registered on the COSTE system.
On Day 5-6, travellers must go to their appointment at the government-designated hospitals/lab centres to undergo their second RT-PCR test, and must bring along their affixed Quarantine Form.
Travellers give their copy of affixed Quarantine Form to the hospitals/lab centres for billing. (There will be no additional cost for travellers who have obtained their TEST & GO Thailand Pass before 22 December, 2021.)

Remarks

If testing negative for COVID-19, travellers are free to go anywhere in Thailand. However, they must undergo their second COVID-19 test using the RT-PCR technique at government-designated facilities on Day 5-6 of their stay in Thailand, or when they experience respiratory symptoms (no additional cost).
If testing positive for COVID-19, travellers will be referred to a healthcare facility for appropriate medical treatment, for which the expenses must be covered by the required insurance, or national healthcare coverage for Thais and eligible foreign expatriates.
All travellers must download and install the MorChana application, and set it on at all times for the COVID-19 precautionary measures and to record the result on Day 5-6 in the application.

The Chonburi order has been released this morning around the new Covid19 measures first announced by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration last week. There are no surprises. Pattaya News

The Chonburi order has been released this morning around the new Covid19 measures first announced by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration last week.

There are no surprises.

-Only restaurants that have passed SHA plus OR Thai Stop Covid Plus 2 (health assessments/certifications) can sell alcohol in Chonburi as a blue zone.

-Alcohol must stop being served at restaurants and converted restaurants (see below) by 9PM. This doesn't mean the venue needs to close at this time, stop serving food, etc... their normal closing times as under previous orders apply. But no alcohol sales after 9.

-Government agencies and officials work from home until January 31st. Private sector encouraged to work from home if possible.

-As stated last week bars, pubs, clubs, and entertainment venues are legally closed but may temporarily convert to a "restaurant" with permission from health officials and passing the certifications listed above and rules below until these venues are legally reopened.

-Employees of converted "restaurants" must still have a rapid antigen test kit daily.. This includes musicians and performers. This is squarely aimed at venues mostly focused on alcohol.

-Customers visiting converted "restaurants" and venues that sell alcohol/alcohol focused must show proof of being negative for Covid-19 from a rapid antigen test within 72 hours. This can be on site at a venue or official checkpoint located in some busier areas like Treetown or Walking Street. This doesn't apply to restaurants that don't sell alcohol which can operate normally. Again, this is squarely aimed at converted "restaurants".

-Not in the order but worth mentioning is the head health officer of Chonburi has soured on home test kit results/photos/self testing and is asking venues to cooperate with testing customers on site or requesting patrons go to an official checkpoint or certified test location like a clinic with proper documentation. This came from an interview with press last night.

-If a venue cannot or does not want to comply with the rules, especially around customer and employee antigen testing, they should shut until/if the rules are eased.

Order is now until further notice.

Questions? Call 1337, the city call center 24 hours a day.

What does new Level 4 alert mean for Thailand? | Level 4 means only venues necessary to daily life can stay open. Working from home is the norm and non-essential inter-provincial travel is suspended. International arrivals must quarantine. Thai PBS World.

What does new Level 4 alert mean for Thailand?

The fifth wave of COVID-19 pushed Thailand's alert level to 4 in the first week of 2022 as the ultra-transmissible Omicron variant spread nationwide. People across the country are raising their guard to prevent overloading the healthcare system, which would come with lethal consequences.

On January 7, the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) added another 30 provinces to the Orange zone of control, increasing the number to 69 from Jan 9.

What are the restrictions?

Alert Level 4 allows stricter restrictions including a ban on restaurant dining and large gatherings, but the CCSA has so far only closed entertainment venues such as bars, pubs and karaoke joints.

In Chiang Mai and most other provinces, entertainment venues will remain shut until further notice. The plan to let them open for restaurant services from Jan 16 has been canceled for now.

Meanwhile, alcohol can be served in restaurants and "restaurant-like" venues until 9pm in the eight Blue zone provinces including Bangkok and Phuket, as well as the pilot tourism covering parts of 18 other provinces.

Entertainment venues allowed to re-open can face closure or other penalties if they fail to comply with COVID Free Setting rules and trigger cluster infections.

COVID Free Setting rules stipulate that venues must be well ventilated, with all staff fully vaccinated and all, including musicians, screened with antigen test kits every three days. Customers must show proof of vaccination and test negative via ATKs before entry.

Five COVID-19 alert levels

In late 2020, with daily infections well below 1,000, Thailand set four alert levels based on the COVID situation's severity. They were Level 1 (Green), Level 2 (Yellow), Level 3 (Orange), and Level 4 (Red).

The same color code was applied to provinces.

Level 1 signifies zero local transmission. The alert level is upgraded when infections rise and put pressure on hospital beds. Level 4 is triggered when the number of daily infections rises beyond 900 and hospital-bed occupancy touches 80 percent.

Last May, however, the soaring number of cases prompted authorities to add another level, 5 (Dark Red) to the alert hierarchy to cover the worst-hit provinces.

What's in the details?

In late November, the COVID wave subsided and Dark Red restrictions were lifted. Last month, the alert level dropped further to Level 3, with provinces removed from the Red zone. However, the trend reversed dramatically with the arrival of Omicron, the most transmissible variant to date.

Though the Level 4 alarm bell has been sounded, the CCSA has not yet declared any province as a Red or Dark Red zone, preferring to adopt a wait-and-see policy.

What each level means

Level 1 means businesses can operate with COVID Free Setting measures in place. Travel, including international arrivals, is allowed under COVID-19 controls.

Level 2 places limits on the normal capacity of air-conditioned venues and events.

Level 3 brings closure of at-risk venues and encouragement to work from home. People traveling between provinces must be tested and international arrivals are confined to sandbox schemes.

Level 4 means only venues necessary to daily life can stay open. Working from home is the norm and non-essential inter-provincial travel is suspended. International arrivals must quarantine.

Level 5 imposes extra restrictions including a curfew and a ban on gatherings of more than five people. Interprovincial travel is controlled and foreign arrivals must quarantine.

Thailand and the rest of the world must now wait and see whether the government decides to roll out more restrictions in the coming weeks to reflect the new Level 4 alert.

By Thai PBS World's General Desk

Thailand News - Corona - By Ola J. - Palmtree

söndag 9 januari 2022

Bangsaen på listan igen idag ! The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 921 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with one new death, January 9th, 2022. Pattaya News

Highlights:

921 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today

188 people recovered and were released from medical care

One new death

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Have a Test & Go QR code to enter Thailand? Read this. | Thaiger

The Chonburi order has been released this morning around the new Covid19 measures first announced by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration last week. There are no surprises. Pattaya News

What does new Level 4 alert mean for Thailand? | Level 4 means only venues necessary to daily life can stay open. Working from home is the norm and non-essential inter-provincial travel is suspended. International arrivals must quarantine. Thai PBS World.

Om mig