"Thailand should be a luxury and premier holiday destination”. But rather than offering significant discounts to attract world travellers, hotels, businesses and private hospitals should aim to boost the kingdom as a luxury and premier holiday destination, comparing how the luxury brands do business, according to Deputy Thai PM and public health minister, Anutin Charnvirakul.- Deputy PM | Thaiger

"Thailand should be a luxury and premier holiday destination" – Deputy PM

By 

Pete

Tuesday, July 5, 2022 10:54

In the first half of 2022, Thailand welcomed around 2 million international travellers, marking a promising recovery after the Land of Smile's tourism sector suffered from the outbreak and the restrictions imposed on entry requirements, such as the Thailand Pass. Thailand holiday Thailand holiday

But rather than offering significant discounts to attract world travellers, hotels, businesses and private hospitals should aim to boost the kingdom as a luxury and premier holiday destination, comparing how the luxury brands do business, according to Deputy Thai PM and public health minister, Anutin Charnvirakul.

"We cannot let people come to Thailand and stay because it's cheap. Hold your ground. Sell premium. The more expensive, the more customers. Otherwise, Louis Vuitton wouldn't have any sales."

The government has introduced a series of long-term visa programs for "rich" foreigners and skilled professionals as part of its strategy to attract high-spending guests.

Before the outbreak of Covid 19, Thailand was one of Asia's most popular destinations, welcoming a record-breaking nearly 40 million tourists in 2019. They spent 1.91 trillion baht, or 11% of the country's GDP in that year.

Once the pandemic began, numbers dropped to 6.7 international travellers in 2020 (almost all arriving in the first 3 months of the year, before slumping to 428,000 arrivals in 2021.

Thailand tourism, in the past, has been predicated on attracting a broad cross-section of tourists, from the back packers to the high end spenders, with the country cementing itself on the budget traveller map. Thailand's most popular tourist locations have always been aimed at, and catered for, the mass tourism market.

By the end of 2022, the Thailand Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, predict that some 10 million international arrivals could enter the country. Their estimates are predicated on previous arrival habits. At this time, both Chinese and Russian travellers won't be returning to Thailand in large numbers.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

🔴 #COVID19 update on Tuesday ⬇️ 1,917 new cases ⏺ 18 deaths ⬇️ 24,435 active cases ⬆️ 705 serious cases. TNR / Richard Barrow



COVID-19 Cases Will Be Rising over Next 10 Weeks. The director also said that the occupancy of hospital beds for COVID-19 cases increased in major provinces including Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Chon Buri but the health system was still able to cope. 4 July 2022 18:22. TNA

BANGKOK, July 4 (TNA) – The local COVID-19 situation raises concerns as health authorities expect new cases will be rising in the next 10 weeks.

Dr Chakkarat Pittayawonganon, director of the epidemiology division at the Department of Disease Control, said COVID-19 patients with lung inflammation rose in number in the past week while the number of patients admitted to hospital was stable.

New fatalities resulting from COVID-19 were mostly senior citizens and people with chronic illnesses and they were unvaccinated, he said.

The director also said that the occupancy of hospital beds for COVID-19 cases increased in major provinces including Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Chon Buri but the health system was still able to cope.

He warned that statistics showed that new COVID-19 cases would be increasing in 10 weeks from now especially in Bangkok, major provinces and three southern border provinces. But the situation would not be as severe as what happened during the start of Omicron outbreaks. He urged people to seriously protect themselves from infection and obtain vaccine booster shots.

Meanwhile, Dr Supakit Sirilak, director-general of the Department of Medical Sciences, said that of 948 sampled COVID-19 cases, 489 or 50% had either BA.4 or BA.5 subvariant, compared with only 6% found two weeks ago.

The infections of both subvariants increased obviously and in the near future they would become dominant subvariants. Most infections were in Bangkok, he said.

Doctors have not concluded that BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants cause severer illnesses than previously discovered subvariants. Officials concerned needed information from more COVID-19 cases before drawing a conclusion, Dr Supakit said. (TNA)

Unvaccinated tourist turned away at check-in desk en route to Thailand . An unvaccinated tourist en route to Thailand was turned away at the check-in desk at Manchester Airport in England on Saturday after an airline didn’t get the memo about Thailand’s updated entry restrictions. If you are unvaccinated and plan to travel to Thailand, The Thaiger has advice about how to avoid this happening to you. | Thaiger

Unvaccinated tourist turned away at check-in desk en route to Thailand

By 

leah

Monday, July 4, 2022 11:25

An unvaccinated tourist en route to Thailand was turned away at the check-in desk at Manchester Airport in England on Saturday after an airline didn't get the memo about Thailand's updated entry restrictions. If you are unvaccinated and plan to travel to Thailand, The Thaiger has advice about how to avoid this happening to you.

Thailand Pass was scrapped on July 1, supposedly making post-pandemic travel to Thailand "easier than ever." Well…

Thailand's Centre for Covid-19 Administration – the CCSA – and the Tourism Authority of Thailand – the TAT – reports that unvaccinated tourists can either show proof of a negative pro-ATK or RT-PCR test gained within 72 hours prior to arrival OR simply take an ATK test upon arrival.

The CCSA said that randomised checks will be undertaken at Thailand's airports to check whether travellers have either proof of vaccination or proof of a negative pre-arrival Covid-19 test. Anyone without the documents may still gain entry into Thailand, but will be subject to an on-arrival ATK test, according to the CCSA.

One unvaccinated tourist arrived at Manchester Airport on Saturday, July 2, expecting to fly to Thailand via Dubai and test upon arrival at Bangkok's Survarnabhumi Airport. However, at the check-in desk, Emirates staff asked for either proof of vaccination or proof of a negative Covid-19 test. The tourist told the Thaiger…

"I read on the news that unvaccinated tourists were no longer required to take a pre-arrival test. I thought I could fly to Thailand and take an ATK test upon arrival. But after queuing for 2 hours at Manchester Airport, the Emirates check-in staff told me "there is no way you're getting on this flight." They turned me away. They told me to rebook my flight, stay in a hotel, and take a test the next day if I wanted to travel to Thailand."

The problem is, despite Thailand's CCSA and TAT confirming the scrapping of pre-arrival testing regardless of vaccination status, the UK government's travel advice on Thailand's entry restrictions says differently…

"From 1 July, you are no longer required to apply for permission to enter Thailand.

You still need to show proof of either a vaccine certificate or negative COVID-19 test results.

Vaccine certificate or pro-ATK/RT-PCR results (within 72 hours) will be checked by airline staff at check-in and once again when you arrive in Thailand.

USD 10,000 insurance requirements for COVID-19 treatment will no longer be mandatory, but is highly recommended."

Since the scrapping of Thailand Pass, several travellers have told the Thaigerthat they have sailed through Suvarnabhumi Airport without being asked to show vaccination history, proof of a negative test, or without being asked to take an ATK.

However, until the UK government updates their travel advice to Thailand, unvaccinated tourists from the UK will likely be asked for proof of a negative test from their airline.

For now, the Thaiger's advice for unvaccinated tourists is to gain a negative Pro-ATK or RT-PCR test result 72 hours prior to travelling, just in case.

The tourist said that not only did the Emirates staff cite the UK government's travel advice, but also said it was a requirement of Dubai Airport for transiting passengers to have proof of a negative test. However, the Emirates website's section entitled "Transiting in Dubai" states…

"Transiting passengers are not required to present a COVID 19‑PCR test certificate unless it is mandated by their final destination." 

Just in case whichever airline you are flying with hasn't caught wind of Thailand's updated entry restrictions yet, the safest thing to do is to gain a negative Pro-ATK or RT-PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival in Thailand, even though Thailand doesn't require it anymore.

Inflation causing a problem for airlines coming to Thailand | Thaiger / Bangkok Post

Inflation causing a problem for airlines coming to Thailand

By 

Pete

Monday, July 4, 2022 10:22

The Thai tourism industry is trying to recover as fewer international flights are now arriving due to inflation as prices of fuel are rising. There are also problems in both Europe and the US with flights being cancelled or with long delays, causing additional travel chaos as the world's travel and aviation tries to recover. World inflation is also hitting the discretionary spending habits of potential travellers to Thailand at this time.

Thailand is counting on the approaching high season to bring in 8-10 million tourists by the end of 2022.

Numerous airline companies say they are are hesitant to add more routes or increase the number of flights as there are many global challenges affecting their revenue and ability to increase frequency of flights.

They cite higher operating costs caused by rising oil prices and longer flights due to the detours to avoid the war between Russia and Ukraine.

SCREENCAPTURE: Flightradar24

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Yuthasak Supasorn, there are only 30% of international flights flying into The Land of Smiles compared to life before the pandemic. The TAT and Tourism and Sports Ministry have been touting a swift recovery of Thai tourism but are now admitting the challenges to international arrivals which are out of the control of Thai authorities.

"Tourists face higher travel costs, particularly from inflation and airfares, which have increased by 20-40%. The TAT is working with airlines, both scheduled and chartered services, to roll out joint promotions to help offset those costs. However, for Europe's summer season in August, it might be too late to prepare any stimulus packages."

The goal should be at least 55% of international flights, and this could be possible once Air Canada and Korean Air have confirmed their plans non stop flights.

From December until April 2023, Air Canada plans to fly its first direct flight between Vancouver and Bangkok with four flights per week using Boeing 787 planes. During its recent trip to Seoul, Korean Air promised the TAT that it will start flying to Thailand again in the fourth quarter.

Both Chinese and Russian travellers will be thin on the ground for at least the rest of 2022.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

King tide in Phuket yesterday spurred online fears of a tsunami - it wasn't. The posts were correlating a king tide (unusually high tide) in Phuket, that was at its highest at 1.27pm (Sunday afternoon), some rough seas and a strong south-westerly swell in the Andaman Sea and Phang Nga Bay, and a small earthquake in northern Sumatra earlier on Sunday morning. | Thaiger

King tide in Phuket yesterday spurred online fears of a tsunami – it wasn't

By 

Tim Newton

Monday, July 4, 2022 07:56

There was a lot of online chatter yesterday which was claiming there had been a small tsunami along the western shores of Phuket.

The posts were correlating a king tide (unusually high tide) in Phuket, that was at its highest at 1.27pm (Sunday afternoon), some rough seas and a strong south-westerly swell in the Andaman Sea and Phang Nga Bay, and a small earthquake in northern Sumatra earlier on Sunday morning. 

Some online posts of a flooded road in Kalim were describing it as a 'tsunami', as waves washed onto the low-lying road heading into Patong. 

SCREENSHOT: Newshawk Phuket

There were also posts with photos taken near the Sarasin bridge at the north of the island.

Earlier on Sunday morning there was a small earthquake in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, about 55 kilometres from West Aceh Regency. It was a 4.9 magnitude earthquake, land-based. There was no tsunami warning issued. The quake struck at 7.11am, local time, almost 6 hours before the king tide was at it highest, washing waves onto some low-lying areas along Phuket's west coast.

Small land-based earthquake in Sumatra

There was no connection between the king-tide along the Andaman coastline and the earlier land-based earthquake in northern Sumatra.

The king tide also caused some damage at the Maya Bay pier, on the east side of Koh Phi Phi Leh, where the steel pier structure tore away from the floating plastic pontoons. The access to Maya Bay was closed down after the incident.

The structure was only completed late last year for the reopening of Maya Bay to avoid boats having to enter the bay from the entrance and park inside the bay, as in the past.

PHOTO: Five Star Marine, Phuket

SOURCE: Phuket-Go

Lack of flights, rising fuel costs mar revival. Tourism authority banking on Q4 boost. Insufficient inbound international flights and surging airfares are challenging the recovery arc for the Thai tourism industry as the country pins its hopes on the upcoming high season in its quest to welcome 10 million tourists this year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Bangkok Post

Lack of flights, rising fuel costs mar revival

Foreign visitors queue to check in for their flights at Suvarnabhumi airport. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)

Insufficient inbound international flights and surging airfares are challenging the recovery arc for the Thai tourism industry as the country pins its hopes on the upcoming high season in its quest to welcome 10 million tourists this year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the number of international flights stands at only 30% of the pre-pandemic level. He said to help revive the whole industry, the country should have at least 55% of the airline seat capacity recorded prior to the pandemic, which could happen during the fourth quarter as Korean Air and Air Canada have confirmed their schedules for non-stop services.

Air Canada plans to commence its first direct route from Vancouver to Bangkok with four flights a week using Boeing 787 jets from Dec 1, 2022 until April 17, 2023. Korean Air made a commitment to the TAT during its recent visit to Seoul that it would resume flights to Thailand in the fourth quarter.

However, many airlines are reluctant to expand their routes or increase frequencies as several global uncertainties threaten profit prospects, including hefty operational costs caused by soaring fuel prices as well as the longer flying time required to avoid the skies above the Russian-Ukraine combat zone.

"Tourists face higher travel costs, particularly from inflation and airfares, which have increased by 20-40%. The TAT is working with airlines, both scheduled and chartered services, to roll out joint promotions to help offset those costs. However, for Europe's summer season in August, it might be too late to prepare any stimulus packages," said Mr Yuthasak.

Hotel operators indicated the average occupancy rate should reach 55% to benefit the whole supply chain, but the current flow of tourists is not strong enough to persuade more hotels to reopen and bring back their employees.

According to the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), the average occupancy rate in Thailand stands at 34%, while 80% of properties have revenue of less than 50% of the level recorded before the pandemic.

Chamnan Srisawat, president of the TCT, said a labour shortage could be a major hindrance during the upcoming high season if arrivals do reach government targets.

He said hotels that need to recruit more workers will find hiring difficult if offering similar wages as before, given inflation, the likelihood of a higher minimum wage this year, and the insecurity of hospitality jobs.

Mr Chamnan said companies and the TAT are joining to offer a "Booster Shot" project along with the Centre for Economic Situation Administration, aiming to create a million jobs in the tourism sector this year by offering airline seats and room nights in smaller hotels with discount prices.

Endemic Roadmap Adjusted as Authorities Assess Situation. Health authorities have postponed their evaluation of the COVID-19 situation and the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub-variants in pursuit of greater clarity on the issue. The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will instead make its assessment on Friday (8 July). NNT

 

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit

    

BANGKOK (NNT) - Health authorities have postponed their evaluation of the COVID-19 situation and the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub-variants in pursuit of greater clarity on the issue. The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will instead make its assessment on Friday (8 July).

 

National Security Council Secretary-General Gen Supoj Malaniyom said moving the CCSA discussion on the endemic transition plan scheduled for last Friday (1 July) was necessitated by the recent easing of disease control measures, which in turn required adjustments and clarification on the transition.

 

The health ministry is now making the necessary adjustments and will be presenting the plan to the CCSA meeting for acknowledgment and endorsement.

 

Gen Supoj noted that relevant medical personnel are still performing analyses and making their determinations, but assured that authorities were prepared to manage the situation. He added, however, that members of the public are encouraged to continue following disease prevention guidelines.

 

Deputy Public Health Minister Dr Sathit Pitutecha meanwhile said the transition to the post-pandemic phase does not mean everyone should remove their face masks.

 

He nevertheless indicated that new infections are not expected to result in a rise in severe cases or fatalities, adding that the current number of available hospital beds is expected to be adequate.

 

Dr Sathit also encouraged people, especially members of vulnerable groups, to get their COVID booster vaccines as soon as possible.

Big reaction to rising airfares from Bangkok. We at AseanNow.com have received just under 11,000 views on the topic of surging airfares and to date nearly one hundred of you have posted a reply. ASEAN NOW

File photo for reference only

 

OPINION | by Michael Bridge

 

Suvarnabhumi airport these past few days has experienced a big increase in traffic both inbound and outbound due to the relaxing of Covid regulations.

 

"Travel will see a strong resurgence because conditions [for entry] will return to almost pre-Covid normality' said a CAAT director. 

 

Well, his predictions seem to be coming true, as the urge to travel by a global population coming out of the pandemic and lockdowns is gaining momentum.
 
We at AseanNow.com have received just under 11,000 views on the topic of surging airfares and to date nearly one hundred of you have posted a reply.

 

Certainly, traveling overseas to say Europe is expensive as the route from Thailand is that much longer due to the additional miles flown to avoid Russian airspace.

 

Also, that old chestnut of school holidays tends to put up airfares too.

 

In the old days one could pick up a bargain by leaving it to the last minute, but this has all changed so people are having to grab a seat straight away to avoid even higher rates.

 

This coupled with the fuel hikes have made airlines look at the budgets and schedules and inevitably we the passengers must pay more.

 

As an example, on Wednesday, I went of Qatar's website and got the lowest return fare offered in July was THB56,340.

 

Now four days later the same fare had gone up to THB57.545.

 

Here are a cross-section of some of your replies here. 

If you booked two months in advance tickets were still cheap up until about a month or two ago. 
 
$600 for a ticket from Bangkok to Toronto up until May but now it's $4000.

I booked a return flight to my home country back in April for October, it cost me 18,260 baht on sale, today it's on sale again at 22,595 baht, that's a 23.74% increase and on sale, WOW. 

 

There have been over two intervening years, and the price of oil and related fuels has gone up from about $50 to double that. The rise you see in flight costs doesn't seem so bad. 

 

Cashing in on school holidays. it's a joke even I'm looking at flights for August one way £500 ish mark now ... 

I was looking this morning at quite a few reputable airlines. 

THB50k + for economy return to LHR and back
THB150k + for business to LHR and back

 

Yes, but be careful who you book with if in a desperate search. Meaning that there are some bad agents out there who will show attractive priced tickets but when the time to fly gets close you will get an email to say the flight price has changed etc. That is when the harm begins. Always better to book directly with the airline although it will be a bit more expensive. Sorry to say that some of these foreign agencies with agents calling themselves name such as Jimmy or David are to be avoided at all costs. 

 

Finally, the current expensive flights are caused by 1 / Fuel costs 2 / Reduced flights because of lack of check in staff and baggage handlers 3 / High season and school holidays.

 

If a one-way airfare from Bangkok to Phuket is cheaper than a taxi ride from Phuket airport to a destination within the island, then there must be something definitely wrong. 

 

I just booked with Aegean Airlines / Saudi Airlines Business Class £1200.The wife got 6 weeks off plus it's her birthday. And I haven't seen her in over 2 years due to covid I leave on the 18th of July ... I'm so pleased right now actually I'm buzzing with the outcome.

 

Recently booked direct return flights for BKK-LHR for Sept with Eva. Under 30K.
Quite happy with that as I think not far off from pre-Covid price?
Just booked Qatar BKK/LGW return....33,500 baht...so did quite well by the looks of it. 

 

I will not be booking air travel out of Thailand for at least the next 2 years.  It's just good luck and planning that I live in a tropical location anyway and have no real need or desire to spend the money or endure the hassle of aircraft and airports. Just crack another beer, stay by my pool, and watch the mayhem that is air travel at the moment, from as long a distance as possible. 

 

The bottom line is unless you must travel soon, try looking at the cheaper days to fly.

 

Weekends are often busier and national holidays as well.

 

Kayak the online booking website shows the cheapest days of the month to travel which could save you a few dollars or baht.

🔴 #COVID19 update on Monday ⬇️ 1,995 new cases ⬇️ 18 deaths ⬇️ 24,818 active cases ⬇️ 677 serious cases. TNR / Richard Barrow

Thailand's Public Health Minister Anutin recovers from Covid-19 Coronavirus. Thai Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is back to work tomorrow having fully recovered from Covid19, which he says was mild and thanks being vaccinated six times.- The Pattaya News

Thailand's Public Health Minister Anutin recovers from Covid-19 Coronavirus

Nop MeechukhunSunday, 3 July 2022, 13:24

Bangkok –

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced his recovery from the Covid-19 infection after posting a picture of his two negative results of the Covid-19 ATK test today, July 2nd.

Anutin, who tested positive on June 28th, showed pictures of his negative results, one was taken at 2:10 PM. and the other was at 2:15 PM. and wrote a short comment, saying: "[I'm] ready to get back to work on July 4th."

Anutin suffered only mild symptoms and had been vaccinated six times against Covid-19. He claimed he was infected while on an overseas business trip recently to Europe.



Passengers on flights to Thailand SHOULD all wear masks on the plane - it's not fake news. ASEAN NOW

file photo for reference only

 

Thailand's Anti-Fake News Center investigated after reports that the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand reported said that all passengers must wear masks on flights entering Thailand from today (July 1st).

 

They discovered that it was true.

 

Although the wording showed it was only partially true, suggests ASEAN NOW.

 

The CAAT had a number of rules related to the ending of Thailand Pass and vax and testing  requirements on their site.

 

But they advised that mask wearing on the plane was "recommended" as the cabin was an enclosed and sealed space. 

 

Thus it was deemed not fake news though it appeared not to be a stipulation of boarding a flight. 



Unmasking the situation may take a while. We are now apparently entering the "post-pandemic era" according to the authorities, which in everyday language means it is not obligatory to wear masks anymore. However, just about everyone is still wearing them so it seems the public are not entirely convinced it's all done and dusted. Bangkok Post



 

Unmasking the situation may take a while

We are now apparently entering the "post-pandemic era" according to the authorities, which in everyday language means it is not obligatory to wear masks anymore. However, just about everyone is still wearing them so it seems the public are not entirely convinced it's all done and dusted.

While it is a bit premature to be dancing in the streets, it is perhaps an appropriate time to reflect on what has been a rather grim 27 months or so.

Like most people, when we first started taking precautions against Covid in March 2020, we had no idea that it would still be affecting us for the next couple of years. In those early days I was with friends at a restaurant in Bangkok where the customary handshakes were for the first time replaced by a variety of awkward fist bumps, elbow bumps, foot-shakes and any other unorthodox way of saying "hello". It felt like The Last Supper.

Not shaking hands with your closest friends was initially the most obvious example of how the Covid crisis affected everyday life. Even Britain's Queen Elizabeth let it be known that she would not be shaking hands with anyone "for the foreseeable future". Of course in Thailand the graceful wai turned out to be a very safe greeting.

I tried to avoid writing about Covid in PostScript because it was so depressing, but it was impossible to escape the topic. Every other news story seemed to be about the pandemic. The saturation coverage on the international TV channels was enough to make you ill even if you had been feeling perfectly fine.

Occasional forays out of the house in Bangkok at that time with hardly anyone on the streets apart from a few stray dogs felt like you were in one of those dreadful B-grade dystopian films in which you end up being pursued by zombies.

It was no coincidence that in those first few months the words most frequently appearing in the Bangkok Post were "postponed" and "cancelled".

Badgers and kangaroos

We found ourselves having to tackle a whole new vocabulary, most of which was enough to make even the most optimistic person depressed. It began with "self-isolation", a horrible expression inferring you have become a hermit or recluse, hidden away and incommunicado, which in fact was not far off the mark.

When the wife was out of the house I resorted to conversations with the dog. Mind you, he's a good listener and never contradicted me … well, not a lot.

Then we had "social distancing" or the "length of three badgers" as it was neatly interpreted in Wisconsin. In Australia it was naturally "one kangaroo length" while in Thailand we had "the length of a tuk-tuk". Another expression we were greeted with was "herd immunity" which I never really understood.

Checkout chat

Around the globe the much feared "lockdown" surfaced, after which there was an avalanche of confusing words like "contract tracing" and "asymptomatic". Then there was the rather creepy "patient zero" and even "super-spreader". The previously innocent-sounding "droplets" soon adopted a much more sinister meaning.

I tried to do my bit by attempting "self-isolation", which alarmingly was not that much different to what I was doing before the virus crisis. To stop myself going totally bananas, sporadic visits to the local supermarket became a necessity for a considerable time and were the highlight of the week. My social life came down to banter with the check-out girls who were always admirably cheerful.

Cover up

Despite diligently wearing a face mask whenever out of the house, I confess to not liking the experience, finding masks quite stifling. Admittedly that's a small sacrifice if it was to keep me and others healthy. I certainly wouldn't make a good masked bandit. Perhaps it's the long farang nose that's the problem.

The mask certainly did not help any linguistic shortcomings. My enunciation when grappling with the Thai language is bad enough in normal circumstances, but while wearing a mask anything I say is simply unintelligible and invariably met by a blank look.                               

🔴 #COVID19 update on Sunday ⬇️ 2,328 new cases ⬆️ 19 deaths ⬆️ 24,989 active cases ⬆️ 678 serious cases. TNR / Richard Barrow



🔴 #COVID19 update on Saturday ⬆️ 2,508 new cases ⬆️ 17 deaths ⬆️ 24,723 active cases ⬇️ 675 serious cases. TNR / Richard Barrow

Major Thai brewer announces increase in beer prices. Mr. Phurit said efforts had been made to maintain the price of Leo in order to reduce the impact on customers. He added that Leo is the last beer brand to implement a price increase, with other brands having already announced increases earlier in the year. As of July 1, the price of Leo will increase as follows: - Hua Hin Today

Major Thai brewer announces increase in beer prices

July 1, 2022

File photo

One of Thailand's leading breweries has announced an increase in the price of its beer.

Mr. Phurit Bhirombhakdi, Chief Executive Officer of Boon Rawd Trading Co., Ltd. has revealed that the price of Leo beer will increase from July 1, citing rising costs in production, energy and fuel.

Mr. Phurit said efforts had been made to maintain the price of Leo in order to reduce the impact on customers. However, rising costs meant that an increase in prices was now necessary.

He added that Leo is the last beer brand to implement a price increase, with other brands having already announced increases earlier in the year.

As of July 1, the price of Leo will increase as follows:

​​Big bottles (620ml) increased by 12 baht per box or equal to 1 baht per bottle.
Small bottles (320ml) increased by 18 baht per box or 0.75 baht per bottle.
Long cans (490ml) increased by 11 baht per tray or 0.90 baht per can.
Short cans (320ml) increased by 18 baht per tray arton or 0.75 baht per can.

The rise means consumers could see an increase of between 10-20 baht per box (bottles) or per tray (cans) on the retail price of Leo.

The news comes after the price of Chang Classic was adjusted last year, with the price of a box of 12 bottles increasing by 10 baht from 595 baht to 605 baht, while the price of a pack of 24 cans increased at 5 baht per tray, originally 735 baht to 740 baht.

The price of Heineken is also set to increase, by 50 baht per box, from 800 baht to 850 baht, and the price of a tray of cans from 940 baht to 1,030 baht.

Meanwhile, Mr. Somchai Phornratanacharoen, president of the Thai Wholesale and Retail Association, said that at least two of Thailand's leading soft drinks manufacturers were also set to announce an increase in prices within the coming days.

CCSA to decide next Friday on Covid-19 endemic status. A plan to downgrade the Covid-19 status from a pandemic to an endemic disease faces a deferral for another week, as health authorities are keeping a close watch on new subvariants and the consequences of lifting restrictions. Bangkok Post

CCSA to decide next Friday on Covid-19 endemic status

Air travellers arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport on Friday, the first day that Thailand dropped the Thailand Pass and health insurance requirements for them. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)

A plan to downgrade the Covid-19 status from a pandemic to an endemic disease faces a deferral for another week, as health authorities are keeping a close watch on new subvariants and the consequences of lifting restrictions.

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) was set to decide on Friday whether Covid-19 should be declared an endemic disease.

But the head of CCSA's operations centre, Gen Supote Malaniyom, said the centre agreed to postpone the meeting for another week to give health authorities time to evaluate the situation of two new subvariants — BA.4 and BA.5 — and after all key travel restrictions were removed.

The Public Health Ministry is monitoring the two subvariants as they are highly infectious and potentially harmful to patients after 181 cases were announced on June 24.

Gen Supote, who is also the National Security Council secretary-general, said one of the concerns was the number of patients suffering from lung infections that could be linked with the two mutated variants.

The number of seriously ill patients has restarted to gradually rise from 601 reported on Tuesday to 690 announced on Friday.

Starting on Friday, Thailand removed the requirement for foreign travellers to register Thailand Pass and purchase compulsory Covid-19 insurance prior to their arrival.

Unvaccinated visitors and those who have not received at last two doses are required to take PRO-ATK or RT-PCR tests 72 hours before they enter the kingdom.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has advised air travellers on all flights to the country to wear face masks while on their flights.

On Friday, the CCSA reported that Thailand registered 16 more Covid-19 fatalities and 2,354 new cases during the previous 24 hours.

Regional roundup of compulsory insurance regulations for July entry. South East Asian countries have lagged behind much of the world in softening tourist and expat entry rules for vaccinated travellers. However, effective July 1, there is wide discrepancy between countries. Here, we examine the specifics of what health insurance, if any, you absolutely must have to survive immigration checks.- Pattaya Mail

Regional roundup of compulsory insurance regulations for July entry

Barry KenyonJuly 1, 2022

ASEAN countries are reacting in diverse ways to a burst of foreigner arrivals.

South East Asian countries have lagged behind much of the world in softening tourist and expat entry rules for vaccinated travellers. However, effective July 1, there is wide discrepancy between countries. Here, we examine the specifics of what health insurance, if any, you absolutely must have to survive immigration checks.



Thailand
The rule requiring US$10,000 worth of anti-Covid insurance for at least a month via Thailand Pass has gone. Most foreigners can enter the country and extend their visas without the need to show an insurance certificate. However, those applying in a Thai embassy for any visa specifying the word "retirement", or for the 9-months Special Tourist Visa, are in a ring-fenced category for comprehensive hospital cover, as often debated on social media. Effective September 2022, applicants for the latest 10 years long-term visas (LTR), aimed at the wealthy of any age, will require comprehensive cover with an optional provision for self-insurance. The ballpark figure is an annual US$100,000, or 3 million baht plus.

Cambodia
The government website proclaims that insurance is no longer necessary for entry. The 30 days online tourist e-visa (from e-visa.gov.kh) does have a fill-in box for insurance but can be skipped without a problem. However, other kinds of visas (for business etc.) do require an international or local comprehensive policy. It is no longer necessary to book with Forte insurance company which lost its monopoly in November 2021.

Philippines
There is no longer an automatic insistence on medical cover for entry as the former requirement of US$35,000 "to include Covid" for the duration of the stay vanished from government websites last May. However, if you are unvaccinated or in a semi-state, you will still need to purchase in advance a US$35,000 policy from "a reputable insurance provider". Most current visitors to the Philippines are returning Filipinos or longstay expats rather than tourists.

Malaysia and Laos
Government websites have dropped the compulsory insurance requirements but may request evidence you have the financial resources for your stay. Some websites suggest otherwise, but they may be linked to insurance companies not actually sponsored officially by the government. Laos has a health declaration form stating you are responsible for sickness-related cover.



Vietnam and Myanmar
Vietnam is still requiring a minimum of US$10,000 cover "including Covid" for the duration of the stay. Myanmar, now technically open to tourists via on online portal, requires proof of insurance and directs enquirers to a choice of recommended companies. To date, the number of applications has not been overwhelming.

🔴 #COVID19 update on Friday ⬇️ 2,354 new cases ⬆️ 16 deaths ⬆️ 24,115 active cases ⬆️ 690 serious cases. TNR / Richard Barrow



Thai pulmonologist suggests government to delay its Covid-19 announcement as endemic as daily infections continues to increase He also believes people should keep wearing masks.. - The Pattaya News

Thai pulmonologist suggests government to delay its Covid-19 announcement as endemic as daily infections continues to increase

Nop MeechukhunThursday, 30 June 2022, 23:09

PHOTO: Dr. Manoon Leechawengwongs

Bangkok –

Thailand's prominent doctor Manoon Leechawengwongs suggested the government to postpone its Covid-19 announcement as endemic from July 1st, stating that the number of daily infections is still increasing.

The pulmonologist wrote his statement online today, June 30th, that it would be better if the announcement of the virus being endemic was postponed for a while until the situation is resolved.

He wrote: "Now, all hospitals in Bangkok are accepting more Covid-19 patients. Vichaiyut Hospital has to reopen one more ward for Covid-19 patients after it was closed for a while. Most of the patients who received treatment at the hospital had mild symptoms because they had been vaccinated."

Dr. Manoon also urged the public to be cautious and not let their guard down by wearing a mask, avoiding crowded places or places with poor ventilation, performing social distancing, washing their hands regularly, and considering getting a booster shot.

"Everyone must accept the fact that even if you already received 5 vaccinations, you have to be careful because there is still a chance of getting the infection. However, a booster dose will help reduce severe symptoms and fatalities," he added.