Thailand is far from reaching the stage of Sri Lanka, but country cannot be complacent, warn economists - Thai Enquirer Main

Thailand is far from reaching the stage of Sri Lanka, but country cannot be complacent, warn economists

July 27, 2022

Every now and then there are questions being raised whether Thailand may be heading closer to what Sri Lanka is facing these days or not, but these questions are being brushed aside by all sides as Thailand continues to have a healthy reserves and economy seems to be on an uptick.

Sri Lanka, which has been undergoing an economic meltdown due to gross mismanagement of the country, has become a poster child of how not to govern a country in the current volatile market conditions.

Sri Lanka, a country of 22 million people has seen its foreign reserves deplete to the level of barley $50 million in May this year from nearly US$ 10 billion in 2018. The country's politician (the Rajapaksa brother) were the president, and the Prime Minister. The duo came to power on the campaign of offering handouts and lowering taxes, leaving the country on the brink of collapse and the duo being forced out of their office.

"Thailand is not going to be like Sri Lanka for sure," 2014 coup leader and incumbent Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said in the parliament during the no-confidence debate last week. He made the statement after many opposition parties who grilled the government of Prayut over its mismanagement of the economy and the habit of handouts to the people to keep his popularity.

Yesterday Gen. Prayut proudly said that he has spent nearly 1 trillion Baht in various subsidies over the past 2-years since Covid-19 outbreak.

With the household debt reaching levels that could make it unstainable in the long term. Thailand household debt currently is the 11^th highest in the world with the data as of end of Q1 suggesting that Thailand's household debt stood at a staggering 89.2% to the gross domestic product (GDP).

The heavy household debt of 14.65 trillion Baht, coupled with the outflow of funds as Thailand continues to keep its policy rates low to continue to help the economy recover, has prompted a gradual outflow of funds.

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has hinted that it was looking to raise rates as it cannot continue to keep the rates at the current 0.50% level for too long. The BoT's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is set to meet on August 10 to decide on a possible 50 basis points (0.50%) raise that could trigger the start of many more rate rises in the near future.

Thailand needs to raise rates to stem the runaway inflation that is running at 14-year high at 7.66% as of June. The lower fuel cost in the month of July may help ease some of the inflationary pressure but the difference may not be that big.

Table below shows economists view of the rate hikes around the world.

Thailand's nearly US$ 200 billion in foreign exchange reserves gives the country a good cushion to be able to withstand may of the problems that Sri Lanka is facing but one cannot take the situation lightly.

Although Thailand is still considered quite far from Sri Lanka's situation, the fact remains that Thailand's economic fundamentals are still relatively stronger, including banking, foreign exchange, and international reserves, and all this helps the country to be able to be in a stronger financial position than Sri Lanka.

Recently, Sommai Phasee, former Minister of Finance in the government of Gen. Prayut, raised his concern over the issue of the government's ability to cope with the worsening situation.

He stated that he was not trying to imply that Thailand would end up being like Sri Lanka, but the risk remains.

"When you get to know what I have expressed here, please understand precisely that I am not saying that Thailand will have problems like Sri Lanka, but please be aware that the behavior of Thai politicians running the country at the moment is something that will cause damage like Sri Lanka in near the future," he said.

He added that there are still many risks that Thailand was neglecting while only pretending to care.

The government of Prayut that has reportedly borrowed heavily in the 8-years since the 2014 coup, has debt obligations to pay that would last generations to come.

During the parliamentary debate, opposition MPs accused Prayut administration of piling up debts in 8-years that was more than the 80+ years of democratic rule that Thailand has been under since the 1932 revolution that took Thailand into constitutional monarchy.

All this has prompted many to start questioning the viability of the handouts and the sustainability of the country's financial standing.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has also given his 2 cents on the issue during a recent talk show.

Thaksin, who lives in self exile in Dubai (UAE), warned that the situation taking place in Sri Lanka could possibly happen in Thailand because 'we are also such a borrower.'

Thaksin said that Thailand, in the same way as Sri Lanka, has borrowed money to cover the budget because the budget deficit is US$ 20 billion for the 3^rd year running. The government he said has been borrowing for various projects while the productivity is not enough, for that, they are unable to generate taxable income, and when that is the case, the government is not capable of paying off the debt.

"It's like a company that is constantly losing money, and borrowing until the credit is worn out, and eventually goes bankrupt." Thaksin said.

Meanwhile other economists have a different take, Dr. Somjai Phagaphavivat, an independent political and economic analyst, came out to say that the economic situation in Thailand is far from the situation in Sri Lanka due to the high reserves in the country.

"We have over 2 trillion Baht in reserves. It's about 5 times more than short-term debt, so it's a big difference," he said.

Somjai also said the situation in Sri Lanka was worse than in Thailand as foreign exchange reserves were burned on oil purchases and coronavirus support schemes.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Anusorn Thammajai, a former member of the Public Debt Policy and Supervision Committee Ministry of Finance, has also come out to say that the Thai economy is still at low risk even though Thailand has had a current account deficit for 2 consecutive years.

As Thailand starts to open up, foreign tourism income will reduce the current account deficit and should turn into a positive by the end of the year, he claimed.

Laos on the Brink

Sri Lanka may be a little bit of a far for Thailand and investments into Sri Lanka by Thai companies may be limited but Laos, a country of just 7 million people, is on the brink of crisis as it struggles to pay billions of dollars to its creditors.

The World Bank estimates that Laos needs nearly $1.3 billion in debt payment obligations up until 2025. Surprisingly Laos' foreign exchange reserves are about the same at $1.3 billion, which has prompted many credit rating agencies to come out to warn of a possible debt default for the $20 billion economy of Laos.

The country's problems, many economists warn could trigger more problems for Thailand than the problems Thailand faces from collapse of Sri Lanka.

Although Thailand is yet to be anywhere near where Sri Lanka's problems are, Thailand cannot stay complacent or ignore the problems that its neighbours may be facing.

Anutin: No U-turn on marijuana - minister pressing ahead with use of drug in "two trillion baht wellness tourism". Thai Rath reported on the latest comments of The health minister and DPM Anutin Charvirakul and senior doctors as the great marijuana debate in Thailand was racheted up. ASEAN NOW / Thai Rath

Picture: Thai Rath

 

Thai Rath reported on the latest comments of Thr health minister and DPM Anutin Charvirakul and senior doctors as the great marijuana debate in Thailand was racheted up.

 

Anutin was speaking at the Health Ministry in Nonthaburi where he sung the praises of marijuana for "wellness tourism" something that was described as a 2.3 trillion baht worldwide business post pandemic. 

 

Anutin - as leader of the Bhumjaithai political party - has been a key advocate of the decriminalization of marijuana and hemp that came in on June 9th.

 

But groups ranging from Muslims in the south to a group of 851 doctors and medical personnel at Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok as well as the Forensic Physicians' Association have called for a suspension of the liberalization.

 

They claim that youth are at risk despite bans on the drug being used by under 20s in legislation that already exists.

 

Anutin was quoted in Thailand's English print media that the country has come too far to turn back now saying that marijuana will not be illegal again. 

 

He said that the committee scrutinising the change in the law and coming up with new guidelines will report at the end of next month and PM Prayuth Chan-ocha has promised to push through government, and subsequently Royal sssent, before the end of this parliament. 

 

Anutin said yesterday that marijuana products provide a great opportunity for people to make money in the health tourism arena and provide a "better quality of life" for sick people.

 

Dr Thongchai Keeratihatthayakorn, deputy at the MoPH, spoke of their use in health and beauty spas though stressed that must be legal.

 

He said there are 11,543 wellness tourism facilities in Thailand that would use hemp and marijuana products. 

 

These comprised 1,051 spas, 10,248 health massage shops and 241 beauty massage establishments.

 

Hemp oil from seeds would be used in the spas and compresses containing ganja would be allowed too. 

 

The drugs would also play a part in "spa cuisine" though this was not adequately explained in the Thai Rath story. 

 

The overriding message coming from Anutin and his doctors was that marijuana is here to stay in Thailand despite the furor over recreational use and worries about access by under age teens, notes ASEAN NOW.

 

There is too much money involved to turn back now.

 

But many will be eagerly anticipating the findings of the House committee due to report at the end of August.

 

Their recommendations could shape the liberalization and industry for years to come

#Thailand recorded 2,747 new #COVID19 infections and 34 more deaths today. PBS World



The Nigerian man, who was confirmed to be Thailand’s first and so far only monkeypox case, may have contracted the virus in the country, said Dr. Wasun Chantratita, chief of the Centre for Medical Genomics at Ramathibodi Hospital. Read more >>> https://www.thaipbsworld.com/nigerian-may-have-been-infected-with-monkeypox-in-thailand-senior-doctor/ PBS World



A Thai man, who may be infected with monkeypox, was sent from Thalang Hospital in Phuket to Vachira Phuket Hospital this afternoon (Tuesday) for tests and diagnosis. Read more >>> https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-man-at-hospital-in-phuket-with-suspected-monkeypox-diagnosis-pending/ PBS World





Long Covid poses a bigger problem, study shows. In his Facebook post on Tuesday, Thira Woratanarat, a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, cited a study published on Monday in the Nature Medicine journal. The study, conducted over 12 weeks on 486,149 non-hospitalised Covid-19 patients, lists conditions developed a post-Covid infection or long Covid. The Nation

People who have recovered from Covid-19 may develop up to 62 underlying conditions that may last for many weeks or even months.

In his Facebook post on Tuesday, Thira Woratanarat, a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Medicine, cited a study published on Monday in the Nature Medicine journal. The study, conducted over 12 weeks on 486,149 non-hospitalised Covid-19 patients, lists conditions developed a post-Covid infection or long Covid.

The study was adjusted based on age, sex, ethnic group, socioeconomic status, smoking, BMI and chronic conditions, he said.

Apart from an impact on the respiratory system, heart, circulation, memory and concentration, he said long-Covid sufferers have also complained of hair loss at four times higher than those who have not been infected. He added that long Covid also puts the reproductive system at risk.

"Covid-19 patients face a 1.26 times higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction than those not infected," he said, adding that men can also develop ejaculation difficulties and reduced libido.

He said long Covid can affect people's quality of life, relationships and can increase long-term expenses. Hence, people should continue protecting themselves, especially those at risk of developing severe symptoms, he added.

Published : July 26, 2022

WHO warns of more COVID but nobody cares The World Health Organisation is warning that the Covid-19 pandemic is far from finished, but the rest of the world seems ready to move on. Bangkok Jack / The Thaiger

WHO warns of more COVID but nobody cares

The World Health Organisation is warning that the Covid-19 pandemic is far from finished, but the rest of the world seems ready to move on.

July 25, 2022

Is this is the Modern World...?

The WHO received data around the world showing a 30% jump in Covid-19 infections in the past 2 weeks, but the public has grown tired of safety measures and is now impatient.

The WHO blames the rise in infections to what it calls pandemic fatigue where people have lost vigilance and are bored of dealing with it. According to the WHO, testing and sequencing have decreased significantly, and vaccination and treatment have become more haphazard.

The WHO still considers Covid to be of highest alert priority and warned that with the reduction in testing and prevention around the world, newer, more potent variants could emerge more easily, making the future of Covid-19 uncertain and unpredictable.

China is the only major country in the world still pursuing a zero-tolerance with quarantines and harsh travel restrictions. One single infection was found in Wugang city this week, causing the entire city's population to be ordered to stay in their homes.

But in much of the rest of the world, lockdowns are a thing of the past, and the economy and its citizens seem thankful for that. – The Thaiger

Drunk driving monk claims whiskey prevents COVID. Bangkok Jack

 Drunk driving monk claims whiskey prevents COVID

July 24, 2022

Police have proposed that Thanakorn be disrobed and excommunicated from the monkshood for violating anti-drinking laws. Viral Press

A Thai monk busted for drunken driving devised an incredible excuse for being inebriated at the wheel: He claimed that whiskey wards off COVID-19.

"He was drunk but told officers the whiskey prevented him from catching COVID-19," Police Lt. Col. Peerapong Raksi told Viral Press of the incident, which occurred Wednesday in Loei province, northern Thailand.

The alcoholic escapade began after Buddhist monk Phra Thanakorn, 63, was observed stumbling around a market asking locals for money. Afterward, he got into his pickup truck.

Monks are reportedly forbidden from touching liquor, according to local laws.

Alarmed by the holy man's alleged intoxicated state, locals reported the alleged boozy Buddhist's behavior to the police.

A Thai monk busted by police for drunken driving claimed that he drank whiskey to ward off COVID-19. Viral Press

"The residents told us that a monk was causing mayhem in the market, so we sent some officers to check," said Peerapong. Accompanying footage shows authorities surrounding the visibly intoxicated religious man, who's in his vehicle, before ushering the barefoot boozer out of the car and taking him into custody.

There, the drunken master reportedly admitted to being overtaken by the "holy spirit."

" 'I took a slice of lime with the whiskey, but I had to drive because our driver had an accident,' " explained the drunken monk, who reportedly struggled to speak or walk, Thailand Postsen reported.

A subsequent breathalyzer test confirmed that Thanakorn was under the influence of alcohol.

When asked about his spirits-soaked antics, the plastered priest claimed that the liquor "helped him to stay immune to the coronavirus.

While the drunk monk was subsequently discharged, Peerapong contacted the abbot at the Mabinthabat Temple — where Thanakorn worked — to provide details of the fiasco, Viral Press reported.

They have since proposed that Thanakorn be disrobed and excommunicated from the monkshood for violating anti-drinking laws.

It remains unclear whether the liquor-loving llama was also penalized for drunk driving, which can result in fines of up to 200,000 baht (approximately $5,500) and prison sentences of up to 10 years—- although leniency is often granted by the police and courts, per the Chiangrai Times.

This isn't the first time a drunken driver has devised a half-baked excuse for their behavior. In January 2020, a Nebraska woman busted for driving while heavily intoxicated told cops not to worry because she "is a professional drinker."

Meanwhile, in an incident in 2018, a Florida man told cops he wasn't drinking while driving — because he waited until his car was halted at stop signs before taking swigs of whiskey.

"He [Phra Thanakorn, 63] was drunk but told officers the whiskey prevented him from catching COVID-19," said Loei Police Lt. Col. Peerapong Raksi. Viral Press



Seat shortage stymies tourism recovery. The shortage of airline seats remains a major obstacle for the recovery of Thai tourism as most European flag carriers haven't resumed flights and frequencies to the pre-Covid level. Bangkok Post

Seat shortage stymies tourism recovery

International passengers make their way through a terminal at Suvarnabhumi airport.  Somchai Poomlard

The shortage of airline seats remains a major obstacle for the recovery of Thai tourism as most European flag carriers haven't resumed flights and frequencies to the pre-Covid level.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the agency met the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand last week and was informed that Thailand might secure just 30.9% international seat capacity of the pre-pandemic level in the upcoming high season.

At present, international airlines, mostly from major long-haul destinations, have not resumed flights as usual, leaving a limited choice for travellers who want convenient direct flights.

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The TAT has prepared a marketing plan to support airlines to bring passengers to Thailand, particularly from Russia and other countries in Europe, but it depends on the additional budget it requested.

British Airways' 2022 winter schedule was announced without the London-Bangkok route and the airline said it would not resume a direct service for this route until 2023.

Prior to the pandemic, the airline served a daily flight from London to Bangkok. It currently operates only London-Singapore in Southeast Asia, with a daily flight, a decrease from twice daily before Covid struck.

In 2019, Thailand had a seat capacity of 56.2 million, before plunging to 14.8 million in 2020 and 4.9 million in 2021.

Tassapon Bijleveld, executive chairman of Thai AirAsia and acting chief executive of Thai AirAsia X, said most airlines are facing extremely high operational costs and insufficient manpower and aircraft.

"The aviation business cannot pick up overnight, particularly for those who slashed their workforce during Covid-19," said Mr Tassapon.

He said Thai AirAsia maintained all staff in the past two years to avoid such circumstances during the recovery period as commercial pilots have to extend their licences every six months by training with flight simulators.

However, airlines that have already downsized have to deal with higher wages as they must compete for trained staff, therefore, they have to plan flights more carefully by selecting routes with the most potential amid surging costs to avoid losses, he said.

He said after parking aircraft for over two years, all engines need major maintenance work before taking to the skies, resulting in long queues and full bookings at every maintenance, repair and overhaul facility.

Mr Tassapon said the TAT's initiative to help airlines increase seat capacity is a good strategy to boost the tourism industry.

In the past, governments from many countries adopted similar mechanisms, such as providing incentives for airlines that can carry international passengers at certain levels.

"Providing incentives for airlines could be an effective way to help increase flight capacity to Thailand," he said.



#Thailand recorded 1,828 new #COVID19 infections and 35 more deaths today. PBS World



Govt decides not to raise alert for monkeypox. The nature of monkeypox does not yet fit the definition of the Communicable Disease Act, the official added. Bangkok Post

Govt decides not to raise alert for monkeypox

A nurse wearing protective gear stands at the entrance of an isolation ward for monkeypox patients at a government hospital in Hyderabad, India, on Monday. Thailand has decided not to raise the alert level for the disease. (AFP photo)

The government decided on Monday not to declare monkeypox another serious communicable disease as health authorities remain confident they can contain the virus.

Chakrarat Pittayawonganon, director of the epidemiology division at the Department of Disease Control, said increasing surveillance measures on the disease nationwide would be sufficient.

The nature of monkeypox does not yet fit the definition of the Communicable Disease Act, the official added.

"Serious communicable diseases must have severe symptoms and be spread easily and quickly," Dr Chakrarat said after the meeting of the academic committee to seek opinions on its status.

Dr Chakrarat said the experts in the meeting were confident in the health system and personnel, and believed could manage monkeypox.

Thailand announced the first monkeypox patient on Thursday. The case was a Nigerian, 27, in Phuket. The patient, 27, is under treatment at the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital in Phnom Penh after he illegally crossed the border from Thailand to Cambodia on Friday and was arrested in the Cambodian capital the next day.

O Vandin, the Secretary of State and spokeswoman for the Cambodian Health Ministry, said the patient was in good health and no infections were detected in five people who had been close to him during his escape, the Khmer Times reported on Monday.

The World Health Organization on Saturday declared monkeypox as "A Public Health Emergency of International Concern" and urged member countries to find effective coping methods that do not stigmatise target groups.

UPDATE: Health officials test 19 for monkeypox after contact with fugitive . All 19 people who had close contact with Thailand’s first ever recorded monkeypox case have all tested negative for the monkeypox virus. All 19 people will isolate for a total of 21 days and will then be tested again to confirm they have not contracted the virus. | Thaiger / PBS World

UPDATE: Health officials test 19 for monkeypox after contact with fugitive

By 

leah

Monday, July 25, 2022 15:36

UPDATE:

All 19 people who had close contact with Thailand's first ever recorded monkeypox case have all tested negative for the monkeypox virus. All 19 people will isolate for a total of 21 days and will then be tested again to confirm they have not contracted the virus.

The 27 year old Nigerian national travelled to Thailand eight months ago and presented with monkeypox symptoms at a private hospital in Phuket on July 16. He was told to isolate at home while awaiting the test result, which came back positive for monkeypox virus on July 18. The man refused to return to the hospital for treatment and was later found to have escaped to Cambodia, where he was found in Phnom Penh.

Yesterday, Thailand raised the country's monkeypox alert to the national level following the World Health Organisation's declaration that monkeypox had become a global emergency.

SOURCE: KhaoSod

ORIGINAL STORY:

After a Nigerian man fled Thailand upon being diagnosed with monkeypox and was subsequently captured in Cambodia, authorities have been tracking down anyone in contact with him in order to test them for the disease. Health officials have identified 19 high-risk people who came in close contact with the man and have now tested all of them for monkeypox.

Results are still pending, according to the Phuket Provincial Health chief, but specimens have been sent to the lab for testing. They expect all 19 pending specimens to have results within 3 days, but they have so far received two tests back with a negative diagnosis.

All 19 people have been placed in isolation under the care and monitoring of health officials. They will be checked up on each week for 3 weeks after which they will be retested.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian man who fled Thailand, believed to have swam across the border into Cambodia, will remain in the hospital in Cambodia for treatment and may face punishment for illegally entering the country, according to the assistant commissioner of the Cambodian police, who noted that this is standard international practice.

While Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul has urged people not to panic, saying that he doesn't think tighter restrictions are necessary, Thailand has now upgraded monkeypox to a national alert level, following the World Health Organisation's decision to elevate the spreading disease to its highest level of Global Health Emergency.

The minister said that travellers from high-risk countries do not need to be blocked, but that screening and monitoring regulations similar to what was used for Covid-19 should be put in place. Anutin said that Thailand is fully prepared for an outbreak, with the Department of Disease Control upgrading emergency facilities and with medical locations at the ready.

Public health officials also reassure the people of Thailand that monkeypox is not the same as Covid, being far less transmittable, and suggested that worried people need only to adhere to the safety measures already in place.

While health officials wait for the final test results for the remaining 17 high-risk people, the provincial health chief of Sa Kaeo, the border province where the Nigerian man crossed into Cambodia, confirmed that they had not identified any high-risk people that may have interacted with the man as he fled the country through their province.

SOURCE: Thai PBS World



“Tens of thousands' of new daily cases likely by August peak”. Bangkok is bracing for a sixth wave of Covid-19, as Covid cases in the capital bounce back to over 10,000 new cases per day, threatening the city's public health system. As Thailand gradually recovers from lockdown measures, the spread of the newly emerged BA.5 Omicron subvariant has yet again put Bangkok back on high alert for another Covid-19 outbreak. Bangkok Post

City braces for sixth wave with big spike in infections picked

Many people show up at the Bang Sue Grand Station for Covid-19 vaccination in Bangkok on Sunday. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)

Bangkok is bracing for a sixth wave of Covid-19, as Covid cases in the capital bounce back to over 10,000 new cases per day, threatening the city's public health system.

As Thailand gradually recovers from lockdown measures, the spread of the newly emerged BA.5 Omicron subvariant has yet again put Bangkok back on high alert for another Covid-19 outbreak.

While the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) says it is ready to cope with another wave of the Covid-19 epidemic, Bangkok could be faced with tens of thousands Covid patients by the time this outbreak peaks in late August.

BA.5 subvariant sparks fears

Since the number of new Covid infections has been steadily rising during recent weeks, especially in Bangkok where half the nationwide Covid cases are reported, Dr Yong Poovorawan, head of the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, said this is the sign of another approaching wave of Covid-19 outbreak.

Dr Yong said the change of the prevalent Covid strain from the BA.2 Omicron subvariant to the BA.5 subvariant is behind the recent surge.

"As the BA.5 subvariant has the ability to elude protection from the virus, produced after vaccinations and infections, it is by far the most infectious Covid strain, because it can infect those who are already vaccinated or previously recovered from a Covid infection," he said.

"Thailand will face a sixth wave of outbreak, in which we will see a higher infection rate than previous waves."

The BA.5 subvariant was first identified early this January in South Africa. Since then, it has spread quickly and become the main Covid variant in many countries throughout the world and has been noticed in Thailand since April.

It now makes up about 26.1% of the tested samples, according to the genomic examination of Covid cases in Thailand during the past month by the Center for Medical Genomics of Mahidol University. Most BA.5 subvariant samples were from the Bangkok Metropolitan area.

As Covid infections continue to rise, Dr Yong estimated tens of thousands of new infections are likely per day by the end of August.

"Since this round of Covid-19 epidemic has occurred right after the resumption of on-site teaching at public schools nationwide for the first time since the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, the virus will spread easily among students in schools. It can then further spread to their family members and infect large numbers of people," he said.

Meanwhile, BMA figures on Covid infections in Bangkok during the past week show there are about 2,000–3,000 new Covid cases via RT-PCR test a day, while around 5,000–6,000 more cases were identified by ATK test.

Even though the Ministry of Public Health only records around 2,000 cases of new Covid-19 infections per day, because the BA.5 Omicron subvariant generally causes mild sickness among healthy people, a large number of infected people who have few symptoms are not reported.

"However, this strain can still cause severe symptoms among vulnerable groups, so we need to make sure they receive a booster vaccine and can access medication once infected," he added.

City faces up to challenge

In the wake of the BA.5 Omicron subvariant outbreak in the capital, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said he had ordered four initial measures to cope with the surge of Covid-19 infections.

They comprise adding an extra working day for all 69 Public Health Centers under the BMA on Saturdays, opening walk-in vaccination booths at the centres every Friday and Saturday, proactive Covid-19 screening at schools, and a proactive vaccination campaign targeting vulnerable groups.

"Even though the BMA is focussed on primary care and health promotion, in terms of advanced medical care, the BMA has 11 hospitals under its wing, comprising 11% of overall hospital bed capacity in Bangkok," Mr Chadchart said.

"BMA is not the sole administrator of Bangkok's public health system. So we have to work closely with other stakeholders such as the Public Health Ministry, medical schools, and military and police, all of whom have hospitals of their own as part of the city's public health system."

He also urged the people to keep up their guard and strictly follow Covid-19 prevention measures, including wearing facemasks in public areas.

Dr Wantanee Wattana, deputy city clerk of the BMA, said the BMA is working with the ministry and Government Pharmaceutical Organization to prepare medical stockpiles for Covid patients and provide a support system for the patients with mild symptoms in home isolation.

Even though Bangkok still has spare hospital beds available for Covid in-patients, the number of new Covid patients requiring hospital treatment in Bangkok has grown to approximately 1,000 a day.

The BMA has designated the Erawan Emergency Medical Service Center to be a focal point for patient transfers between hospitals and ensure proper hospital bed management.

Meanwhile, Natjiraporn Dang-iad, vice-president of Sirindhorn Hospital, a hospital under the BMA's administration in Prawet district, said Covid patients seeking medical care have increased, though most have very mild symptoms and only 5% need to be admitted.

Ms Natjiraporn said the hospital still has the capacity to receive more Covid patients, though many hospital staff are infected with Covid-19 as well, which puts a squeeze on personnel.

"We had insufficient staff to begin with, so when many of our staff get sick, we don't have enough staff to take of patients. This is why we would like to ask people to take Covid-19 prevention measures seriously to prevent transmission to others," she said.

#Thailand recorded 1,740 new #COVID19 infections and 32 more deaths today. PBS World





A committee will on Monday decide whether to impose the highest level of monkeypox alert after the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Saturday declared the outbreak a global health emergency, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Sunday. Asked whether it is now necessary to impose travel restrictions to prevent people from some countries entering Thailand, Mr Anutin said the situation is not yet at that level. Bangkok Post

Committee to meet Monday on monkeypox alert level: Anutin

A committee will on Monday decide whether to impose the highest level of monkeypox alert after the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Saturday declared the outbreak a global health emergency, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Sunday.

He said the committee, which comprises qualified medical experts, would discuss measures to be taken to cope with the monkeypox outbreak said by the WHO to have affected nearly 16,000 people in 72 countries. The experts will also consider whether and how to impose an alert of that level under the Thai public health system.

So far Thailand has had one confirmed smallpox case - a 27-year-old Nigerian man arrested in Cambodia after escaping from Phuket, where he was found to have contracted the disease.

Mr Anutin said he had ordered international communicable disease control checkpoints along the border to coordinate with immigration police to watch travellers from countries declared high-risk by the WHO. 

They are subject to be screened at airports for basic symptoms - such as blisters and rashes on the skin - by using similar methods as those used against Covid-19.

As for a smallpox vaccine long kept in storage, the Medical Science Department has examined the supply and found it could be applied for monkeypox, if necessary, Mr Anutin said.

The Department of Medical Services, he said, has confirmed that people infected with monkeypox can be treated with medicines that are currently available, and hospitals are ready to provide treatment.

Mr Anutin said people should not be overly nervous because monkeypox does not spread as quickly as Covid-19. Universal prevention measures - such as mask-wearing, hand-washing and social distancing - can minimise the risk of contracting monkeypox, he added.

Asked about measures to prevent monkeypox patients escaping from treatment facilities, Mr Anutin said since the WHO has imposed the highest alert level against monkeypox he has instructed hospitals to keep people suspected or confirmed to have been infected in quarantine for treatment and further investigation.

Asked whether it is now necessary to impose travel restrictions to prevent people from some countries entering Thailand, Mr Anutin said the situation is not yet at that level.

Thailand is seeing a so-called “mini-wave” of coronavirus infections, especially in Bangkok. While there have been reports of around 2,000 cases being reported every day, some doctors have claimed that the actual number of current infections is more like 20,000 to 30,000 per day. | Thaiger

Thailand reports increase in Covid-19 related deaths and serious cases

By 

Tara Abhasakun

Sunday, July 24, 2022 16:57

Thailand has reported a jump in Covid-19 related deaths, and serious cases, throughout the past week. The Public Health Ministry said this morning that there have been 2,390 more Covid-19 in-patients, and 29 new deaths in the past 24 hours. The numbers provided by Worldometers for today (July 24) are 2,390 new cases, and 30 deaths. All the new Covid-19 infections reported today were transmitted inside Thailand.

Yesterday, there had been 2,578 new cases, and also 29 deaths in the past 24 hours, according to the ministry. The ministry says the number of deaths and severe cases has been slowly rising over the past week. The numbers are up from Monday (July 18), when Worldometers reported 1,814 new cases, and 17 new deaths.

As of yesterday, there were 24,702 people receiving Covid-19 treatment, including 12,290 in hospitals. Out of patients being hospitalised, 874 were seriously ill with lung inflammation. That number has risen over the past week from 786. Last week, a doctor at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital had said the number of people with lung infections made up about 8% of Covid-19 hospitalisation. Meanwhile, the number of patients relying on ventilators went up from 349 to 409.

Thailand is seeing a so-called "mini-wave" of coronavirus infections, especially in Bangkok. While there have been reports of around 2,000 cases being reported every day, some doctors have claimed that the actual number of current infections is more like 20,000 to 30,000 per day.

Despite the world seemingly getting back to normal, the World Health Organisation is warning that the Covid pandemic is far from finished.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post | Worldometers



Thailand declares national monkeypox alert after emergency meeting - Thailand on Sunday upgraded its monkeypox alert to the national level after an emergency meeting of health agencies and the public health minister. The Nation

Thailand declares national monkeypox alert after emergency meeting

Thailand on Sunday upgraded its monkeypox alert to the national level after an emergency meeting of health agencies and the public health minister.

Anutin said monitoring and control of monkeypox in Thailand will be taken over by the Public Health Ministry's emergency operations centre.

Anutin said the meeting had also discussed the timeline of Thailand's first confirmed monkeypox case.

On Tuesday, lab tests confirmed that a Nigerian man hospitalised in Phuket had contracted monkeypox. He then fled via Sa Kaew province to Cambodia and was arrested there on Saturday.

Anutin said health chiefs at the meeting believed the Nigerian national had not spread the virus to others over the past month, so Thailand was still safe.

He said that disease control officials around the country were working with border checkpoints to screen travellers for monkeypox. Travellers from at-risk countries were being monitored tightly, he added.

The Medical Services Department assured the meeting it had enough smallpox vaccine in stock to protect residents of Thailand. The vaccine is reported to have been in cold storage for 40 years, but the department said it was still viable.

It also assured the meeting that the country had sufficient medicine and facilities to treat patients in the event of a monkeypox outbreak.

Anutin said universal Covid prevention measures were also effective against monkeypox, which was a slower-spreading disease.

"There is no need for people to panic as monkeypox virus does not spread rapidly like Covid," he said.

"Measures to lower risk from Covid can also be used [for monkeypox], including wearing masks, washing hands with alcohol gel and social distancing, as well as avoiding crowded areas."

Anutin said monkeypox spreads via sexual activity, so people should protect themselves in the same way they do against HIV.

The meeting also appointed Medical Services Department specialist Dr Naruemol Sawanpanyalert to explain various preventive measures to the public.

Anutin said ministry medical experts would meet on Monday to discuss preventive measures against monkeypox and guidelines for hospitals.

Meanwhile, Phuket health officials said they have tracked down another 19 people who came into close contact with the infected man. The 19 at-risk individuals were traced to six locations or services used by the Nigerian national. The Phuket Public Health Office said two of the 19 had tested negative for monkeypox virus while test results for the others would be known in a few days.

Nigerian monkeypox fugitive arrested in Cambodia. He had been in Thailand since October before fleeing to Cambodia a day or two ago. | Thaiger / Bangkok Post

Nigerian monkeypox fugitive arrested in Cambodia

By 

Neill Fronde 

Sunday, July 24, 2022 11:50

The first monkeypox case in Thailand has now become the first monkeypox case in Cambodia. A Nigerian man on the run after disappearing on Tuesday when diagnosed with monkeypox in Phuket has now been apprehended in Cambodia. The deputy governor of Phnom Penh confirmed that 27 year old Osmond Chihazirim Nzere was arrested yesterday in the Cambodian capital city.

The man was spotted in a market in Phnom Penh and was taken into custody before being turned over to the Ministry of Health in Cambodia. Officials immediately set to work to contact trace the Nigerian man's movements and who he interacted with to try to avoid a monkeypox outbreak.

Department of Disease Control Director-General Dr Opas Karnkawinpong reported that authorities had tracked the fugitive monkeypox victim's cell phone signal to the border at Sa Kaeo and believe he then entered the river near the Cambodian border town of Ban Khlong Luek, swimming into the country. They had thought he was heading towards Sihanoukville, before finding him in Phnom Penh instead, an area with a sizable Nigerian expat population.

The man had tested positive for monkeypox on July 18 after being examined at a private hospital on July 16, where they had found a rash and lesions on his genitals, body and face, as well as coughing, sore through, runny nose and a fever. When officials went to pick him up at his condo after being diagnosed, he was gone.

He had checked into a hotel, and then moved to a second hotel the next day before CCTV footage spotted him handing in his keys at reception and getting into a white car after calling the hospital and saying he was coming in. Authorities now say he had arranged help from other people, who could be on the hook for aiding and abetting the fleeing Nigerian man.

Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul said that back in Thailand, the DDC had already tracked down every known person who had come into contact with the man as he fled Phuket and made it to the Sa Kaeo border. After testing 2 people in close contact with the man and a taxi driver, he assured the public no additional infections were found.

"As of now, new monkeypox cases have not been reported. People have no need to worry as every member of the at-risk group is being closely monitored by the department."

The source of the Nigerian man's monkeypox has been a point of confusion with conflicting reports of if he had just travelled from Nigeria and brought it with him, or if the infection was domestic. The latest information reports that he arrived in Thailand on an Ethiopian Airlines flight on October 21 with a visa to study language at Chiang Mai, valid until January 18.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post