The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration opens a community isolation centre in Dusit district in January for Covid-19 infected children. Experts have now warned of a possible new wave of Covid-19 with the emergence of a highly contagious subvariant of the virus. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
The Centre for Medical Genomics at Ramathibodi Hospital has reported confirmation of a case of a highly contagious, third generation of Covid-19.
A posting on the centre's Facebook account identified the virus as BA.2.75.2, a subvariant of the Omicron variant, and advised of the need to prepare for a possible new wave of Omicron infections.
The centre said that according to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium, India's genome sequencing agency, BA.2.75.2 evolved from BA.2.75, which started to spread in India in May and showed the most mutations when compared with other Covid-19 strains in India.
BA.2.75 kept mutating and one of the mutations was BA.2.75.2.
The Ramathibodi Hospital centre quoted an immunological expert at Peking University as saying that BA.2.75.2 was the strain most capable of avoiding antibodies and could be "the super contagious Omicron subvariant".
BA.2.75 was the second generation of Covid-19 and had 95-100 mutations compared with the original Wuhan strain. Its relative growth advantage was about 37% compared with other strains in India.
BA.2.75.2 was the third generation with 95-100 mutations compared with Wuhan but its relative growth advantage was 248% compared with BA.2.75 in India.
"It was first detected in India and has spread to Chile, England, Singapore, Spain, Germany and Thailand," the Centre for Medical Genomics said.
BA.2.75.2 had a relative growth advantage of 90% compared with BA.5 and 148% against BA.4, which were dominant subvariants globally, it said.
The centre said it found one case of BA.2.75.2 reported from Thailand to the database of the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID).
It recommended that treatment should be designed specifically for different strains of the virus, because different kinds of vaccines, antivirals and synthetic antibodies had different effects on different strains.
PRESSURE MOUNTS TO APPROVE INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TO HUA HIN
As a follow-up to a Royal Coast Review article about developments towards the Hua Hin Airport being able to welcome international flights, pressure has mounted for government approval of international flights.
Mr Udorn Olsson, Chairman of the Phoenix Aviation Group Thailand, has now commented about these developments.
As an advisor to the government's Tourism Committee in the House of Representatives, Mr. Olsson says an urgent agenda item for the Committee to consider was proposed after a request was made by the Hua Hin and Cha-Am Tourism Association.
He says the Association sent a request to the Chairman of the Committee to urgently consider expediting the approval of international flights. The request cites the impacts of delaying any further this approval which may conflict with the government's open country policy, impacting airline operators, the hospitality industry and regional tourism in general.
The request refers to Prachuap Khiri Khan Province as a designated pilot area for tourism, and being included in phase 1 of the opening of the country to welcome tourists, mentioning the effects on the tourism industry income from restrictions on the growth of regional tourism industry with any further approval delays.
Additional information to the Tourism Committee describes the huge tourism potential of the region as a destination with many five-star hotels and approximately 30,000 rooms in legally registered hotels.
Other tourism attractions including golf courses, water parks, shopping centres, hospitals, entertainment venues and many other recreational facilities have been described in the region, extending to Cha-Am and Pranburi. The report to the Committee stresses that this is one of the top tourist destinations in the country.
The Committee has been reminded that the Phoenix Group has signed an MOU with Hua Hin Airport including marketing plans for international airlines to fly to Hua Hin Airport. Airlines already expressing their interest include Nok Air, AirAsia, Jetstar, China Express, Greater Bay and GO First, with five airlines making MOUs with the Phoenix Group to fly to Hua Hin Airport.
Coordination with the Tourism Authority of Thailand has taken place for these interested airlines to use the services of the Hua Hin Airport. Without international flights being able to fly there would be a huge loss for the regional tourism industry.
Mr. Pornthep Wisutwatanasak, Member of the House of Representatives for Prachuap Khiri Khan and a special parliamentary committee, has inspected the airport to better understand any issues. It is understood that he will follow up with the Minister of Transport at the next opportunity.
John Laroche, CEO of the Phoenix Group says "Hua Hin has received a bill of good health and support from the special parliamentary committee, which is the last stage for approval for international landings following a series airport upgrades. We look forward to announcements shortly."
Mr. Surasak Phancharoenvorakul, Chairman of the Tourism Committee has been requested to urgently include the issue on the Committee's agenda. The Committee is understood to now have invited further comment from relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Transport, Department of Airports, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand and some airlines.
Mrs. Wasana Srikanjana, President of Hua Hin-Cha-Am Tourism Business Association, who presented the matter for consideration says ''We will do our best to develop the tourism potential of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and Phetchaburi Province for the well-being of all stakeholders involved in our tourism industry."
The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the measure to hike the minimum wage by an average of 5% from October 1onwards, the first increase since January 2020. The wages vary depending on the province with the highest at 354 Baht per day in Chon Buri, Rayong and Phuket. The lowest will be at 328 Baht in the three southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala along with Nan and Udon Thani.
Heavy Downpours To Hit Most Of Thailand All This Week
BY LINE : THE NATION
Thailand will be hit with isolated heavy to very heavy rain until Sunday, the Thai Meteorological Department said on Monday evening.
A moderate monsoon trough will lie over the lower North, upper Central, East and lower Northeast as well as a low-pressure cell over Cambodia until Wednesday, the department said. A southwest monsoon will also prevail over the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf of Thailand, bringing heavy to very heavy rain to the North, Northeast, Central including Greater Bangkok, the East and the South.
From Thursday to Sunday, the monsoon trough across the North and Northeast, and the southwest monsoon over the rest of Thailand, the Andaman Sea and the Gulf will strengthen. This will bring continuous rain across the country, with isolated heavy rain in the North, Northeast, Central including Greater Bangkok, the East and the South. Waves in the upper Andaman and upper Gulf will be about 2 metres high, and higher under thundershowers.
The department has warned people to beware of flash floods and runoffs, especially along waterways near foothills and lowlands all this week. From Thursday to Sunday, all ships should proceed with caution and keep off thundershowers.
The weather forecast until Sunday is as follows:
Greater Bangkok
Scattered to fairly widespread thundershowers with isolated heavy rains.
Temperature: Lows of 24-28 degrees and highs of 30-36 degrees Celsius.
North
Scattered to fairly widespread thundershowers with isolated very heavy rain on Tuesday and again on Saturday and Sunday.
Temperature: Lows of 21-26 degrees and highs of 28-34 degrees Celsius.
Northeast
Scattered to fairly widespread thundershowers with isolated heavy rain all week.
Temperature: Lows of 20-26 degrees and highs of 28-36 degrees Celsius.
Central region
Scattered to fairly widespread thundershowers with isolated heavy rain throughout the period.
Temperature: Low of 22-27 degrees and highs of 30-36 degrees Celsius.
East
Scattered to fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain all week with isolated very heavy rain from Wednesday to Friday.
Waves until Wednesday will be about a metre high and higher in thundershowers and 2 metres high and higher in thundershowers from Thursday to Sunday.
Temperature: Low of 23-28 degrees and highs of 29-36 degrees Celsius.
South (east coast)
Scattered thundershowers with isolated heavy rain throughout the period. Waves will be a metre high on Tuesday and Wednesday and double the size from Thursday to Sunday. The waves will be higher under thundershowers.
Temperature: Low of 22-27 degrees and highs of 30-36 degrees Celsius.
South (west coast)
Scattered to fairly widespread thundershowers with isolated heavy rains all week.
Waves will be a metre high on Tuesday and Wednesday and 2 metres high from Thursday to Sunday. The waves will be higher under thundershowers.
Temperature: Low of 22-26 degrees and highs of 28-36 degrees Celsius.
Expert warns that the worst rain for Bangkok is yet to come
September 12, 2022
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A special lecturer at the Graduate School of Environmental Development Administration at the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), Dr. Sunt Srianthumrong, warned today (Monday) that the worst of the rain for Bangkok this year is yet to come. The capital and its suburbs were lashed by heavy downpours, measured at over 120mm in 24 hours, for six days between August 1st and September 10th.
Displaying graphs of rainfall exceeding 120mm in 24 hours from 2017 to 2022, he said that there was only one day in2020 when rainfall exceeded 120mm, two days in 2021 and, so far, six days this year.
Average seven-day rainfall between August 1stand September 10th this year was 99.9mm, which was the highest in Bangkok and its suburbs in six years. The most worrisome aspect of this trend is that the worst rain of this year may not have arrived yet, said Dr. Sunt, as he warned that people in Bangkok will face extreme weather more often in the future as global warming gets worse.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, meanwhile, issued a warning to city dwellers on its Facebook page today of rain from 5pm until 8pm, especially in the Don Mueang, Sai Mai, Klong Sam Wa, Lak Si, Bang Khen, Chatuchak and Lat Phrao areas.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said that water levels in the Lat Phrao and Prem Prachakon canals have dropped by 50cm and 30cm respectively this morning, but the levels in the Lat Krabang and Prawet Buri Ram canals have not fallen.
He did, however, express optimism that situation in the Prawet Buri Ram canal will improve after water levels in the Lat Phrao and Prem Prachakon canals have dropped.
A panoramic view shows a long-tail boat speeding along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Apichart Jinakul
The impact of flooding in 21 provinces nationwide is expected to slow tourism activities in the third quarter and corporate travel in particular, while pent-up demand from delayed trips might cause congestion in the final quarter.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the third quarter was normally the peak time for corporate trips such as CSR outing tour groups and incentives because hotel prices during this season were remarkably low and could match their budget.
Meanwhile, state agencies have to use their remaining budget by Sept 30, which marks the end of the current fiscal year.
"Some corporate groups have already cancelled or postponed their trips this month which mostly impacted destinations in the East and the Central region. Even though agriculture is the hardest hit sector, tourism in many places could be affected as purchasing power has decreased significantly," said Mr Yuthasak.
Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chon Bur, Chanthaburi, Samut Songkram, Ratchaburi, and Hua Hin and Cha-am in Prachuap Khiri Khan face the biggest impact from trip cancellations.
According to TAT's risk assessment gathered from its offices in five regions, heavy rainfall which has burdened floodwater drainage hampered travel in many parts of the country, such as Khao Chamao National Park in Rayong that advised tourists to avoid swimming in the waterfall.
Meanwhile, a camping site in Chanthaburi urged travellers to refrain from outdoor activities like trekking and camping.
For the North, if downpours mostly occur in areas that have reservoirs to contain water flow, the impact might be minimal as dams in this region still have the capacity to absorb downstream flow.
However, this region still needs close monitoring as it is forecast to receive an estimated rainfall 10-20% above average in October.
The Northeast and the South still have to be cautious about possible flooding this month, particularly river basins and hill slopes which risk flash floods.
At present, more than 16 provinces in the Northeast along the Mun and Chi rivers have a total of 412,462 rai of agricultural land inundated.
With a surge of local and international tourists expected during the high season, Thailand could face tourism density in many areas which requires well-prepared management and strategies to lure tourism activities away from main destinations.
January to August saw 102.9 million domestic trips which generated 566 billion baht.
The TAT remains confident with the target of 160 million domestic trips with revenue of 656 billion baht, mainly driven by a robust market in the fourth quarter.
"We are closely following the situation and concerned that Thailand has started to feel more impact from La Nina, which has caused high rainfall and flash floods," said Mr Yuthasak.
Traffic congestion begins on the outbound side of Phahon Yothin Road near Lat Phrao intersection in Chatuchak district as rain pounded Bangkok on Monday evening. (Photo: Onnucha Hutasingh)
Downpours caused flooding of many streets in inner Bangkok on Monday evening, with the weather forecast for heavy rain to continue nationwide until Sunday.
At 5pm floodwater was about 24 centimetres deep on Din Daeng and Sri Ayutthaya roads, 18cm on Thesaban Songkhro and Sena Nikhom roads and 15-16cm on Ratchada-Lat Phrao, Banthat Thong, Pradiphat, Suthiphon 2, Inthamara 53 and Sailom roads.
Flood levels ranged from 11-14cm on Pracha Songkhro, Thiam Ruam Mit, Kamphaeng Phet 3 and Phahon Yothin (in Saphan Khwai area) roads.
Floodwater was shallower at 3-9cm deep on sections of Ngam Wong Wan, Suthisan, Chaeng Wattana, Phahon Yothin (Kaset intersection), the outbound side of Vibhavadi, Ratchadaphisek (in front of the Chinese embassy) and Phetchaburi roads.
The Meteorological Department said a monsoon trough over the lower North, the upper Central Plain, the lower Northeast and the East would bring persistent and heavy rain in some areas in all regions including 70% of Greater Bangkok from Monday evening to Tuesday evening.
The weather conditions would continue until Wednesday.
From Thursday to Sunday the monsoon over the Andaman Sea, the country and the Gulf of Thailand would be stronger and bring more heavy rain nationwide.
The flooded Chokchai 4 market in Wang Thonglang district on Monday evening. (Photo: Thana Boonlert)
Key consideration now according to Tony Fernandes is the momentum of growing numbers which generates income for the economy including taxes for the government. Mr Fernandes felt that the fee, at this time, may hinder efforts to attract more visitors and to establish more flight links with Thailand.
A top airline executive is urging the Thai government to put off further the proposed Thailand Tourism Fee (TTF) which was postponed from August to later in the year. The levy which is to be collected by airlines flying into Thailand from passengers was put on hold after a top Tourism Ministry official said it was not clear yet how it would apply to visitors arriving by sea and by land. The levy was recommended by a special panel in 2019 to provide extra resources for tourism infrastructure and to introduce automatic health and medical insurance for holidaymakers in the case of an emergency in the kingdom.
Mr Tony Fernandes, acting Chief Executive Officer of Thai Air Asia X which is planning to fly routes between Australia and Thailand in December and to connect central European countries to the kingdom next year. Mr Fernandes has advised the government to postpone further the Thailand Tourism Fee (TTF) of ฿300 due to be introduced later this year and collected from airline passengers bound for Thailand by the flight carriers for the government. He suggested that the operational impact of the fee would be counterproductive for the Thai economy in this critical year.
A top Thai airline executive has called on the government not to go ahead with the proposed ฿300 tourism levy in the short term as the kingdom's foreign tourism industry is beginning to gain momentum and could be sensitive to any changes at this time.
Thailand is understood to have welcomed 4.3 million visitors in the opening eight months of the year although the kingdom still posted a substantial $4.1 billion current account deficit for July 2022 as its economy, like others in the world, labours under elevated energy costs and reduced export growth as national economies reel from the disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine, higher interest rates and reduced demand.
Levy in the pipeline since 2019 and comes with a key benefit: automatic medical insurance for visitors
The new levy known as the Thailand Tourism Fee (TTF), has been in the pipeline, in its current format, since 2019 and follows earlier attempts to introduce such a fee over previous decades.
The tourism fee was supposed to come into effect in August but the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, weeks before, announced that it was being postponed until later in the year.
Mongkon Wimonrat, the permanent secretary at the ministry, cited administrative concerns in July for the ongoing hiatus over the introduction of the measure.
There have also been reports that many of the airlines flying into Thailand, although by law, legally obliged to collect the fee, are not happy with the anticipated extra administrative work required to collect it from each passenger flying to Thailand.
Plan broadly welcomed because of the insurance benefit but is resisted by airlines who are tasked with its collection from inbound passengers to Thailand
The Thailand Tourism Fee (TTF) itself has been recommended by industry experts because it will introduce automatic medical insurance coverage for all visitors while in the kingdom, a facet of the moderate fee that has been widely welcomed although it is thought only ฿34 of it will be spent on this provision.
The medical insurance coverage provided is limited to ฿500,000 or $13,661 and does not cover an emergency evacuation of injured foreigners from Thailand, a key criticism of industry observers.
This week, Mr Tony Fernandes, the acting Chief Executive Officer of Air Asia X, the long haul arm of the popular budget carrier that is currently undergoing a rehabilitation process through the Central Bankruptcy Court in Bangkok, said his airline stands ready to implement the new tax as it is legally bound to do under flight regulations.
Airline executive feels the tax right now could be counterproductive to the country's interests
However, he urged the government to hold off at this time so as not to impede the gradual recovery of foreign tourist numbers which is vital to the economy.
Mr Fernandes acknowledged that the fee itself at $8 or $9 was relatively insignificant to holidaymakers but suggested that the potential negative consequences from introducing the charge on short-term numbers may be counterproductive for the Thai economy which is so dependent on foreign tourism to thrive, particularly this year.
Thailand's foreign tourism industry accounts directly for 12% of GDP but some analysts estimate that up to 25% of the country's real economy is linked to the flow of foreign nationals and the money they bring into the kingdom.
Operational impact of the charge on this year's tourism drive would far outweigh any funding gain
He said that the negative economic impact of the levy would far outweigh the benefits of any funding it generates for the government given the taxes and income derived from foreign tourist spending.
This year there is mounting concern for the long-term future of the foreign tourism industry as the amount of money the average incoming tourist is spending is 12% less than in 2019 with more visitors from within Southeast Asia and fewer long-haul travellers to Bangkok and Phuket international airports.
Thailand needs more inbound flights
This has been a problem acknowledged by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Director-general Yuthasak Supasorn who in recent months has estimated that the kingdom only has 30% to 33% of the flight capacity seen in 2019 while pointing out that 50% was essential if Thailand is to achieve even its short term objectives as the kingdom targets 10 million visitors for 2022.
Mr Fernandes attributed the slow rebound in Thailand's foreign tourism industry that we are witnessing in 2022 to the scale of the lockdowns imposed by the government previously and the complicated nature of earlier reopening plans.
He noted that since this summer the country has opened and is again fully accessible but that it will take time for the airline industry to ramp up operations to facilitate inbound passengers and help generate demand from long-haul foreign tourists.
Air Asia X plans to link Thailand with key European cities next year such as Prague, Vienna and Budapest
He highlighted Air Asia X's plans to fly to and from European cities such as Prague, Vienna and Budapest in 2023 as well as other prospects which will see more visitors land in the kingdom
'We can restart at the right time as more countries are reopening borders, particularly Japan and South Korea in Northeast Asia, which is our main destination,' he outlined to reporters.
This year, Thai Air Asia X also plans to initiate flights to and from Sydney and Melbourne in Australia this December.
Air Canada to fly 4 times weekly to Bangkok
This will be coming at the same time as direct flights from Vancouver in Canada to Bangkok operated by Air Canada which is also due to commence in December and which will run four times a week using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
Mr Fernandes felt that the government should wait until the foreign tourism industry is sufficiently recovered before introducing the new levy or charge given the higher prices of airfares now on the market due to higher fuel prices.
'Though the amount of money is insignificant, all of us in the industry know that even the slightest change could directly impact travel demand. The income that tourists bring is far greater than a fee of $8 or $9 per head,' he explained.
The world is moving on from the Covid-19 pandemic, but face masks are still popular in Thailand. You might see people on domestic flights in Thailand wearing masks, but are they mandatory?
The Thai government made face masks "voluntary" back in June but still recommends wearing them in crowded spaces. The news was published in the Royal Gazette and said…
"The wearing of a mask is a voluntary practice from now onwards so that people can now live closer to normal conditions. The Ministry of Public Health only recommends that the general public wear a mask when living with other people in a crowded place, in areas where there is a large gathering of people where they can't maintain social distancing, or in a poorly ventilated place, to reduce the risk of transmission of infection."
Some places, like the BTS Sky Train in Bangkok, ask passengers to wear face masks on the train, and most people comply. However, it is not a lawful requirement. If you are against wearing a face mask on the BTS, you wouldn't get fined, imprisoned or kicked off – but you might get some disapproving looks from fellow passengers.
Planes are considered the same. It is not a lawful requirement to wear face masks on domestic flights, but a few airlines still recommend them. Some airlines may push for mask-wearing more than others.
Bangkok Airlines
Bangkok Airlines told The Thaiger…
"We would like to inform you that wearing face masks is not a requirement on Bangkok Airways flights. Furthermore, we do not require any Covid Test result or vaccination to be presented anymore."
Thai Smile
Thai Smile told The Thaiger…
"Face masks are not a requirement, but we recommend wearing them during the flight."
A passenger flying with Thai Smile told the Thaigerthat mask-wearing was recommended but "not hyper enforced while on the plane."
AirAsia
On AirAsia flights, the cabin crew are likely to ask passengers, "Please wear a face mask unless you're eating." However, one mask-opposing AirAsia passenger told The Thaiger…
"Flew AirAsia for the past three weeks multiple times. I did not wear a mask and was not asked to wear a mask. They do however announce on the speaker system "Please wear a mask at all times," but we didn't and nothing happened."
Nok Air
Similarly, Nok Air flight recommends wearing face masks while flying, but it is not a requirement.
Thai Lion Air
Again, Thai Lion Air recommends but doesn't require, the use of face masks on domestic flights in Thailand.
Thai VietJet
Thai VietJet recommends wearing a face mask during flights, but it is not a lawful requirement.
Thai Airways
The nation's flag carrier, which serves both domestic and international flights, recommends but doesn't enforce the use of face masks.
One passenger flying from the UK to Bangkok with Thai Airways told The Thaiger…
"From the moment I boarded the plane until now, I haven't worn a mask or been asked to wear one. On the flight, it was only Thais wearing them and the odd non-Thai. Same at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Bangkok's heaviest rains in over two decades are pushing its canals to the brink. The downpours started Tuesday evening, overwhelming the canals. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said Bang Khen district has reported 170 millimetres of rain since Tuesday, which has been the highest amount in 20 years.
Klong Lat Phrao and Kong Prem Prachakon canals have seen water levels rising to the point of causing massive flooding. The Bang Khen roundabout and areas surrounding the new, electric train route tracks have all flooded. The governor has attributed part of the flooding to the new tracks as drainage has slowed.
He says the government is doing the best it can to drain the flood waters off the roads, but high water levels at the canals have made it difficult. Chardchart is urging motorists to plan trips around the weather, as he says poor planning has caused many motorists to get stuck in flooded areas.
"With so many cars stuck in these areas, even military trucks deployed to help flood victims couldn't reach them in time. These lessons have been learned and we hope to make [our response] better."
The governor has advised Bang Khen, Lat Phrao, Don Muang, and Chatuchak residents to stay alert as more heavy rain is expected.
Yesterday at 8.45 pm, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt live-streamed flooding in the Bang Khen district via Facebook. Chadchart walked to the flooded area from Wat Phra Sri Mahathat BTS Station to offer help to those caught in the floods.
Governor Chadchart, in a fluorescent yellow jacket, got knee-deep in the floods to help push stranded vehicles through the water.
Minister of Defense Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered all military units in Bangkok to distribute water pumps and help to drain floodwater last night, as well as provide assistance to victims of the flood in Bangkok and its vicinity.
The public is posting photos, videos and updates about the floods under the Twitter hashtag #น้ำท่วม (#flood).
Heavy rainfall and flash flooding are expected to continue until Friday all over Thailand, according to the Thai Meteorological Department.
Meanwhile, the Thai Cabinet yesterday approved a budget of almost 1.6 billion to deal with Thailand's perpetual flood problems. Some 912 million baht has been set aside for water management during the rainy and drought seasons while 664 million baht has been allocated for new water pumps.
