Covid-19 restrictions to be lifted from October 1. Visitors to Thailand will soon be free of showing a Covid-19 vaccination or test certificate as of October 1. | Thaiger

Covid-19 restrictions to be lifted from October 1

By 

Ann Carter

Thursday, September 22, 2022 14:59

Visitors to Thailand will soon be free of showing a Covid-19 vaccination ortest certificate as of October 1. The changes were announced by Publish Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul after a meeting with the National Communicable Disease Committee today. In that meeting, it was also deemed to be unnecessary for people with mild or no symptoms of the virus to enter isolation.

Anutin says the committee decided to redefine Covid-19 as a communicable disease under surveillance. New measures would be adopted based on locals, visitors and infected people. Such measures include advising infected people to continue to use face masks, and increasing hand washing and social distancing for a period of five days. After the five days, the restriction that would normally require a Covid test has been lifted as well.

The move comes as the Department of Disease Control deputy director-general concluded that current Covid-19 symptoms are not appearing to be severe with many infected people displaying only cold-like symptoms. But, infected people may have to follow specialised disease control policies at their individual workplaces that could be more strict.

The Thai government has been planning to move to a post-pandemic era for some time with health officials describing the situation as more of an endemic, rather than a pandemic. Just two days ago, the cabinet removed the virus from a list of forbidden diseases among foreign visitors, essentially allowing foreigners to enter the Kingdom even if they are infected with the virus. But, those with "dangerous" stages of leprosy or tuberculosis, symptomatic elephantiasis, third-stage syphilis, and drug abuse-related diseases are still banned from entering. Those deemed to have chronic alcoholism are also banned from entering.

Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri says about five million tourists have arrived in Thailand this year. One million of those have arrived just this month alone. The government previously set a target of at least 10 million foreign tourists to Thailand for this year.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post /Thai PBS World



Covid19 September 22nd. PBS World

Next General Election. PBS World



Are Thai politics heading for another coup in 2023? Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra has just reminded us that he was “stabbed in the back” when the Thai military organized the 2006 coup. Then there was another one in 2014. Given that Thailand has experienced a putsch every seven years or so over the last century, academics, futurologists and soothsayers are debating if it’s time for another urgent military intervention.- Pattaya Mail

Are Thai politics heading for another coup in 2023?

Barry KenyonSeptember 21, 2022

Thailand's tanks have rolled out to support military coups, but never to fight foreign foes.

Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra has just reminded us that he was "stabbed in the back" when the Thai military organized the 2006 coup. Then there was another one in 2014. Given that Thailand has experienced a putsch every seven years or so over the last century, academics, futurologists and soothsayers are debating if it's time for another urgent military intervention.

The consensus appears to be no. Since 2014 there have been sweeping changes in the chain of command, with over 7,000 crack Bangkok troops now owing their direct allegiance to His Majesty the King and not to the head of the army. Although there have been protest movements and car mobs by the Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship and others, the opposition to the military-backed government has been plainly disunited. Fear of persecution and prosecution has certainly been a major factor. Author Lipikar Narayaun Lindman has written that coups are most likely to occur when the breakdown of law and order is the main political hot potato. That's not the case at present.

Of course, the Thai army with 1,600 generals is both rich and powerful. It is a huge landowner and has heavy investments in banking, the media, hotels and golf courses. Both the army and the navy have stakes in Thai airports and their leaders have appointed all 250 members of the unelected Senate. Yet the Thai armed forces have not been involved in significant engagement on home turf since 1945. Their tanks have been deployed exclusively as security for Thai coups, though for the first time in 2014 none were deployed. They were not deemed necessary, an indication of how strongly coup culture has become internalized in Thai politics.

The constitutional court is currently considering whether Prayut Chan-o-cha has, or has not, used up his eight years maximum time as prime minister. The issue is obviously important to the stakeholders, but it's hardly political dynamite as the current junta-backed administration is likely to survive in parliament until the general election scheduled for early next year. Although unpopular, the government has arguably been more successful in handling Covid and the Russo-Ukrainian war than many pundits predicted. International tourism is rebounding and one of the partners in government, the Bhumjaithai party, has become popular with many Thai voters because of the decriminalization of cannabis and the cash opportunities from growing the plant for medical purposes.

It is the 2023 general election which will test Thai coup culture once again. The general expectation is that the opposition, led by Thaksin-backed Pheu Thai, will win most seats. But that doesn't automatically mean that the military-backed parties will lose power or even the premiership. As happened in the last election in 2019, judges and the election commission can overturn some results on technicalities. Moreover, the unelected Senate (the upper house with all members appointed by the military coalition prior to 2019) has the power to use its 250 votes without accountability if members so decide. If matters proceed without too much pandemonium, a new government will take office in the middle of next year. If not, we are back in coup territory.



Thailand to issue COVID-19 reclassification measures this Friday | Thai PBS World

Thailand to issue COVID-19 reclassification measures this Friday

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• September 21, 2022

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The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) is expected to announce a series of measures this Friday, in line with the reclassification of COVID-19 as an "infectious disease under watch", as Thailand officially moves into a post-pandemic era from October 1^st.

The Thai Ministry of Public Health issued two announcements on Monday to reclassify COVID-19 from a "dangerous infectious disease" to an "infectious disease under watch", effective from October 1^st, as the COVID-19 situation in the country is steadily improving, said Deputy Government Spokesperson Traisuree Traisoranakul today (Wednesday).

She said that the CCSA's measures will cover the legal, health, communication and management aspects after more than three years of living with COVID-19.

The objectives of the measures are to enable people to live safely and to pursue life as normal as possible, she added.

On Tuesday, the cabinet decided to remove COVID-19 from the list of forbidden diseases among foreign visitors, which will make it possible for infected foreign tourists to enter Thailand.

According to the country's COVID-19 Information Centre, new infections in the past 24 hours were 1,129, with 13 fatalities and 934 recoveries.

Accumulated infections so far this year are 2,452,097. The death toll this year is 10,970.



60-70% of Thais have been infected with Covid: Expert. A THAI medical expert said in a Facebook post today (Sept. 21) that blood tests previously carried out indicate that around 60-70% of the population have been infected with Covid-19, particularly the dominant Omicron subvariant, Matichon newspaper said.- Thai Newsroom

60-70% of Thais have been infected with Covid: Expert

September 21, 2022  TNR Staff

A THAI medical expert said in a Facebook post today (Sept. 21) that blood tests previously carried out indicate that around 60-70% of the population have been infected with Covid-19, particularly the dominant Omicron subvariant, Matichon newspaper said.

Dr. Yong Phuworawan, the head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, said Covid infection is still widespread in the country and it is not possible to work out the real tally of patients with or without symptoms with the daily reported cases being lower than the actual total. 

This is so because many patients either have few symptoms or are asymptomatic particularly after the Omicron subvariant took hold.

A detailed study to determine the real infecton rate is starting in October with this funded by the Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI) and assisted by the Public Health Ministry's Disease Control Department and Chonburi Provincial Public Health Office. 

This study covers the population all the way from 6 months of age to the elderly with each group consisting of 1,200 people. The team will move to various provinces in all the regions of the country in carrying out antinuclear capsid antibody and anti-spike IgG tests.

The immune system consistently shows prevention and severity of infection and this data will be used to plan Covid preventive measures in the near future particularly the need for booster jabs, he said.

"The information being obtained is laboratory data and reflects the epidemiology of Thailand. It will be the first study of a large population conducted in Thailand to reflect the events over the past three years,"  Dr. Yong said.

Covid19 September 21st. PBS World

Thai cabinet approves 45-day stay for tourists entitled to visa exemption and 30 days with Visa on Arrival. The cabinet approved an edict of the Interior Ministry today (Tuesday) extending the period of stay, from 30 to 45 days, for tourists from countries and territories entitled to visa exemptions and from 15 to 30 days for those eligible for a Visa on Arrival. | Thai PBS World

Thai cabinet approves 45-day stay for tourists entitled to visa exemption and 30 days with Visa on Arrival

views  362

The cabinet approved an edict of the Interior Ministry today (Tuesday) extending the period of stay, from 30 to 45 days, for tourists from countries and territories entitled to visa exemptions and from 15 to 30 days for those eligible for a Visa on Arrival.

The extension is, however, only temporary, from October 1^st until end of March next year, to coincide with the traditionally tourism high season in Thailand, when more tourists, especially from Europe and the US, are expected to escape the cold weather and head to Thailand.

Currently, though, most foreign arrivals in Thailand are from Malaysia and India.

The extension of stays confirms the decision of the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration in late August, based on the proposal of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The cabinet also decided to remove COVID-19 from the list of forbidden diseases among foreign visitors, making it possible for foreigners infected with COVID-19 to enter Thailand.

According to Government Spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri, about five million foreign tourists have arrived in Thailand so far this year, including about one million this month alone.

The Thai government has set a target of welcoming at least 10 million foreign arrivals this year.



Foreigners infected with COVID-19 can visit Thailand | Thai PBS World

Foreigners infected with COVID-19 can visit Thailand

views  555

Foreign visitors to Thailand who are infected with COVID-19 will no longer be barred from entering, following a decision by the cabinet today (Monday) to delete COVID-19 from a list of forbidden diseases in foreign visitors, said Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek.

The new measure will take effect once it is announced in the Royal Gazette.

She said, however, that foreigners afflicted with leprosy, tuberculosis in a dangerous stage, elephantiasis with clear symptoms, third stage syphilis and diseases associated with drug abuse will still be barred from entering the country.

Foreigners who are afflicted with these diseases, or chronic alcoholism, will be forbidden from taking residence in the country.



CCSA eyes new tourism measures in light of improving Covid situation. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will meet on Friday to evaluate the situation and discuss measures to promote tourism now that there is a decline in confirmed Covid-19 cases. The Nation

CCSA Eyes New Tourism Measures In Light Of Improving Covid Situation

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will meet on Friday to evaluate the situation and discuss measures to promote tourism now that there is a decline in confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Deputy government spokesperson Trisulee Trisaranakul said on Tuesday that the CCSA expects more foreign arrivals during the high season (November to March) and believes measures must be implemented as early as October to ensure all sectors are ready for the influx.

Trisulee added that the Covid-19 situation in Thailand is continuously improving, with the number of confirmed patients being below the 1,000 mark for most of last week, except for Wednesday and Thursday, which saw 1,321 and 1,125 confirmed patients respectively. Covid-related deaths too have dropped to about 10 to 15 people daily. On Tuesday, Thailand recorded 774 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 15 deaths.

Earlier, in a bid to boost tourism the CCSA had greenlighted a scheme allowing visitors to stay longer. The scheme, which lasts from October 1 to March 31, will extend visa-on-arrival for visitors from 18 countries from 15 days to 30 days. Also, visitors from 50 countries who currently get a 30-day stamp under the visa exemption scheme will be able to stay for 45 days.

"More measures will be discussed on Friday to promote tourism as well as prevent infections brought in by visitors," Traisulee said.

Back in August, then-premier General Prayut Chan-o-cha had announced that the Emergency Decree would be lifted from October 1 and the CCSA dissolved in response to the improving outbreak situation.

As of October 1, Covid-19 is expected to be officially downgraded from "dangerous communicable disease" to "communicable disease under surveillance".

The 2015 Communicable Disease Act will be the governing law to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak instead of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations, which has been in place since March 24, 2020.

THAI sees turnaround by 2024, expects bankruptcy court approving new rehabilitation plan by October - Thai Enquirer Market Watch

THAI sees turnaround by 2024, expects bankruptcy court approving new rehabilitation plan by October

Narudon DaisachulshuSeptember 20, 2022

The embattled national carrier – Thai Airways International Plc (THAI), has come out to say that it was starting to see a turnaround of its business as passenger traffic starts to revive, after 2-years of restricted travel.

THAI came out to say that its performance during the course of this year and next is set to witness a turnaround as its load factor has seen a sharp increase.

"The trend for the remaining 2 quarters is expected to be better than the target," Chai Iamsiri, the head of finance and accounting for the embattled airline said during the presentation at the 'Opportunity Day' at the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).

He added that for the time being the continued decline in oil prices has also helped the airline keep its costs lower.

Chai said that THAI was expecting around 4.5 million passengers during the course of this year and an average cabin factor of 80-82%. During the 2^ndquarter of 2022 the airline had seen just over 2 million passengers and a cabin factor of about 60.3%, while it is expected that during the rest of the year, the trend of transportation and passengers will continue to improve.

As for the company's ongoing rehabilitation from the bankruptcy, Chai said that the hope was that the revised plan would be approved by the courts within October this year.

The rehabilitation plan administrator has submitted to the official receiver. It is expected that the Central Bankruptcy Court will summon the plan administrator to clarify on September 21-22. If there is no problem, it is expected that the Court will have an order approving the plan to be revised according to the resolution of the meeting of creditors within the first or second week of October 2022.

After that, the debt restructuring process will begin. And convert debt to equity including increasing capital in the future.

As for the capital raising, it will take place at the appropriate time for the capital markets to be able to absorb the funding. The shareholding of the Ministry of Finance would be diluted to 34% from about 44.8% and there will be a debt-to-equity swap for the creditors. The offering price would also be around 2.52 to 2.54 Baht a share.

The company expects to exit its rehabilitation plan by the end of 2024 and expects positive earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and capital base would be back in the black.

Chai said that the global airline industry is not set to return to profitability up until next year after the Covid-19 induced lockdowns left the industry with more than US$ 140 billion in losses to the entire airline industry across the world.

Once this is done, it would be positive for the airline and for the shareholders and creditors because currently THAI is indebted with more about 140 billion Baht to various creditors.



Bangkok will be hit by heavy rains this week—and probably next, too. And looking further ahead, it doesn’t seem like the monsoon season will be over anytime soon. Weather forecast sites reveal it will likely be raining until at least the end of September. Timeout.com

Bangkok will be hit by heavy rains this week—and probably next, too

Torrential downpours beginning last week have been causing floods in various parts of the city, so you'd better be prepared.

Time Out Bangkok editorsTuesday September 20 2022

Chatchawan JaksuwongHeavy rain hits Bangkok

Brace yourself. Bangkok will witness strong rains this week, according to the Thai Meteorological Department. 

The department issued an official statement stating that high precipitation should be expected all across Southeast Asia due to high-pressure cold winds from China. So expect torrential rains and thunderstorms in various parts of the kingdom, including Bangkok, for the entire week. The wettest day for Bangkok will reportedly be on 21 September. 

Chatchawan Jaksuwong

Heavy rains pose a huge threat to Bangkok, which sits on river basins (the lowest part is only 1.5 meters above sea level) and sees high chances of flooding. Last week, different parts of the city were heavily submerged—the worst flooding in many years—causing cars to get stuck on the roads and leaving thousands of commuters stranded on their way home. 

And looking further ahead, it doesn't seem like the monsoon season will be over anytime soon. Weather forecast sites reveal it will likely be raining until at least the end of September.  

Chatchawan JaksuwongHeavy rain hits Bangkok

If the rains are preventing you from going home, why not visit a nearby bar and enjoy a drink or two until the skies clear. Check out our list of best bars to visit when it rains. 

Kazakh ambassador cuts into 200,000-baht coconut in Pattaya. H.E. Arman Issetov joined Nong Nooch Director Kampol Tansajja at the Sept. 18 ceremony to halve the giant coconut with two concentric shells. Each half was the size of a monk’s alms bowl. The double-shelled coconut is so rare, it sells for 200,000 baht on the street. Single-shell sea coconuts go for half that.- Pattaya Mail

Kazakh ambassador cuts into 200,000-baht coconut in Pattaya

Pattaya MailSeptember 20, 2022

Nong Nooch Director Kampol Tansajja seems amused as H.E. Arman Issetov carries a humongous sea coconut freshly cut from a tree.

Kazakhstan's ambassador to Thailand helped plant rare "sea coconut" trees at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, which cut open seven precious coconut costing up to 200,000 baht.

H.E. Arman Issetov joined Nong Nooch Director Kampol Tansajja at the Sept. 18 ceremony to halve the giant coconut with two concentric shells. Each half was the size of a monk's alms bowl. The double-shelled coconut is so rare, it sells for 200,000 baht on the street. Single-shell sea coconuts go for half that.



Kampol and H.E. Arman Issetov jointly planted the first of the garden's sea coconut seedlings in its World Palm Garden. The trees themselves cost 500,000 baht.
The sea coconut is a kind of palm native to the Seychelles islands in the Indian Ocean. Nong Nooch has 36 sea coconut trees in all.

The sea coconut got its name from ancient French sailors who found them floating in the ocean, far from any trees. The early navigators believed that the trees must be under the sea while others called them fruit that fell from heaven.



The largest sea coconuts ever found weigh 20 kilograms each.  The fruit takes seven years to ripen. Trees take a year to root and won't produce fruit for more than 20 years.

H.E. Arman Issetov watches closely as Kampol Tansajja peels one of the rare double coconuts.

Kampol Tansajja and Arman Issetov jointly planted the first of the garden's sea coconut seedlings in its World Palm Garden.

 

Bisons guard the precious sea coconut tree which is enclosed in a fence to keep it safe.

Six airlines offer 300 baht discount on domestic flights in Thailand | Thaiger

Six airlines offer 300 baht discount on domestic flights in Thailand

By 

leah

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 10:56

Get 300 baht off domestic flights in the Land of Smiles under the project "Discounts All Over the Sky, Fly All Over Thailand." The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Airlines Association jointly launched the special offer in the hopes of stimulating the economy through domestic tourism this high season.

Six airlines joined the scheme to offer 300 baht discounts on 5 hundred thousand seats on flights taking off before the end of the year. Book before October 10 to get 300 baht off any flight between November 1 – December 31, 2022. Each booking is eligible for one 300 baht discount.

The participating airlines include Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Thai Smile, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai VietJet.

Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Yuthasak Supasorn announced the offer yesterday. He said…

"The Covid-19 pandemic over the past three years has continuously affected the aviation business. Airlines were forced to halt operations on many domestic flights. The pandemic impacted the economic stability and employment in the aviation industry."

Yuthasak said the special offer will help the TAT to fulfill their goal for Thailand's tourism industry to generate 1.5 trillion baht before the end of the year. The goal is just 50% of the revenue generated by the tourism industry in 2019 in pre-pandemic Thailand, according to the TAT.

The TAT governor added that Thailand's aviation business is recovering from the pandemic well and is heading in the right direction. He said the removal of the Thailand Pass was an important factor in stimulating air travel for both Thais and foreigners.

SOURCE: Prachachat

Anutin slams call to re-list cannabis as narcotic plant. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday slammed the proposal to re-list some parts of the cannabis plant as a narcotic, saying there is no evidence of improper use of cannabis under existing laws as claimed by the policy's critics. Bangkok Post

Anutin slams call to re-list cannabis as narcotic plant

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday slammed the proposal to re-list some parts of the cannabis plant as a narcotic, saying there is no evidence of improper use of cannabis under existing laws as claimed by the policy's critics.

He made the comment in response to a petition on Change.org signed by 1,363 doctors which called on the government to scrap the policy decriminalising cannabis use and possession, citing the lack of controls to prevent its recreational use and abuse by children and minors.

Instead, Mr Anutin said the ministry is willing to explain any concern expressed by the group. The minister pointed out that current rules on cannabis use are set up with medical users in mind.

"The law doesn't support other uses beyond [medical use]. There are rules which prevent cannabis smoking in public, and sales are restricted to individuals over the age of 20," he said.

"Re-listing cannabis [as a narcotic] is ridiculous, and we won't do it because we have come so far. We haven't seen any negative impact that is beyond our control."

He expressed his confidence that the parliament won't reject the ministry's cannabis bill again once the lawmakers' concerns are addressed.

On an unrelated note, Deputy Public Health Minister Satit Pitutecha, who accompanied Mr Anutin, said he has no problems working with the Bhumjaithai leader. The Democrat politician said the party has yet to explain the reason for its objection to the cannabis bill.



Poor revenue outlook despite rising flights. Forecast comes as tourist numbers soar. Despite the ongoing resumption of more international flights to Thailand, visitors' spending is forecast to be lower than expected. Bangkok Post

Poor revenue outlook despite rising flights

Mr Yutthasak, centre, and Mr Puttipong at the seminar organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand at TAT's headquarters.

Despite the ongoing resumption of more international flights to Thailand, visitors' spending is forecast to be lower than expected.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Yuthasak Supasorn said recovery of the sector is gaining momentum in terms of numbers, with the country expected to see a total of 6 million international visitors by the end of September and then an extra 1.5 million tourists a month in the final quarter.

By the end of the year, overall inbound numbers might hover at around 10 million following a resumption of international flights that could reach more than 50% of pre-pandemic levels.

"Earlier, we were worried about the lack of seat capacity. Even though this obstacle still remains, there is a sign of improvement as more international airlines have confirmed their winter schedules to Thailand," said Mr Yuthasak.

However, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports recently revised down its target for revenue to 1.08 trillion baht, from 1.2 trillion baht, which was the third time it had to downgrade the forecast due to weaker purchasing power.

At the beginning of the year, the ministry set its target at 1.5 trillion baht.

Mr Yuthasak said the agency has worked with many local and international airlines to bring more long-haul flights to Thailand.

Last week, it held talks with Taiwan's EVA Air to ensure more flight connections to Bangkok via Taipei as the airline is planning to add more destinations to Europe, alongside its pre-existing Vienna route.

Tour agencies targeting the Russian market will also fly chartered flights from Russia to Thailand, starting from three flights per week this winter.

Meanwhile, the TAT has rolled out a stimulus campaign with six local airlines to stimulate domestic revenue of at least 2 billion baht, in addition to providing a 300-baht airfare booking subsidy. Privileges covering 500,000 visitors have been prepared for this scheme.

Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, president of Bangkok Airways and the Airlines Association of Thailand, said flights from both local and international carriers are expected to fully recover by the end of next year.

However, routes and frequencies might be different from pre-pandemic schedules as airlines have to adjust their plans to cater to changes in demand.

Mr Puttipong said there were more positive signs as Bangkok Airways itself has started to renegotiate with 26-27 codeshare-partnered airlines to resume services to Thailand after connections were paused for two years.

Mr Yutthasak, left, and Mr Puttipong at the seminar organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand at TAT headquarters.

"The aviation trend has slightly changed. There are more enquiries from tourists in Asia and Europe to fly direct to tourism destinations such as Phuket," he said.

Nuntaporn Komonsittivate, head of commercial operations at Thai Lion Air, said international flights could resume more slowly than domestic routes, of which the airline has resumed all destinations covered prior to the pandemic.

The sluggish recovery is mainly attributed to various entry restrictions that remain in place in some countries, such as Japan and Taiwan.

Thai Lion Air currently has only three international routes: Jakarta, Mumbai, and Singapore.

"We have to prioritise domestic routes by adding more frequency. The outlook for the domestic market looks promising with the average load factor expected to hit 80%," Ms Nuntaporn said.

Covid19 September 20th. PBS World