The Chonburi Governor and provincial disease committee released this evening, August 30th, 2021, rules and restrictions around easing of Covid-19 rules for the province. Monday, 30 August 2021, 21:37. Pattaya News

Chonburi releases new orders easing Covid-19 restrictions starting from September 1st

Monday, 30 August 2021, 21:37

Chonburi, Thailand-

  The Chonburi Governor and provincial disease committee released this evening, August 30th, 2021, rules and restrictions around easing of Covid-19 rules for the province.

These take effect starting from September 1st, 2021 until further notice. As of press time, it had not been released on the Chonburi PR social media accounts but was distributed to local press.

  These are mostly in alignment with a national easing of restrictions in which you can read more by clicking right here.

We are not going to translate every single line, as most of the same things covered in the national order from the link above are in effect. Here are the highlights/differences:

-Beauty Clinics, salons, barbershops can reopen (Appointment in advance, no waiting inside the shop)

-Massage shops can reopen, allowing only foot massages.

-Restaurants are allowed to open until 8:00 P.M., no alcohol, up to 50% dine-in capacity with air-con, up to 75% outside/no air con. There was no mention of controversial vaccination requirements/Covid-19 testing as proposed in a trial by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration earlier last week. This goes along with statements made today that this "trial/pilot" would not be enforced, at least for September.

-Markets can open until 8:00 P.M., including for "non-essentials like clothes, etc."

-Malls/Community malls/Department stores (all areas unless stated below) can open until 8:00 P.M., most stores/restaurants can open but cinemas, water parks, fitness centers/gyms, arcades/arcade boxes are still closed as well as any other sector not allowed to open (like bars or entertainment venues).

-Public parks, sports fields and stadiums (NO spectators), outdoor swimming pools, outdoor places for exercise, open until 8:00 P.M. No alcohol at all these places. Golf was NOT specifically mentioned, we know we will get lots of questions about this but is likely considered an outdoor sports place. We would advise interested players to contact your course of interest in advance. Saunas were not specifically mentioned, either. It is unclear if an outdoor place for exercise would include an outdoor gym, we suggest to call City Hall at 1337 if you own one of these establishments and check in advance.

–BEACH CAN OPEN UNTIL 8:00 P.M. for sitting, relaxing, swimming, etc. NO ALCOHOL.

-Reservoir can open until 8:00 P.M.

-Curfew continues from 9:00 P.M. to 4:00 A.M. until further notice.  It remains mandatory in Chonburi and not "optional or suggested."

-Convenience store hours remain from 4:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.

-All places previously closed remain closed (like bars, gyms, entertainment venues) and all places previously open stay open, like banks, supermarkets, etc.

-Gathering limit is raised from 5 people to 25 people. However, there is still a ban on "parties" or social gatherings around alcohol, and alcohol is banned from public places like parks, reservoirs, etc. Technically, the older rule about more than one person gathered around alcohol is still in place.

-Interprovincial travel and interdistrict travel is ok, but keep in mind especially between provinces that some provinces have strict rules and you should check with a destination province in advance. Chonburi has no entry requirements or rules/vaccination requirements/tests.

  -If you are unsure if your business or venue can open please call City Hall's helpline at 1337, they can provide any assistance needed.

This all starts effective September 1st, 2021 until further notice.

A total of 2,542 pregnant women and 134 new-born babies were found infected with COVID-19 between April 1st this year and August 28th and, among these, 68 women and 24 newborn babies have died, said CCSA Spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin today (Monday). PBS World

2,542 pregnant women infected with COVID-19, 68 die in Thailand since April 1

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A total of 2,542 pregnant women and 134 new-born babies were found infected with COVID-19 between April 1^st this year and August 28^th and, among these, 68 women and 24 newborn babies have died, said CCSA Spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin today (Monday).

Dr. Taweesin reemphasized the need for pregnant women to be given priority for inoculation, along with people over 60 and those afflicted with any of the seven underlying diseases, as he sought public understanding over the need to vaccinate these people ahead of others.

The provinces with most infected pregnant are Bangkok (488), Samut Sakhon (449), Pathum Thani (101), Samut Prakan (93), Narathiwat (87), Songkhla (87), Tak (86), Ayutthaya (77), and Khon Kaen (63). 37,357 pregnant women have received their first vaccine doses, while 3,533 others have received two jabs, out of the target of 500,000 women.

Dr. Taweesin also listed five provinces with the highest weekly infection rate in August. They are:

• Samut Prakan – 8,156 cases from August 17^th – 23^rd; 10,546 cases from August 24^th – 30^th.
• Rayong – 2,108 cases from August 17^th – 23^rd; 2,826 cases from August 24^th – 30^th.
• Phuket – 633 cases from August 17^th – 23^rd; 1,165 cases from August 24^th – 30^th.
• Trat – 173 cases from August 17^th – 23^rd; 615 cases from Aug 24^th – 30^th.
• Kanchanaburi – 2,056 cases from Aug 17^th – 23^rd; 2,391 cases from Aug 24^th – 30^th.

Dr. Taweesin explained that the CCSA has not eased lockdown restrictions as such, from September 1^st, but has adjusted measures in line with the "Smart Control and Living with COVID-19" concept.

He said the Ministry of Public Health and relevant agencies have been instructed to formulate measures and plans for the procurement and distribution of medical equipment and vaccines for hospitals and other treatment facilities and to inform the public, the private sector and business operators about the "Universal Prevention" strategy and "COVID Free Setting" concept.

The CCSA reported 15,972 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, 17,281 more recoveries and 256 more fatalities.

Cumulative infections, since April 1^st this year, are 1,161,200 and cumulative infections since last year are 1,190,063. The death toll, since last year, is 11,399 and 11,305 since April 1^st this year.

176,137 people are still being treated in various facilities, including general and field hospitals, home and community isolation facilities. 

More than 31,000 children in the country, aged from under one to five years, have been infected with COVID-19 in the past four months. Most were infected by close relatives or other caretakers and, of these, nine have died, said Dr. Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai, director-general of Thailand’s Department of Health, today (Monday). PBS World

Over 31,000 children in Thailand infected with COVID-19 in past 4 months, 9 dead

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More than 31,000 children in the country, aged from under one to five years, have been infected with COVID-19 in the past four months. Most were infected by close relatives or other caretakers and, of these, nine have died, said Dr. Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai, director-general of Thailand's Department of Health, today (Monday).

Citing data released on August 21^st, he said that, within a week, 5,298 additional infections among young children, including 4,773 Thais and 525 foreigners, were recorded, representing an increase of 33% over the previous week.

Of the 31,811 cases, 27,755 are Thais and the rest are children of foreign migrant workers. Bangkok had the most infections, logging 5,806 cases, followed by 2,324 in Samut Sakhon and 1,993 in Chon Buri.

Dr. Suwanchai said that 18,807 of the cases were confirmed to be infected by people close to them, adding that the infection pattern among children is no different to that among adults, but children are more vulnerable to serious complications or illnesses, if they are obese or have other diseases such as diabetes, hearing problems, asthma or genetic metabolic disorders.

Citing nurseries and child development centres as ideal breeding grounds for the contagion, Dr. Suwanchai asked the operators of such facilities to increase cleanliness, to make sure that their venues are disinfected, that toys and frequently touched surfaces are cleansed and that buses for children are disinfected, adding that outsiders should not be allowed into the facilities.

He also advised parents to bring their children straight home from the nurseries, shower them and change their clothes immediately, as a precaution against spreading the virus at home.

Teachers or caretakers at the child centres and nurseries are being told to keep a close watch on the children in their care for any symptoms, such as coughs or fever, separate them from each other, while conducting self-screenings on regular basis. 

Press Release: Thailand eases COVID-19 restrictions from 1 September 2021. Monday, 30 August 2021, 17:31. Pattaya News

Press Release: Thailand eases COVID-19 restrictions from 1 September 2021

Monday, 30 August 2021, 17:31

The following is a press release from the Thai Tourism Authority. Their statements and opinions are entirely their own.

Bangkok, 30 August 2021 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide an update on the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in the 29 dark-red zone provinces, effective from Wednesday, 1 September 2021, until further notice.

Resumption of businesses and services in dark-red zone provinces

The following services and venues are allowed to resume operations.

• Restaurants and eateries, including those inside shopping malls or similar venues, are allowed to resume dine-in services up until 20.00 Hrs. without the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Seating for dine-in customers shall be limited at 50% for air-conditioned restaurants and at 75% for the open-air ones. (There was no mention of requirements of all customers and staff being fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or required testing. The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration later explained this is a trial/pilot program, but won't be enforced at this time-Editor.)
• Hair and beauty salons.
• Health massage shops and health spa shops are allowed to reopen only for foot massage services.
• Markets can open up until 20.00 Hrs.
• Shopping malls, shopping centers, community malls, or similar establishments can resume normal operations until 20.00 Hrs., with limitations on the following venues and services:
  • Aesthetic clinics, medical clinics for beauty services, and cosmetic clinics are allowed to accept customers with an advance appointment.
  • Hair and beauty salons are allowed to accept customers with an advance appointment for a one-hour service per customer.
  • Health massage shops and health spa shops are allowed to open only for foot massage services with an advance appointment.
  • Tutorial schools, cinemas, water parks, and amusement parks, swimming pools, fitness centers, and gaming centers, as well as banquet and meeting activities, are to remain closed(in malls).
• Public parks, sports fields, sports complexes, and outdoor swimming pools can open up until 20.00 Hrs. and organize competitions without audiences.
• Educational institutions of all types.

What remains open?

Hospitals, medical facilities, medical clinics, pharmacies, shops, factories, banking, and financial services, ATMs, telecommunication services, postage and parcel services, pet food shops, building materials, and construction supplies stores, shops selling miscellaneous necessary items, cooking gas stores, petrol stations, and online delivery services continue to open under strict disease control measures.

Interprovincial Travel

Travel between dark-red zone provinces and other areas can resume although the government asks that unnecessary travel be avoided.

Public transport is allowed to operate at 75% of the seating capacity and must apply social distancing measures.

Gatherings of people

Public and private organizations, as well as people, are still prohibited to organise any activities prone to the spread of disease, but the number of attendees has been increased for each zone.

Dark-red zone: No gatherings of more than 25 people (from previously 5 people).

Red zone: No gatherings of more than 50 people (from previously 20 people).

Orange zone: No gatherings of more than 100 people (from previously 50 people).

Curfew & Work from Home

Effective from 1-14 September 2021, the night-time curfew in the 29 dark-red zone provinces remains in place between 21.00-04.00 Hrs. Meanwhile, government agencies and private companies are asked to have their employees work from home as much as possible over the next two weeks.

Closure of entertainment venues

Entertainment venues of all types are ordered to remain closed until further notice.

Self-protective measures and distancing efforts

As usual, people nationwide are asked to continue abiding by the health and safety measures in place; such as wearing a face mask at all times while outside of their residence, regularly washing hands with soap and water/cleaning alcohol, and avoiding unnecessary close contact with others.

TAT would like to remind all travelers to continue with D-M-H-T-T-A precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19: D – Distancing, M – Mask wearing, H – Handwashing, T – Temperature check, T – Testing for COVID-19, and A – alert application.

Thailand's color-coding system for COVID-19 control remains in place for the following provinces:

29 Maximum and Strict Controlled Areas or dark-red zone provinces

Central Region: Bangkok and 28 other provinces: Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Lop Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ratchaburi, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Sing Buri, and Suphan Buri; Eastern Region: Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Prachin Buri, and Rayong; Northern Region: Phetchabun and Tak; Northeastern Region: Nakhon Ratchasima, and Southern Region: Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla, and Yala.

37 Strict Controlled Areas or red zone provinces

Central Region: Chai Nat; Eastern Region: Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, and Trat; Northern Region: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kamphaeng Phet, Lampang, Lamphun, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Uthai Thani, and Uttaradit; Northeastern Region: Amnat Charoen, Buri Ram, Chaiyaphum, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Loei, Maha Sarakham, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nong Khai, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Yasothon, and Southern Region: Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Ranong, Satun, and Trang.

11 Controlled Areas or orange zone provinces

Northern Region: Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phayao, and Phrae; Northeastern Region: Bueng Kan, Mukdahan, and Nakhon Phanom, and Southern Region: Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Surat Thani.



Vaccination update



Getting a lot of questions about vaccination to eat at restaurants, required antigen test kits, staff vaccinated etc. The CCSA spokesman just clarified these after mixed messages from the Bangkok Governor and others over the past day. Pattaya News

Getting a lot of questions about vaccination to eat at restaurants, required antigen test kits, staff vaccinated etc. The CCSA spokesman just clarified these after mixed messages from the Bangkok Governor and others over the past day.

According to the CCSA, all the new universal prevention measures are trials and pilot programs through at least the end of September as the country learns to live with Covid19. They will not be enforced (at a national level)at this time due to lack of supply and people vaccinated. They are aimed to eventually be permanent policy but are in a pilot period.

The CCSA will continue to work with restaurant partners throughout this time as more test kits are supplied and people vaccinated and work on adjustments to the plan. According to the CCSA they do not want to make people's lives difficult or raise expenses.

Restaurants will need to follow all existing rules like social distancing, check in, temperature checks, as well as 50 percent capacity in air con, 75 percent no air con or outside in dark red zones. No alcohol at restaurants. All this will be enforced. There will not be enforcement around rapid atks or everyone being vaccinated, including customers at this time as it is a pilot program (universal prevention). Of course, if a restaurant chooses to implement these rules they have the choice but if they are unable to do so due to supply of vaccines or kits (the case almost everywhere) then they can still open. The Bangkok Governor also confirmed this today.

Importantly, Chonburi has not yet released their provincial orders allowing anything to ease September 1st, we are still waiting for this. They can also strengthen rules if they wish.

Also keep in mind that local law enforcement could interpret the admittedly confusing rules differently than national announcements during this transition period. However, the overall message is the widely panned vaccination and testing rules are not yet to be enforced and a trial/pilot, welcome news for restaurant owners.

This is however eventually the direction they are going and high risk business owners should be working on a long-term plan to get all their staff vaccinated and expect regular testing in the future. Customers should be focused on getting their own vaccinations when they can knowing that, eventually, the pilot program will likely become policy.

Disclaimer; As always subject to change and interpretation of different provinces and municipalities. We will provide the Chonburi rules when they come out.

"Roadmap for Thailand’s reopening and recovery" The Public Health Ministry has come up with a roadmap to help boost Thailand’s economy and reopen the country safely. The aim is to have 70 per cent of the population fully vaccinated by December this year. The ministry admitted that eradicating the disease is not possible at this point, but the roadmap provides guidelines on living with it in the short term. The Nation



Thailand's tourism minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn told business media Than Setthakit that his ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand were working on adding seven provinces in the eastern seaboard and north east Thailand to the reopening plans for foreign tourists. ASEAN NOW

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Picture: Than Setthakit

 

Thailand's tourism minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn told business media Than Setthakit that his ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand were working on adding seven provinces in the eastern seaboard and north east Thailand to the reopening plans for foreign tourists.

 

On the eastern seaboard this refers to Trat, Chanthaburi and Rayong and specifically to the islands of Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Koh Man Nork and Koh Samet. 

 

In the north east Bung Kan, Nong Khai, Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani would be allowed to reopen to foreign tourists though the minister conceded that each one faced its own challenges. 

 

These seven provinces could reopen in October. 

 

The same October time frame is now looking likely for Chiang Mai and Chonburi (Pattaya and Sattahip) after more infections there put an end to September reopening plans. 

 

October is also slated for the reopening of Bangkok, Hua Hin and Cha-Am, said Pipat. 

 

These three areas and many more in the south of Thailand connected to Phuket Sandbox and 7+7 Extension plans were part of ten original provinces slated for reopening, said the minister yesterday.

 



Phuket COVID restrictions extended. - Schools are to remain closed and the ban on restaurants serving alcohol or allowing alcohol to be consumed on the premises remains in place -- but swimming pools and boxing training camps now allowed to reopen. Phuket News



Phuket COVID restrictions extended

PHUKET: Schools are to remain closed and the ban on restaurants serving alcohol or allowing alcohol to be consumed on the premises remains in place after a new order was issued yesterday extending the COVID restrictions in effect across Phuket.

The order, No 4978/2564 issued by Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew yesterday (Aug 29), is to come into effect on Wednesday (Sept 1) and is to remain in effect until at least Sept 14.

Under the order, all educational institutions on the island are ordered to remain closed except for those conducting "pilot teaching" and studying in private schools under the project "Phuket Safety School Sandbox" in accordance with current disease control measures and only with approval from the Phuket Provincial Disease Control Committee.

The order gave no explanation of the "Phuket Safety School Sandbox" project.

Non-formal education classes of less than five participants may also continue, but all other classes are to be conducted online.

Meanwhile, all pubs, bars and other "entertainment" venues are to remain closed, as are all venues for cockfighting, fish fighting, bird races, chicken races and gambling venues as well as boxing stadiums, venues for snooker, billiards or any other pool table establishment.

Computer game shops and internet cafes are also to remain closed.

However, now removed from the list of venues that must remain closed are swimming pools for public use operated by government offices or private entities are allowed to open, as well as boxing schools and all kinds of martial arts schools, including Woosoo, Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, International Boxing, Judo, Aikido training centres. (See previous order here.)

Restaurants and other food and beverage outlets may open for their usual hours, but the ban on serving, selling or allowing alcohol to be consumed on site remains in effect. 

Fresh markets and walking street markets must limit the number of customers at the market, and maintain social distancing of four square metres per person.

The order also increases the maximum number of people allowed to gather at an approved event from 50 people to 100 people. Events or activities held by officials are exempted.

"People should refrain from organising social events in the form of parties, banquets or festivities during this time unless it is a traditional ceremony such as a funeral, ordination or wedding. If the activity cannot be postponed, then it is to be held in accordance with all COVID protection measures," the order notes.

Convenience stores are allowed to operate only between 4am and 11pm.

Sports fields or places for outdoor exercise, parks, courtyards, open-air public activity areas may still remain open until 9pm and are allowed to host competitions with a limited number of visitors.

Places or indoor exercise such as courts, gyms, fitness, yoga, aerobics, exercise classes, badminton may remain open until 9pm, with the number of users limited according to the size of the area. 

Such indoor excerise venues without air conditioning must have open space and good ventilation, and must limit the number of service users to use no more than 75% of the area. Air-conditioned rooms at such venues must not use more than 50% of the area and service providers and users must be fully vaccinated and follow the  D-M-H-T-T-A disease prevention and control measures.

All government offices and workplaces are to arrange for staff to work from home where appropriate.

Government officers are prohibited from leaving the province unless it is for urgent business and may do so only with written approval from superior officers.

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 747 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with 5 new deaths, August 30th. This is the lowest number of new Covid-19 cases in the province in five weeks roughly, since June 24th. Pattaya News

Chonburi reports 747 new Covid-19 cases with 5 deaths, another drop

Monday, 30 August 2021, 10:52

Chonburi, Thailand –

Highlights:

• 747 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today

• 1,227 people recovered and were released from medical care

• 5 new deaths

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 747 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with 5 new deaths, August 30th. This is the lowest number of new Covid-19 cases in the province in five weeks roughly, since June 24th.

This makes a total of 61,682 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 16,366 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 384 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April. The details on yesterday's 5 new deaths were not given, which is standard for the health department.

Additionally, 1,227 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 44,932 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began.

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Mueang Chonburi 185, Si Racha 230, Banglamung (Pattaya) 90, Panat Nikhom 46, Sattahip 19, Ban Bueang 61, Pan Thong 34, Bor Thong 17, Ko Chan 4, Nong Yai 8, Koh Si Chang 1 and 52 new cases transferred from other provinces for medical care.

The details on the cases are as follows:

1. Vanda Pack Co., Ltd., Mueang Chon Buri District, 5 cases
2. Cluster, Kaset Chon Co., Ltd. in Bor Thong District, 8 cases
3. Cluster, Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in Si Racha, 7 cases
4. Cluster, TMC Industrial Public Co. Ltd. in Mueang Chonburi District, 4 cases
5. A risky occupation, meeting a lot of people, 22 cases
6. Provided a history of traveling from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, 1 case
7. 4 medical staffers
8. 61 cases from enterprises in Rayong province
9. Close contacts of confirmed patients – 230 in familes, 106 in workplaces, 12  close people/friends and 5 joined an illegal party
10. Close contact of confirmed patients (under investigation), 99 cases
11. 183 cases are under investigation in general as to the cause of the disease.

A total of 1,093 close contact searches were received today, and 433 proactive search reports are pending.

There are currently clusters of outbreaks in 61 establishments and five markets, 10 construction worker camps, and four communities 

Following the initial optimism coming out of Phuket in southern Thailand the Thai media is now digging in its claws. The honeymoon is well and truly over and now the island needs to deliver. ASEAN NOW

REUTERS file photo for reference only

 

Following the initial optimism coming out of Phuket in southern Thailand the Thai media is now digging in its claws.

 

The honeymoon is well and truly over and now the island needs to deliver.

 

Manager quoted Thanet Tantiphiriyakij of the Phuket Tourism Business Association as saying that the rise in cases on the island was all internal and nothing to do with foreigners coming in who were all subject to being double vaxxed and having banks of tests.

 

He called for movement from outside to be relaxed so that the economy could continue to grow.

 

Fellow tourist business spokeswoman Chernporn Kanchanasaya said that the health authorities need to reassess in September and get more people vaccinated including children.

 

The "Smart Checkpoint" land border plan needs to be up and running by October to encourage people to travel.

 

Meanwhile elsewhere in the Thai media came a damning assessment from tourism advisor Sarayuth Mallam who said "farang" had told him that they had been conned into coming to Phuket. 

 

He spoke of visitors being unable to travel to places like Krabi and Koh Phi Phi because of onerous swab tests on return to Phuket. 

 

Consequently they were not making onward bookings.

 

He said that he had received complaints from tourists that not only could they not move around as promised but it was ridiculous that they could not get a beer or a glass of wine. 

 

Foreigners had said that they were misled into thinking that Phuket was really open when in reality it was not.

 

But he said that the Sandbox needs to remain or the island would have no tourists in October high season.

 

All along the Sandbox was designed to use Phuket  and visiting tourists like guinea pigs for a bigger reopening and more money come the fourth quarter, suggests ASEAN NOW.

 

Without this income the scheme will be looked on as a pilot that did okay for a while but ultimately failed. 

 

Sarayuth said that if the Sandbox ends that will be the death knell for Phuket. 

 

They need Bangkok tourists and the Chinese and Europeans in large numbers to survive. 

 

Vaccine conundrum - Despite shortages of vaccines and people struggling to get access as they look forward to resuming normal life, not everyone is eager to get vaccinated. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many of us have seen at least one person, whether it's a family member, friend, or relative, who choose to continue living in the midst of an outbreak without getting vaccinated. These people usually keep the decision to themselves and get offended or upset when they're asked if they plan to get vaccinated. Bangkok Post

Vaccine conundrum

Despite shortages of vaccines and people struggling to get access as they look forward to resuming normal life, not everyone is eager to get vaccinated.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, many of us have seen at least one person, whether it's a family member, friend, or relative, who choose to continue living in the midst of an outbreak without getting vaccinated. These people usually keep the decision to themselves and get offended or upset when they're asked if they plan to get vaccinated.

Why are some people more afraid of getting vaccinated than catching Covid-19? It's a question one may ask but anti-vaxxers are not ignorant. They're a diverse group who have many reasons to avoid getting vaccinated. They include adults and the elderly who are concerned that vaccines aren't safe or that potential side effects aren't worth the risk. Some think the risk of getting Covid is quite low, especially if they're staying home most of the time. Meanwhile, others simply lack trust in the government or are not interested in certain brands of vaccines provided by the government who they think are profiting from people's lives.

According to a "Bangkok Poll" by Bangkok University Research Center on the status of vaccination of 1,248 people aged 18 and above between July and August across all regions of the country, 47.2% said they had booked an appointment and were waiting to get vaccinated, 19.3% were looking forward to alternative vaccines, 14.9% said they were waiting to register, and 10% did not plan to get vaccinated at all.

This apparently has become a big issue, especially in Western countries. In America, around 30% of adults are anti-vaxxers who believe their choice has been taken away as governments and companies are debating whether Covid-19 vaccines should become mandatory. In Germany, unvaccinated Germans will have to foot the bill if they want to eat out or go shopping. In France, access to trains, domestic flights and restaurants and bars will only be allowed to the fully vaccinated, leading a quarter million to protest against the tightening of rules against the unvaccinated.

While this may not happen in Thailand, or at least not yet, since we're still in lockdown with people at home maintaining social distance, however, once the situation becomes better in another year or two as people go back to work and schools reopen, I think this could become a divisive issue at that time. We'll see it in workplaces, schools and other public places where people who are vaccinated will claim that their rights are being infringed upon. They won't want to go to a clinic where healthcare workers haven't been vaccinated or to work or the supermarket without assurances that they are not breathing in Covid or are safe.

I understand and don't think it's silly that one would hesitate to get a vaccine because no matter how much science you know or how logical you think they are, vaccines can be scary. There's something about someone injecting us with a foreign substance, not to mention the news about people dying after getting a shot. Unfortunately, everything we do comes with risks and vaccines are no different. However, the important questions here include how likely are the possible downsides and what are the hidden dangers of not acting. Of course, if you're going to inject millions of people with a vaccine, someone somewhere is going to have an adverse reaction. However, for the vast majority, the chance of things going seriously wrong is small.

Another thing we all need to understand is this is not a personal problem. This only works if everyone takes their responsibility to be part of the Covid solution. The fact is that the vast majority of people who are now getting sick or potentially dying of Covid are unvaccinated, they're more likely to be passing on the virus to other people because they're more likely to be infected. The hard truth is that if you decide not to get the Covid vaccine, you are robbing someone else of their right to live a healthy life. So, it's not merely a personal choice, but something that affects the lives of a lot of other people.

The bottom line is that I hope the government would step up and make sure everyone has access to better and alternative vaccines. Also, the government must make them available and convenient for everyone while ensuring it gains the trust of anti-vaxxers who can be convinced to get vaccinated.

---

Tatat Bunnag is a feature writer for the Life section of the Bangkok Post.

Sandbox at risk of collapse after surge. "We have to join forces and move forward. This is a life-and-death situation for the future of Phuket Sandbox,'' the governor said. Bangkok Post

Sandbox at risk of collapse after surge

People are pictured at Karon beach in Phuket on Aug 14, 2021. (Reuters photo)

PHUKET: Local tourism organisations have called for strict Covid-19 curbs to be relaxed to help with a quick recovery despite authorities struggling under the weight of a new surge of up to 200 infections a day.

Thanet Tantipiriyakit, president of the Phuket Tourism Council (PTC), said the latest cases were not caused by tourists but by local activities.

Disease control measures should be eased to allow visitors who are fully vaccinated and pass swab tests to enter the province to boost economic recovery, he said.

Chernporn Kanchanasaya, president of the Federation of Thai Industries' Phuket Chapter, said September will be a pivotal month. It is essential to vaccinate as many local residents as possible to shield them from the virus.

She also said the Digital Economy Promotion Agency is expected to set up smart checkpoints to screen visitors in October.

"The best measures must be put in place before people are allowed to enter Phuket,'' she said.

Sarayuth Mallam, chief adviser to the PCT, said that if the island is put under a two-month lockdown, it could spell doom for the Phuket Sandbox scheme.

"Foreign consuls have said foreign visitors already feel deceived having arrived in Phuket. If the province is locked down again, no visitors will come at all," Mr Sarayuth said.

"Tourists from Bangkok and Europe will disappear during the high season. We need to strike a balance to coexist with Covid," he added.

Tourists from Europe want to dine and have a beer and wine together, but right now they can't do anything. Many have said they have felt cheated for three months now.

"If Phuket was not ready, then why reopen? Without an easing of the curbs, all will be ruined,'' Mr Sarayuth said.

Phuket governor Narong Woonciew said local authorities are stepping up efforts to contain the surge of infections as quickly as possible. Many of the new cases were detected using antigen test kits, whose results were confirmed again for accuracy by RT-PCR, he said.

Transmissions have increased among residents and migrant workers, he added.

With the spikes in local infections, the prospects for the Phuket Sandbox scheme may look dimmer now than when it first started, he said.

"We have to do everything we can to get through this difficult situation and hope case numbers will slow down.

"We have to join forces and move forward. This is a life-and-death situation for the future of Phuket Sandbox,'' the governor said.

Booster shots start 'next month'. A source at the ministry said AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines will initially serve as the booster shots because by that time there will be enough supplies from the two manufacturers. Among the 3 million people to get the booster shots, many of them are likely to be those who already received two shots of Sinovac vaccine at least three months previously, the source said. Bangkok Post

Booster shots start 'next month'

A woman is administered with a Covid-19 vaccine shot in the Pfizer day at The Mall shopping centre in Ngamwongwan organised by Nonthaburi province. (Photo: Apichit Jinakul)

Covid-19 vaccine booster shots will be administered to about 3 million Thais who have already received their two shots starting from late next month, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC).

DDC director-general Opas Karnkawinpong said the Public Health Ministry's subcommittee on Covid-19 vaccination agreed the booster shots will be given to Thais from late September until October.

"Which vaccine type will be used depends on the availability of the vaccine supply at that time and an estimated 3 million people who have already received two vaccine shots are expected to receive the booster shots," Dr Opas said.

A source at the ministry said AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines will initially serve as the booster shots because by that time there will be enough supplies from the two manufacturers.

Among the 3 million people to get the booster shots, many of them are likely to be those who already received two shots of Sinovac vaccine at least three months previously, the source said.

Permanent secretary for public health Kiattiphum Wongrajit said on Sunday the latest wave of Covid-19 infections shows some signs of slowing down.

As a result, the hospital bed occupancy rates in Bangkok and surrounding provinces have dropped, particularly among green-and-yellow coded patients with mild symptoms, he said.

According to the Busarakham field hospital in Nonthaburi, on Saturday there were 1,905 patients being treated there, a 54% reduction from the previous week which saw 3,526 patients, Dr Kiattiphum said.

As for transmissions in the provinces, infections were still detected in communities, markets, and camps for construction workers, he said, adding that health authorities were instructed to ramp up proactive mass testing using antigen test kits (ATKs).

Those who test positive will be placed in home and community isolation systems to prevent the spread of the disease to other areas, Dr Kiattiphum said.

He said infections still spread among family members, causing deaths among vulnerable groups which had not been vaccinated.

He stressed the need to vaccinate people aged 60 and older, and those suffering from underlying illnesses that put them at risk, such as diabetes, obesity, chronic respiratory disease, heart and arterial disease, as well as women who have been pregnant for at least 12 weeks.

As of Saturday, a total of 30,679,289 vaccine doses were administered nationwide from Feb 28. Of them, 22,807,078 were given as first shots; 7,287,885 second shots; and 584,326 third shots.

Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said as many as 140 million Covid-19 vaccine doses are expected to be procured by the end of this year.

The government is in talks to procure an additional 2 million doses of AstraZeneca per month from September to December and 2.5-3 million Pfizer vaccine doses per month from September to December, he said.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed the Public Health Ministry to procure vaccines for children aged 12-18 to prepare them for the safe reopening of schools, Mr Thanakorn said, adding that more than 573,000 teachers have been vaccinated.

Thailand logged 264 more Covid-19 fatalities and 16,536 new cases over the previous 24 hours, the first time new daily infections dropped below 17,000 all month, the Public Health Ministry reported on Sunday.

There were 16,298 cases in the general population and 328 among prison inmates.

With new cases slowing down, the CCSA on Friday announced the easing of Covid-19 restrictions on certain businesses in dark-red zone provinces, including restaurants, shopping malls, beauty salons, massage shops and parks, from Wednesday.

The changes include allowing restaurants to resume dine-in services, at 75% capacity in outdoor dining spaces and 50% in air-conditioned locations.

But all service staff must have two doses of vaccine and be tested with ATKs every 5-7 days. The guidelines also require customers to show proof of vaccination before they can enter restaurants to dine.

The curfew from 9pm-4am remains in effect for at least two weeks.



🔴 #COVID19 on Monday: ⬇️ 15,972 cases ⬇️ 256 deaths. Richard Barrow



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