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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004689

3 million Covid vaccines from China arrive in Bangkok

Five million doses of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine have been delivered to Thailand so far, while another five million doses will be delivered by August 31, Chulabhorn Royal Academy secretary-general Nithi Mahanonda said in his Facebook post on Sunday.

He said 1,615,315 people had been given their first shot and 609,718 people had got their second shot, bringing the total number of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine doses administered to 2,225,033.

He added that 2,431,443 people were awaiting their Sinopharm jabs, of which 234,334 doses were allocated for corporations, 2,042,820 doses for local administration offices and 154,289 doses for the general public.

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Separately, the Chinese Embassy in a Facebook post said 3 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines — 2 million Sinopharm doses and 1 million Sinovac doses — had arrived in Bangkok on Sunday.

The embassy added that China had already delivered 24.55 million doses of vaccines to Thailand.

“China and Thailand are not anyone else, but relatives,” the embassy said.

Published : August 15, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004688

Long queue fails to deter elderly seeking Pfizer vaccine in Samut Prakan

Senior citizens queued up from the early hours of the day to receive Pfizer shots at Bang Phli Yai Klang temple in Samut Prakan province.

The temple was opened to administer the Pfizer vaccine for Samut Prakan residents who are over 60 years old, and women more than 12 weeks pregnant.
A total of 2,600 Pfizer shots were to be administered to the target groups on Saturday and Sunday. 

The temple was bustling with activity as many elderly people turned up to receive the jab on the last day.
One of the officers said that a few people had queued up at midnight on Saturday, while the inoculation timings are from 7am to 3pm.

Long queue fails to deter elderly seeking Pfizer vaccine in Samut PrakanLong queue fails to deter elderly seeking Pfizer vaccine in Samut PrakanLong queue fails to deter elderly seeking Pfizer vaccine in Samut PrakanLong queue fails to deter elderly seeking Pfizer vaccine in Samut PrakanLong queue fails to deter elderly seeking Pfizer vaccine in Samut PrakanLong queue fails to deter elderly seeking Pfizer vaccine in Samut Prakan

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Long queue fails to deter elderly seeking Pfizer vaccine in Samut PrakanLong queue fails to deter elderly seeking Pfizer vaccine in Samut PrakanLong queue fails to deter elderly seeking Pfizer vaccine in Samut PrakanLong queue fails to deter elderly seeking Pfizer vaccine in Samut PrakanLong queue fails to deter elderly seeking Pfizer vaccine in Samut PrakanLong queue fails to deter elderly seeking Pfizer vaccine in Samut Prakan

Published : August 15, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004687

TDRI urges govt to prioritise procurement of high-quality vaccines

The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) has said the country is far from ready to be reopened in 120 days as previously stated by the prime minister.

In an article titled “Investing in Public Health”, published on Tuesday, the TDRI suggested that the focus should be on restoring public health back to normal as swiftly and effectively as possible, in order to resume normal economic activity.

The article was written by TDRI director Saowaruj Rattanakhamfu.
The article said that the government’s tardy management is damaging citizens’ lives and the economy. The country is losing more than THB1.5 billion every month in the tourism sector alone.

Compared to the UK, Israel and Singapore, which have been reopened due to the easing of the pandemic situation, Thailand is still far from returning to normal.
As only 21.9 per cent of the population had got the first vaccine dose, and as many had received Sinovac which is not considered as having high efficacy, Saowaruj said it would be impossible to reopen the country in October as announced by the government.

The TDRI has made the following suggestions:

1. The government needs to promptly invest in high-quality vaccines, including Favipiravir medication, and transparently inoculate the right target groups.
2. As the vaccine procurement process is slow, the government should predominantly invest in proactive virus testing. More virus testing points should be set up and antigen test kits should be distributed to business establishments, especially to small and medium-sized enterprises and businesses whose staff are not able to work from home.
3. Isolate and treat infected patients as soon as possible, especially homeless people and those who live in crowded communities.
4. Increase compensation for frontline personnel, and provide risk prevention measures for them and their families. Distribution of high-quality vaccine should be the top priority.
5. Increase the number of staff and volunteers to treat patients who practice isolation at home or at community isolation centres.

Regarding the funding required to implement these five suggestions, Saowaruj said the government can allocate some money from the THB500 billion Royal Decree Loan which was recently released, and from the central budget for fiscal year 2021-22.

“By allocating the money from these sources, the government should be able to find approximately THB1.34 billion in order to bring Thailand back to normal,” said Saowaruj.

Published : August 15, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004683

Police issue traffic alert for Bangkok

The Metropolitan Police Bureau and Traffic Police Division have advised motorists in Bangkok to check and avoid using routes where pro-democracy protesters will organise a “car mob” anti-government rally on Sunday from 11am.

According to “1197 Callcentre” Facebook post, the police advised motorists to avoid using the following routes

1. Around Ratchaprasong intersection

2. Democracy Monument – Sai Tai Kao – Rama VII Bridge

3. Si Ayutthaya – Lat Phrao intersection (Ha Yaek Lat Phrao)

4. Phra Samut Chedi – Wongwian Yai

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For more information, please visit “1197 Callcentre” Facebook page or contact 1197 anytime.

Published : August 15, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004680

Five tips for recovered Covid patients to avoid reinfection

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) on Saturday suggested five hygiene measures for Covid-19 patients who have recovered to prevent re-infection.

Cured patients, who have completed the 14-day treatment and are allowed to go home, have been urged to practice these five measures without home isolation until the pandemic situation ends.

DDC chief Dr Opas Karnkawinpong said on Saturday that currently on average 20,000 Covid-19 patients recover daily, with cumulative cured cases between April 1 and August 13 at 640,130.

“Those who have recovered after 14 days of hospital treatment or home isolation are categorised as in the non-transmission phase. They do not need to practice home isolation, and can perform their normal routines, he said. However, they could get re-infected three months after recovery. Therefore, they will need to receive vaccine shots afterwards,” said the chief.

The five hygiene measures he suggests are:

1. Wear face mask when in the company of other people, and maintain social distance.
2. Wash hands with soap and water frequently, or apply 70 per cent alcohol gel or spray thoroughly before eating, after going to the bathroom and picking up objects.
3. Use separate eating utensils and water glasses.
4. Drink lots of clean water and eat freshly cooked food in all five food groups, especially fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C. Avoid foods that are difficult to digest, milk and fresh fruits if you have symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting. 
5. Get enough sleep to help the body repair. No alcohol consumption, smoking or drugs to prevent damage to internal organs which can weaken health.

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Five tips for recovered Covid patients to avoid reinfection

“During the recovery period at home, the cured patients need to observe themselves. If there are symptoms of high fever, coughing, tiredness, chest pain, breathing difficulty or lost food appetite, it may be caused by the coronavirus or other virus infection. Please contact the hospital where the patients were treated immediately, or call the DDC hotline 1422. 
“Face masks must be worn while travelling at all times,” Dr Opas added.

Published : August 15, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004678

7 per cent of population fully vaccinated

Over 22.50 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Thailand, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation said.

As of Friday, 17,239,593 people, or 26 per cent of total population, had been given their first Covid-19 shot, 4,855,000 people, or 7.3 per cent of total population, had got their second shot and 414,066 people, or 0.6 per cent of total population, had got their third shot, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered to 22,508,659.

In terms of vaccine brands, the total number of vaccine doses administered are as follows:

Sinovac:

▪︎ 7,350,243 people were given their first shot;

▪︎ 3,443,840 people were given their second shot

AstraZeneca:

▪︎ 8,591,197 people were given their first shot;

▪︎ 903,550 people were given their second shot;

▪︎ 190,515 people were given their third shot.

Sinopharm:

▪︎ 1,254,460 people were given their first shot;

▪︎ 488,150 people were given their second shot;

Pfizer:

▪︎ 43,693 people were given their first shot;

▪︎ 19,460 people were given their second shot;

▪︎ 223,551 people were given their third shot.

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Bangkok is the province that has administered the highest number of Covid-19 vaccine doses, followed by Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, Chonburi and Pathum Thani.

Published : August 15, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004665

Isolated heavy showers forecast for most parts of the country

More showers are forecast across the country, with isolated heavy rains in the North, the Northeast, the Central, the East and the South regions, the Thailand Meteorological Department said on Sunday.

Southeasterly winds blow across the Gulf of Thailand, the East and the lower Northeast.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon prevails over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand, and a low pressure system covers upper Vietnam.

“People should beware of the severe conditions,” the department said.

In the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand, wind waves 1-2 metres high and above two metres during thundershowers are likely.

“All ships should proceed with caution during thundershowers,” the department added.

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The weather forecast for the next 24 hours:

North: Fairly widespread rain and isolated heavy rain in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Phetchabun and Tak provinces; minimum temperature 23-25 degrees Celsius, maximum 30-35°C; southwesterly winds 10-20 km/hr.

Northeast: Fairly widespread rain with isolated heavy rains in Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, Nakhon Ratchasima Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen provinces; minimum temperature 23-25°C, maximum 29-33°C; southwesterly winds 10-20 km/hr.

Central: Scattered thundershowers with isolated heavy rains in Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Suphanburi, Chai Nat, Uthai Thani and Nakhon Sawan provinces; minimum temperature 24-25°C, maximum 32-34°C; southwesterly winds 10-20 km/hr.

East: Scattered thundershowers with isolated heavy rains in Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaew, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces; minimum temperature 24-28°C, maximum 30-33°C; southwesterly winds 15-30 km/hr; waves about a metre high and 1-2 metres during thundershowers.

South (east coast): Scattered thundershowers with isolated heavy rain in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat provinces; minimum temperature 23-26°C, maximum 31-33°C; southwesterly winds 15-30 km/hr; waves about a metre high and 1-2 metres during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Scattered thundershowers with isolated heavy rains in Ranong, Phang Nga, Trang, Phuket and Krabi provinces; minimum temperature 21-26°C, maximum 31-35°C; southwesterly winds 15-35 km/hr; waves 1-2 metres high and above two metres during thundershowers.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Scattered thundershowers; minimum temperature 25-27°C, maximum 31-32°C; southwesterly winds 10-20 km/hr.

Published : August 15, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004662

Digital TV Association joins hands with Nielsen to start new ratings system

Media watchdog NBTC has approved a budget of THB288.8 million for the development of a new television ratings system proposed by the Association of Digital Television Broadcasting (Thailand).

Amemorandum of understanding has been signed with Nielsen, who will be the contractor to conduct the cross-platform ratings both through television and online platforms for four years.

The new ratings system will cover changes in technology and consumer behaviour in the digital era to upgrade the quality of the industry,

Suphap Kleekajai, president of the Association of Digital Television Broadcasting (Thailand), said.

He said the association had continuously pushed for this project for more than two years. The aim is to create credibility, accuracy, and transparency in the origin of samples and research methods in international standards for entrepreneurs to develop programme format and for media agencies to plan advertising media purchases effectively, he said.

The association, with the participation of media agency representatives, sought qualified companies to present a new ratings plan to subscribers of all digital TV operators, Suphap said. Finally, Nielsen company with expertise, reputation, and international research survey standards has been chosen to conduct this rating survey, he said.

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The association then submitted the details of the project management plan according to the conditions to the NBTC, which allocated a budget of THB288 million to begin conducting a new television ratings survey in four years.

The key to the new television ratings survey is to expand the sample units used as the basis for developing programme ratings, from 9,000 to 13,000 samples. Simultaneously the development of new survey software will lead to cross-platform TV programme rating measurement from both terrestrial TV and online platform. The ratings survey will be conducted transparently by internationally recognised independent auditors. The new rating results will not be limited to using only to digital TV operators and the NBTC, but government agencies or educational institutions can benefit from the ratings report as well, he said.

After signing the MoU last week, the association and Nielsen immediately began implementing plans. In the first year, they will undertake installing the system, equipment and expand the sample group for collecting survey results. The first cross-platform television programme ratings will be reported around August 2022.

The cross-platform TV ratings survey is the latest research system technology that Nielsen has developed and is already being used in the United States and accepted in many countries across the world. Recently, this system has been installed in Denmark and Saudi Arabia. Thailand is the first country in Southeast Asia to implement this new TV ratings system.

Published : August 14, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004661

Siriraj’s field ICU facility to be operational from August 30

The construction of Siriraj Hospital’s field ICU facility for treatment of Covid-19 patients with severe symptoms is expected to be completed on August 28 and the facility can treat patients from August 30, hospital director Dr Wisit Wamwanich said on Saturday.

“Siriraj Hospital and two subsidiaries, namely Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital and Kanchanapisek Medical Centre, decided to build the field ICU facility after the ICU rooms at the three hospitals were quickly occupied by Covid-19 patients due to rising infections,” he said.

“The design and construction of the field ICU facility was supported by Siam Cement Group Plc under a budget of THB100 million. It is located behind Siriraj Hospital, near the 72nd Anniversary Chaloem Phrakiat Park in Bangkok Noi district.”

Siriraj’s field ICU facility to be operational from August 30

The construction of the 20-bed negative-pressure ICU facility started on July 28. The facility will be manned by medical professionals 24/7 and will be fully fitted with state-of-the-art medical equipment, medical gas supply, HVAC system, CCTV surveillance and emergency power supply. It also has a staff quarters, with separate bathrooms and shower rooms as well as a storage room for drugs and medical supplies.

“Siriraj Hospital is also planning to build an additional facility to treat Covid-19 patients who are in critical condition and those at risk of developing complications, but we still lack funding,” said Wisit.

“A donation is welcome to the ‘Siriraj Against Covid Fund’ by wiring money to Bangkok Bank Account No. 901-3-50034-4,” he said.

Published : August 14, 2021

By : THE NATION