Nonthaburi hospital director caught just as he accepted a bribe
The director of Nonthaburi’s Bang Kruai Hospital was arrested on Thursday as he allegedly received 93,000 baht in bribes from a contractor. The suspect initially denied the allegation, saying the money was meant to be spent on the hospital and on the public.
Pol Maj-General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, who oversees the Police Anti-Corruption Division, along with Poomwisan Kasemsuk, deputy secretary-general of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), swooped in on Dr Wichai Rattanapanpanich, 53, as he was receiving cash from the contractor hired to set up the hospital’s computer system.
The money was used to lure the suspect so he could be caught red-handed. Police have collected additional evidence and documents for investigation.
PACC had received a complaint via its 1206 hotline from the contractor earlier that after he signed the 280,000-baht contract to install the hospital’s computer system, the director allegedly demanded 15 per cent of the bidding price. The demand was then raised to 35 per cent (93,000 baht), the complainant said. In response, PACC coordinated with the police to set up a trap for the director.
Initial investigation also revealed that several similar complaints had been lodged against the director. Though the suspect’s secretary showed up with 500,000 baht as a bail guarantee, the authorities are still considering if he should be allowed temporary release. PACC said it will investigate the case further before forwarding it to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
“Businesses facing demands of any sort from government officials can lodge a complaint via the 1206 hotline. The authorities will investigate the case and coordinate with police accordingly,” Poomwisan said.
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Nonthaburi hospital director caught just as he accepted a bribe
Nonthaburi hospital director caught just as he accepted a bribe
Meth seized from parcel of monk supplies destined for Australia
More than 1.3 kilograms of “ice” or methamphetamine were found in two parcels to be sent to Australia at a cargo warehouse of Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province on Thursday.
The 1.335 kg of drugs were seized by the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF) under the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB).
ONCB Secretary-General Wichai Chaimongkhon explained that 490 grams of methamphetamine were found inside an orange pillow among monk supplies, while 845 grams were found among heat patches.
He said the AITF would send the confiscated parcels to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for legal action.
“The ONCB also has sent information on the addressee to the Australian Federal Police,” he said.
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Meth seized from parcel of monk supplies destined for Australia
He added that the crackdown was in line with Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan’s order on preventing drug trafficking, as it may affect the country’s reputation.
“This move is also in line with Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin’s order to strictly monitor drug trafficking via parcels to several countries, especially Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Korea,” he added.
New website set up to list Covid-19 test centres across Thailand
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has launched a new website, koncovid.com, to provide information on where people can go to get tested for Covid-19.
The site was set up after many people queried the availability of antigen tests and many places discontinued services, CCSA deputy spokesperson Dr Apisamai Srirangsan said on Friday.
“So, CCSA has cooperated with the ‘Tech for Thailand’ volunteer team to gather information on where people can get tested nationwide,” she said.
The koncovid.com website lists available Covid-19 testing centres with details such as type of facility, service charge and telephone number. However, people are advised to call the facility to check if the information is accurate.
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Apisamai added that people whose body temperature is higher than 37.3 degrees Celsius, those who have come in contact with Covid-19 patients, those who have visited at-risk areas or have risky jobs should take a Covid-19 test.
She also advised that people who test negative after taking an antigen test should go into isolation and take another test two or three days later as the first test may have provided a fake result.
“Those who test positive should call the National Health Security Office 1330 hotline or district offices across the city. They can also contact the hospital where they have been tested,” she said.
Actor surrenders after ‘accidentally’ stabbing girlfriend to death
Bangkok police received a phone call at 1.30am on Friday about a man allegedly stabbing his girlfriend to death with a fruit knife.
Police arrived at the crime scene, a townhome in Khan Na Yow district, to find 21-year-old actor Thanapat Chanakulpisan waiting to surrender. He was holding the weapon at the time.
The corpse of his girlfriend, Chatsaran Suwannakit, 25, was found on the floor with some 20 stab wounds on her chest.
The actor reportedly told police he and his girlfriend had been quarrelling and she picked up the knife from the kitchen counter.
He said he tried to take the weapon from her for fear she would injure herself but accidentally stabbed her to death in the process.
Police, however, have dismissed his explanation.
Initial investigation found that Chatsaran had posted an image of a medical certificate declaring she was clinically depressed on July 8. The image was captioned: “Getting hurt by lovers in the past and present has caused depression and made me bipolar for more than two years.”
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Actor surrenders after ‘accidentally’ stabbing girlfriend to death
Aviation authority allows Nok Air to fly from U-Tapao Airport until Aug 18
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has allowed Nok Air Plc to operate five flight routes from U-Tapao Airport in Rayong province until August 18 to facilitate travel of passengers who wish to leave the province, the airline CEO, Wutthiphum Jurangkool, said on Thursday.
The CAAT announcement came after the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration had included Rayong in the “dark-red” zone and limited travel to and from the province to curb the Covid-19 outbreak from August 5 onwards.
“Nok Air will fly passengers on four routes to and from U-Tapao, namely Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani,” he said.
“The fifth route from Phuket to U-Tapao will be one way only to comply with the announcement of Phuket’s communicable disease committee.
“Nok will fly people from Phuket to U-Tapao Airport and will return to Phuket Airport with no passengers on board to pick up more travellers,” he said.
Last week, the Phuket governor had issued an order barring entry into the province for vehicles from outside. The ban from August 3 to 16 is a part of Covid-19 preventive measures. Exceptions will be made for medical, emergency and product transporting vehicles.
Wutthiphum added that the company is proposing to related agencies to allow flights from U-Tapao to other destinations, including Chiang Rai, Surat Thani and Trang provinces, while insisting that the company is willing to comply with any disease control measures announced by destination provinces.
The CEO dismissed as false the rumours that Nok Air has stopped flying and paying staff salaries from August 3 and will resume services again in September.
“Nok Air still operates flights from U-Tapao Airport and has paid staff salaries since July 24 until now,” he added.
Chula seeks elder volunteers for Thai mRNA Covid-19 vaccine
Chulalongkorn Universitys Faculty of Medicine is looking for healthy elder volunteers to join the phase 1 human trial of ChulaCov19 vaccine, a domestically developed messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, it said that the
Volunteers must have the following qualifications:
▪︎ Age 56-75 years
▪︎ Have no chronic diseases
▪︎ Have never contracted Covid-19
▪︎Have not received any Covid-19 vaccine
Interested candidates can fill a form at http://crc.md.chula.ac.th/redcap/surveys/?s=78T7E7T3DR and leave their phone number for the staff to call back. Application deadline is August 10, while the trial is expected to start by the end of the month.
ChulaCov19 is an mRNA vaccine developed domestically in collaboration with University of Pennsylvania Professor Drew Weissman, the world-renowned scientist who invented the technology.
The vaccine is made from parts of the coronavirus’s genetic material, not the whole virus. The body uses this tiny piece of genetic material to build a spike protein, which stimulates the immune system to fight the virus in case of infection. After triggering the body to make proteins, the mRNA vaccine is destroyed and passes out of the body in a few days.
The tests on humans come after successful trials on monkeys and rats. The first phase human trial started on June 14.
How Home and Community isolation will reduce infections and deaths in Thailand
Over the past week, the terms Home Isolation and Community Isolation have become familiar to many, after they were adopted as key strategies to cope with the surge in new Covid-19 cases. Hospitals, field hospitals and hospitels are now being overwhelmed by the rapid rise in infections, while the need to prevent infected people from developing severe symptoms or dying remains paramount. So does the need to bring down the number of new infections in communities.
On the surface, the Home Isolation and Community Isolation process appear to be easy tasks that require an approach similar to the better-known telehealth service that was adopted in previous waves of Covid-19. But in reality, we need to ponder several factors before implementing Home and Community Isolation. Among these factors are the condition of the home, the number of people living in it, how much the other members of the community agree with these forms of isolation in their community, the ability of the community or healthcare provider concerned to take care of patients who also need to be supplied with three meals a day, stigma attached to Covid-19 infection, discrimination against infected people, the risk of their rights being violated and the stress associated with the infection. So, this is not simply arranging the telehealth service for people who have to go into isolation at home or in the community.
In this regard, the team providing Home Isolation and Community Isolation services should consist of members from various disciplines – including the infected people themselves, their families, community leaders, nurses and doctors. Policymakers, meanwhile, have to respect and trust all parties in the team and also listen to their opinions. Policymakers also need to improve public understanding of the goal and importance of Home Isolation and Community Isolation as well as roles of the individuals in these Covid-19 isolation formats. The government also needs to plan and invest in bolstering public confidence in these isolation programmes and enhancing people’s ability to become a part of the programmes, in order to prevent miscommunication that may result from different political preferences and concerns among certain experts.
Effective cooperation among interdisciplinary parties in creating a good standard of Home Isolation and Community Isolation is also crucial for assuring the infected people and their families that they will receive good and standard holistic care in the home or community, although they may not be able to be admitted to hospital just yet. The standard of Home Isolation and Community Isolation must accord with the National Health Security Office’s reimbursement regulations and guidelines on Covid-19 treatment and care by the Department of Medical Services. And it is equally important to assure healthcare providers in the community, medical clinics and hospitals that what they are doing is subject to daily adjustment in line with the changing Covid-19 situation and that they will be totally supported.
They need to be assured also that sufficient funds are earmarked to finance these isolation services while mechanisms to prevent corruption and misuse of these funds and medical supplies are implemented all along. More importantly, these healthcare providers need to be assured that they won’t end up facing investigation or criticism and be judged as if they were working in a normal situation. Neither should any investigation order that they return money paid to them for providing the isolation service once the public health crisis has ended.
Prompt provision of home or community healthcare to Covid-19 patients with no or mild symptoms (Green group) as soon as they are confirmed infected is important. So is constant follow-up care by the people in the same house or community and nurses and doctors providing telehealth services. These elements are crucial for assuring patients that they will promptly receive favipiravir when signs of lung infection emerge. Patients with moderate (Yellow group) and severe (Red group) symptoms must also be assured they will receive favipiravir to keep lung infection at bay, and other treatment to control other symptoms if they still have to wait for a hospital bed. These measures are all aimed at “mitigating the severity of Covid-19 infection and reducing the number of fatalities”.
As for the need to “curb the number of new infections in the community as fast as possible”, a key factor is how well an infected person is isolated from the rest of the family or housemates during Home Isolation or Community Isolation. Both infected people and other people living in the same house or community require not only knowledge about effective Covid-19 isolation but also other forms of support, including three meals a day. They may also need basic necessities in cases where the infected individuals are the main source of financial support for their families. They will also need help with disinfecting their houses and household utensils. Some may need help with improving understanding among their neighbours and dealing with the parties that violate their rights such as the media, their employers or their schools.
These are all required to ensure the Covid-19 isolation at home or in the community is conducted properly and not impacted by social and economic factors. Aside from preventing infected people from spreading the virus to others in the family or community, continuous active case finding is also important for curbing the number of new infections and needs. Contacts of a confirmed Covid-19 case need to be sorted into groups according to their risk level and go into isolation as well. Prioritising who should get vaccinated first in communities suffering serious outbreaks is also important for containing the spread of the virus.
Since Home Isolation and Community Isolation now undeniably concern everyone, it is important not only to understand the processes but also to spread knowledge to others to improve public understanding about Covid-19 isolation. Some may produce content to publish on various media platforms to educate groups of people about the procedure of Home Isolation and Community Isolation. Others can help prepare meals to supply to people in isolation or deliver thermometers, pulse oximeters and medication to the infected patients. Those unable to get involved in such voluntary activities may choose instead to donate money to purchase such medical devices. Meanwhile, people who can speak languages used by migrant workers in Thailand can also help by volunteering as interpreters for healthcare workers handling migrant workers.
I strongly believe everyone can help make the country’s Home Isolation and Community Isolation a good quality service via flexibility and maximum participation by communities.
In conclusion, Home Isolation and Community Isolation consist of four key elements: public and community preparation, prompt provision of care and treatment for Covid-19 patients, fast and effective tracing of contacts of infected people, and improving access to vaccination. These elements will gradually improve the hospital bed shortage situation and we will soon see a drop in the number of Covid-19 deaths and new infections.
How Home and Community isolation will reduce infections and deaths in Thailand
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I strongly believe everyone can help make the country’s Home Isolation and Community Isolation a good quality service via flexibility and maximum participation by communities.
In conclusion, Home Isolation and Community Isolation consist of four key elements: public and community preparation, prompt provision of care and treatment for Covid-19 patients, fast and effective tracing of contacts of infected people, and improving access to vaccination. These elements will gradually improve the hospital bed shortage situation and we will soon see a drop in the number of Covid-19 deaths and new infections.
How Home and Community isolation will reduce infections and deaths in Thailand
Published : August 06, 2021
By : Nittaya Phanuphak, MD, PhD, Executive Director, Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI)
Body of Swiss woman, 57, found in a creek in Phuket
The dead body of a Swiss woman was found on Thursday near a waterfall in Phuket province.
Preliminary investigation identified the deceased as Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf, aged 57 years.
Police have not found any reason to suspect foulplay.
Officials saw the body in a creek in Wichit subdistrict of Muang district of Phuket at 2.30pm on Thursday, about 500 metres from the entrance to the Ton Ao Yon waterfall.
Body of Swiss woman, 57, found in a creek in Phuket
The upper part of the body was covered with a black rubber sheet. Some clothes were found near the feet of the deceased in the water.
Police also reportedly found a mobile phone, a pair of blue sport shoes and a black backpack in the area.
Officials estimated that the woman had been dead for at least 48 hours. There were no visible wounds on the body. An autopsy is being performed by Vachira Phuket Hospital. Police are scouring the nearby areas and reviewing CCTV footage.
Body of Swiss woman, 57, found in a creek in Phuket
Foreign Ministry spokesman Thani Saengrat said that Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai on Thursday had made an urgent telephone call to the Swiss Embassy in Thailand to notify officials of the news of the body and to express his condolences to the deceased’s family.
“The minister also promised to investigate the case and find the perpetrators, in case there was any foulplay, as soon as possible,” he said. “We expect to receive the detailed autopsy report by Friday morning.”
Body of Swiss woman, 57, found in a creek in Phuket
Isolated heavy rains forecast for the North, East and west coast of South
The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Friday that the southwest monsoon prevails over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.
Thundershowers continue over the western portion of Thailand with isolated heavy rains in the North, the East and the South’s west coast.
People should beware of the severe conditions, the department said.
Waves in the upper Andaman Sea are 2-3 metres high and more than three metres high during thundershowers. All ships should proceed with caution and small boats should keep ashore.
The department also said the tropical storm “Lupit” over the coast of southern China was expected to move towards Taiwan from August 6 to 7. This storm does not affect Thailand’s weather.
The weather forecast for the next 24 hours is as follows:
North: Thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 24-25 degrees Celsius, highs of 32-35°C.
Northeast: Thundershowers in 30 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 24-25°C, highs of 33-36°C.
Central: Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 24-25°C, highs of 33-36°C.
East: Thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 24-28°C, highs of 30-34°C; waves two metres high and over two metres during thundershowers.
South (east coast): Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 24-26°C, highs of 32-35 degrees Celsius; waves 1-2 metres high and two metres during thundershowers.
South (west coast): Thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 21-27°C, highs of 29-34°C; waves 2-3 metres high and over three metres during thundershowers.
Bangkok and surrounding areas: Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 25-28°C, highs of 33-36°C.
Nonthaburi hospital director caught just as he accepted a bribe
Nonthaburi hospital director caught just as he accepted a bribe
Meth seized from parcel of monk supplies destined for Australia
Actor surrenders after ‘accidentally’ stabbing girlfriend to death
How Home and Community isolation will reduce infections and deaths in Thailand
How Home and Community isolation will reduce infections and deaths in Thailand
Body of Swiss woman, 57, found in a creek in Phuket
Body of Swiss woman, 57, found in a creek in Phuket
Body of Swiss woman, 57, found in a creek in Phuket
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