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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013567

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday came up with a roadmap for declaring Covid-19 an endemic disease.

The initial aim is to ensure:

• Easy, efficient public access to treatment with fatality rate lower than 0.1 per cent
• More than 60 per cent of the population given booster shots
• Building public awareness on handling and adapting Covid-19 from pandemic to endemic safely

The measures will be further separated into four aspects, namely:

Public Health

• Hastening the administration of booster shots
• Changing the monitoring system so it focuses on Covid-19 clusters and pneumonitis patients
• Easing prevention measures for tourists
• Changing measures for isolation and quarantining of people

Medical

• Changing treatment guidelines for outpatients
• Treating patients with severe symptoms or those at risk of developing severe symptoms including long Covid

Legal and Society

• Managing the legal aspects for every organisation in the post-pandemic era
• Easing social measures that control travel and large gatherings
• Getting every sector to support Universal Prevention and Covid-free Setting

Communication and public relations

• Building knowledge and understanding for every sector and changing people’s behaviour so they can live with Covid-19 safely
• Making proactive, comprehensive information available to build public understanding and cooperation

Operation timeline

• Combatting (level 4): March 12 to early April
• Plateau (level 3): April to May
• Decline (level 2): End of May to June
• Post-pandemic (level 1): July 1 onwards

Published : March 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013566

Betong tourism operators are unhappy with Nok Air’s cancellation of flights to the new Betong International Airport, adding that the government must learn from this “expensive lesson”.

The airline cancelled flights on Wednesday (March 16), just two days after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his Cabinet flew in to officially open the airport.

Nok Air’s chief operating officer Suthee Chulajata said on Thursday that the airline needs more time to adjust its marketing plans due to the energy crisis and the Covid-19 situation. The cancellation was reportedly due to a lack of passengers.

Nok Air was initially scheduled to fly from Bangkok’s Don Mueang to Betong on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Ekasit Thareelapraksa, of Betong Tourism Entrepreneurs Association, said on Friday that Nok Air’s abrupt cancellation of flights will undermine the confidence of tourists and businesses in the airport’s potential as a southern tourism hub.

“Many businesses have already organised promotional campaigns to attract tourists to Betong, and now they have to cancel too,” he said. “The government must learn from this expensive lesson so that it does not repeat the same mistake again in the future.”

Ekasit said authorities should not allow a single airline to monopolise flight services at any airport.

“Allowing more airlines to fly will not only attract more passengers but also invite further investment in the airport,” he added.

Boriphat Khongkha, 58, a Betong local who had booked a Nok Air flight to Bangkok on Wednesday, said he was shocked when the airline cancelled the flight less than 24 hours before departure.

“It’s understandable that flights to a new airport might have some issues, but cancellation of flights is totally unexpected,” he said. “However, I hope that people will still give Betong Airport a chance and believe that given time more passengers will land in Betong.”

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Published : March 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013565

Insurance companies in Thailand have been instructed to cover treatment expenses and daily compensation for Covid-19 policyholders who need to isolate even if these conditions are not included in the policy.

The order was issued by the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) earlier this week after OIC secretary-general Suttipol Taweechaikarn met with Thai Life Assurance Association, Thai General Insurance Association and the Private Hospital Association (Thailand).

The reason for the order is that most insurance policies only cover patients if they are hospitalised, not if they need to go into isolation at home, community centres or in a hotel.

The Public Health Ministry had previously tried to get insurance companies to cover policyholders in isolation but did not get too far, which is when the OIC had to step in and issue an order on March 16.

The order specified that insurance firms are required to cover all claims from November 1, 2021, to May 16, 2022.

For policyholders under home isolation, community isolation or hotel isolation, insurance companies are required to cover outpatient treatment fees up to the coverage limit.

For inpatients, the company is required to pay for treatment up to the coverage limit or a maximum of 12,000 baht.

For policyholders who have both inpatient and outpatient coverage, the insurance firms are required to pay the actual treatment fee up to the coverage limit.

If the fee exceeds outpatient coverage, the insurance firm is required to pay for treatment up to the inpatient coverage limit or a maximum of 12,000 baht.

In terms of daily/income compensation for policyholders under isolation, the insurance firm is required to pay compensation for each high-risk patient who needs an RT-PCR test and is unable to access hospital treatment.

Risk factors in this case are:

• Aged 60 and above
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Other chronic lung diseases
• Chronic kidney disease
• Heart and artery diseases/congenital heart disease
• Stroke
• Out of control diabetes
• Obesity (weighing over 90kg or a BMI of above 30)
• Liver disease
• Weak immunity
• Lymphocyte levels lower than 1,000 cells/μL

Published : March 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013564

The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) will request a budget of Bt80 million in 2023 to develop a plan for the so-called Thai Riviera coastal road through southern tourism provinces.

OTP’s Punya Chupanit said that the budget would cover the design of the 600-kilometre route through six Andaman provinces – Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun.

If the budget is approved, the OTP will start recruiting advisers in October this year and the plan will be developed over 18 months from December to May 2024.

OTP will then present the plan to the Transport Ministry for approval.

The study will consider the engineering, economic, financial and environmental aspects of the planned route. According to the preliminary design, it will be a two-lane road with the option of bicycle lanes in areas of outstanding natural beauty.

OTP will also study foreign examples of coastal routes. The road may be elevated in areas unsuited to ground construction. The OTP study will also include the project value, managing land ownership, initial environmental survey, and local opinions.

PM Prayut Chan-o-cha instructed the Transport Ministry to study the feasibility of the coastal road in October last year, said Punya. The transport project is expected to boost the economy and tourism in the six provinces.

Published : March 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013562

The Energy Policy Administration Committee on Friday approved in principle a measure to stop subsidising premium-grade diesel, which is mostly used in luxury cars, to reduce the burden on the oil fund.

The Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO) will draw up the measure and propose it for approval at the next committee meeting, said Energy Minister and committee chair Supattanapong Punmeechaow.

If the measure is approved, users of diesel-powered luxury cars will likely pay more for premium diesel while the price of regular diesel will remain the same thanks to the oil fund’s subsidy.

The government is subsidising diesel to cap the price at Bt30 per litre amid a surge in the global price of fuel.

The committee asked oil companies to limit the cost of marketing diesel at Bt1.4 per litre from April 1 to June 30 to soften the impact of the global fuel crisis.

Meanwhile it also approved a plan to increase the price of household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) price three times to reduce burdens on the oil fund. The fund has spent Bt28.09 billion subsidising LPG over the last two years.

The stepped price rise of Bt1 per kilo will be carried out once a month from April to June. This will see the price of a 15-kilo canister of LPG raised from Bt318 to Bt333 in April.

Supattanapong added that without the subsidy, a 15-kilo canister would cost Bt463 as the Russia-Ukraine war is driving up global energy prices.

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Labourers feel pain of rising price of alcohol, energy drinks

Household power bills to hit 4 baht per unit for first time during May-Aug

Published : March 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013560

Travel between provinces to visit families will be permitted during next month’s Songkran festival break (April 13-17) but at-risk groups should take an ATK test before travelling, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said.

Meanwhile, public water fights and splashing activities will be banned for the third year in a row.

“Those who travel by public vehicles must wear face masks at all times, wash their hands regularly and avoid eating food or drinking alcohol on board the vehicle,” said CCSA spokesman Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin on Friday.

After returning home, people should also stay in home isolation for seven days to monitor their symptoms before interacting with others, he added.

The CCSA also allowed Songkran activities to go ahead at areas designated by provincial public health offices. Activities permitted will include pouring water on Buddha images and elders, cultural performances, music shows and processions.

All events must be organised under the Thai Stop Covid 2 Plus (TSC2+) and Covid Free Setting standards, which include mandatory face masks, screening checkpoints and a limit on the number of participants (one person per 4 square metres).

Selling or drinking alcohol will be prohibited in activity areas.

“Splashing of water in public places other than areas allowed by provincial authorities is also prohibited,” Taweesilp said. “Face-powder daubing and foam parties are not allowed anywhere during Songkran.”

Families who wish to hold a water pouring activities at home should do so in an open and well-ventilated space, he said. “Participants should wear face masks and avoid sharing meals.”

He also urged all family members – especially elders – to get fully vaccinated now, to prevent outbreaks during Songkran get-togethers.

Related News

CCSA ignores call to lift afternoon ban on sale of booze

BMA to hold Songkran festivities under new normal in CentralWorld plaza

Moves to make travel during Songkran safer, easier, cheaper

Published : March 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013559

Ministry of Public Health reported on Saturday (March 19) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 25,804 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 26 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 87, while 18,801 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 1,105,538.
 

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 3,328,973 – 3,067,292 of whom have recovered, 237,519 are still in hospitals and 24,126 have died.

Separately, another 114,591 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 27,394 their second shot and 127,187 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 127,068,984.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 468.43 million on Saturday, 399.3 million of whom have recovered, 63.04 million are active cases (63,836 in severe condition) and 6.09 million have died (up by 5,563).

Thailand ranks 34th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 81.39 million, followed by India with 43.01 million, Brazil with 29.58 million, France with 23.96 million and the UK with 20.09 million.

Published : March 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013552

The Finance Ministry is looking into whether it should launch a fifth phase of the government’s co-payment subsidy scheme to help cushion the impact of Covid-19 on consumers, the ministry’s permanent secretary Krisada Chinavicharana said on Friday.

The ministry is assessing the country’s economic situation and its potential impact on Thai consumers to determine if a fifth phase of the “Khon La Khrueng” scheme is necessary, he said.

“In such unusual economic times, the government needs to step in to help people. When the economy returns to normal, we will have to ease off the assistance,” the permanent secretary said.

The “Khon La Khrueng” scheme, which kicked off in October 2020, is now in its fourth phase and allows each eligible user a subsidy of 1,200 baht per person to be spent between February 1 and April 30.

Under the scheme, the government pays for 50 per cent of every purchase of food, drink and general goods capped at 150 baht per person per day. Initially, the total subsidy was 3,500 baht per person.

The permanent secretary said on Friday that “Khon La Khrueng” also helps up to 60 million Thais joining the scheme become “digitally literate”.

“Close to some 60 million Thais have improved their basic knowledge of technology. This group of people will become more mature in this matter in the future,” he said.

“Khon La Khrueng” requires the use of a mobile application and involves cashless payment through QR code scanning.

The scheme, described by the Finance Ministry as a “big success”, was showcased at a recent meeting of senior finance officials and state bankers from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) member countries. Thailand is scheduled to host this year’s Apec Summit in November.

Published : March 18, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013550

The Songkran festival in mid-April may prove to be an important turning point for Thailand’s Covid-19 situation, as failure to curb new cases could mean a new wave of infections similar to the one sparked last year, a medical expert warned on Friday.

Prof Dr Udom Kachintorn, an adviser to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said Thailand has arrived at a crossroads and residents will have to contribute if the disease is to be considered endemic by July.

“It all depends on people whether Covid will end as expected or continue until yearend and stall the economy further,” he said. “The government has done what it can to prevent a new outbreak.”

Udom, a former Mahidol University president, said he believes if everybody cooperates to prevent a new outbreak, Covid-19 can be transformed into an endemic disease by July, as planned.

“But everybody has to help out. We are at a crossroads,” he added.

The professor said he expected the government to completely relax preventive measures during the April 13-15 Songkran holidays. The long holiday is expected to trigger an exodus of city residents, raising the risk of a new outbreak unless everybody has had a booster shot, he warned.

Udom urged all Songkran revellers, especially those visiting their elderly family members upcountry, to ensure they have had all their shots, including the booster, at least two weeks before their visit. They should also avoid visiting high-risk areas at least seven days before heading upcountry.

“You should also do an ATK test to ensure you don’t bring the virus to your elderly relatives,” he said.

Udom also noted that Covid-19 jabs reduce the risk of severe illness and death, citing statistics showing that more than 60 per cent of those who have succumbed to the virus were unvaccinated.

Published : March 18, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013547

Economic ministers from Asean countries recently discussed measures that should be taken to curb the potential impact the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war will have on the region’s economy.

They also pushed for all 15 signatories of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement to ensure the pact is ratified and enforced as soon as possible, Vice Minister for Commerce Sansern Samalapa said on Friday.

RCEP, effective since January 1, is a free trade agreement between the Asia-Pacific nations of Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. It is the largest trade bloc in history, accounting for about 30 per cent of the world’s population or 2.2 billion people and 30 per cent of the global GDP valued at US$29.7 trillion.

The 28th Asean Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat, chaired by Cambodia, was held online on Wednesday and attended by representatives of the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations members.

The AEM Retreat agreed that the Russia-Ukraine war would have a moderate impact on Asean, as the region relies on raw materials from both countries, including fuel, metals and steel, although direct trade is minimal.

They called on Russia and Ukraine to negotiate an end to the conflict soon to prevent a long-term impact on the global economy, especially Asean.

“The risk of interruption in the supply chain may slow down Asean’s economic recovery,” said Sansern, who represented Thailand at the meeting.

Thailand also proposed that Asean countries work together to curb the impact the war has on energy supplies in the region. The Russia-Ukraine war has resulted in a surge in global oil prices, and the rising cost of fuel has made consumer products more expensive.

During their meeting, the economic ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding specifying that Asean countries will not restrict the export of necessities until November 2024.

The ministers also discussed Asean’s readiness in becoming a digital society and the preparation of measures in response to the economic and social impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thailand’s trade with other Asean countries came in at $110.7 billion (3.6 trillion baht) last year, marking a 17.1 per cent increase year on year. Thai exports totalled $65 billion, compared to imports of $45.7 billion.

In January, Thai trade with Asean was valued at $9.3 billion (306.9 billion baht) – $5.2 billion in exports and $4.1 billion in imports.

Published : March 18, 2022