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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003173

Majority of over 50 cases of fake news being probed pertain to Covid

Police are investigating more than 50 cases of fake news as reported by the Digital Economy and Society Ministrys Anti-Fake News Centre since June, the deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, Pol General Krisana Pattanacharoen, said.

“In June, the government started encouraging people to work from home and avoid travelling in order to contain the virus from spreading. It was also a period when more fake news emerged, as people were spending more time on the internet and social media,” he said.

“Of over 50 cases of fake news that the police are pursuing legal actions, more than 30 are related to Covid-19.”

The latest example of these fake news is a claim that the government was hiking import tax on Moderna vaccine to more than 100 per cent. The Customs Department has already clarified that the information was not true.

“Posters of fake news that causes damage to any party, public confusion or panic is punishable with a maximum of five years of imprisonment, or a THB100,000 fine, or both, under the Computer Related Crime Act of 2017,” said Krisana. “If you find any fake news, please contact Royal Thai Police call centre at 191 or 1599.”

Published : July 13, 2021

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003169

Deceased Samut Sakhon doctor was not vaccinated against Covid-19

The Samut Sakhon public health office clarified on Monday that the late Dr Phicheat Sahakij, who worked at Suang Luang Hospital in Krathum Baen district and died from Covid-19 on July 10, had not been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

On Monday, Facebook user Ratirat Rotthong wrote about the death of Phicheat who she was acquainted with. In the post, she said that the doctor had received two doses of the Sinovac vaccine along with other frontline medical personnel. The post has gone viral with more than a thousand comments expressing condolences and questioning the efficacy of the vaccine.

“Phicheat or Dr Neung was never vaccinated as he has chronic diseases: allergy and asthma,” said Dr Naresrit Khatthasima, chief of the Samut Sakhon public health office. “He developed severe symptoms after infection, coupled with his health problems and exhaustion from working long hours at the hospital. These likely caused the Covid-19 symptoms to develop into pneumonia and respiratory failure.”

Naresrit added that the Ministry of Public Health would provide funeral allowance and other aid as specified by the law to Phicheat’s family.

On Sunday, the Department of Disease Control reported that 880 medics had contracted Covid-19 since the latest wave began in April and seven have died; five were unvaccinated, one had received a dose of Sinovac and another had received two doses of Sinovac. It also said that of those infected, 19.7 per cent, or 173 people, had not been vaccinated.

Published : July 13, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003162

Isolated heavy rains forecast for Northeast, East, thundershowers in many parts of the country

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Saturday that the moderate southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand is weakening, while the southeasterly wind prevails over the Northeast.

The department has forecast less rainfall over most of the country except the Northeast and the East, which will experience isolated heavy rains.

Waves in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf are expected to rise 1-2 metres high and above two metres during thundershowers. All ships should proceed with caution, the department said.

The weather forecast for the next 24 hours:

North: Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 24-25 degrees Celsius, highs of 33-35°C.

Northeast: Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 24-26°C, highs of 34-36°C.

Central: Thundershowers in 30 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 24-26°C, highs of 34-37°C.

East: Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 24-26°C, highs of 33-36°C; waves a metre high and two metres during thundershowers.

South (east coast): Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 24-25°C, highs of 33-35°C; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 21-25°C, highs of 32-35°C; waves 1-2 metres high and over two metres during thundershowers.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Thundershowers in 30 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 25-26°C, highs of 33-36°C.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : July 13, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003146

Covid self-test kits available to buy at pharmacies from next week

Rapid antigen self-test kits will be available in hospitals this week before being offered for sale by pharmacies next week, according to health authorities.

The move is being taken to combat the long queues for RT-PCR Covid-19 tests, Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Kiattipoom Wongrachit said on Monday.

However, the rapid antigen test kit is only 90-per-cent accurate, so the more reliable RT-PCR test will be used to confirm positive results in cases with obvious symptoms.

Asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic people who test positive can isolate at home or at a community facility, he said.

Those in home or community isolation will be treated by health workers, who will check their temperature, oxygen and medication twice a day. They will also be tested frequently with the antigen kit.

The price of a rapid test kit is expected to be less than 500 baht.

However, if people with severe symptoms test negative using this kit, they should contact the nearest clinic for support, said Kiattipoom.

Meanwhile, the ministry and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration have set up 188 teams of health workers to take care of the 2,500 or so Covid patients with mild symptoms who are isolating at home or in community facilities.

Published : July 12, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003148

Thailand International Boat Show to put Phuket back on world stage

Hit hard by Covid, Phuket will receive a boost in the new year when the Thailand International Boat Show launches from January 6-9 at the Royal Phuket Marina.

Organisers JAND Events are gearing up to welcome Thailand’s yacht-and-party crowd along with wealthy jet-setters on the back of Phuket’s Sandbox success.

Phuket’s position as the marine and lifestyle hub of Asia will be showcased with new exhibitor pavilions and visitor activities on a scale never seen before, says the organiser.

“Thailand International Boat Show is set to raise the bar for boating and lifestyle exhibitions in the region. Initial feedback from the industry has been very good and we expect a large in-water line-up of boats and an exciting collection of marine products and luxury lifestyle in the marina-side exhibition hall,” said David Hayes, CEO of JAND Events.

Visitors will also witness the latest launches of the world’s most iconic boat brands, ranging from dinghies and day-trippers up to superyachts. Onshore visitors will be able to purchase the latest boating tech, marine products, gadgets and widgets, while also enjoying luxury properties, autos and lifestyle brands on display in the 2,500sqm air-conditioned exhibition hall, the town square and other areas within Royal Phuket Marina.

“To complement the in-water and onshore displays, we will be curating an exciting programme of social events for visitors to enjoy during the day and into the evening. From launches and parties to waterside entertainment, the Thailand International Boat Show will be an event not to be missed,” added Hayes.

The Thailand International Boat Show will take place from January 6-9, 2022 at Royal Phuket Marina. Visit https://www.thailandinternationalboatshow.com.

Published : July 12, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003149

‘Large state agency’ will have mRNA jabs delivered this month, promises Dr Boon

In a television interview on Monday, Dr Boon Wanasin, chair of the Thonburi Healthcare Group (THG) board, said his group is negotiating the purchase of Moderna vaccines and is also looking into the mRNA vaccine to be produced jointly by Germany’s BioNTech and a Chinese firm.

He added that another vaccine that is being seriously considered is Novavax, which has been found to have more than 90-per-cent efficacy against Covid variants.

He added that to avoid the long-winded, time-consuming procedure of ordering via the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation, he has been looking for other channels that can help bring vaccines to Thailand within this month.

Boon said that for the past month, his team has been negotiating with certain agencies, especially a “large state agency” that is even bigger than Chulabhorn Foundation, to help bring alternative vaccines to Thailand as soon as possible.

He said this large agency is necessary because the vaccine import procedure can only be completed via a government agency. He refused to reveal the name of the agency.

Published : July 12, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003150

Thailand switches 2nd dose from Sinovac to AZ to combat Delta

The Public Health Ministry has switched its vaccine strategy from double doses of Sinovac to a combination of Sinovac and AstraZeneca jabs.

The move, announced on Monday by Public Health Minister Anutin Chanvirakul, comes after more than 600 medics were infected with Covid-19 despite having had both doses of Sinovac.

The new strategy was approved by the National Communicable Disease Committee as a measure to combat the fast-spreading Delta variant which is becoming dominant in Thailand. It will be rolled out first

Under the strategy, a Sinovac jab will be administered first, followed by an AstraZeneca jab 3-4 weeks later. AstraZeneca is thought to offer more protection than Sinovac against the Delta strain.

Front-line health workers, most of whom have had two Sinovac jabs, will also get the AstraZeneca booster 3-4 weeks after their second Sinovac shot. Most doctors can now get the booster since more than four weeks have passed since their second dose.

Data indicates that mixing-and-matching vaccine doses boosts protection against Covid-19.

The Department of Disease Control reported on Sunday that 618 medical professionals had been infected by the virus since April despite having had their second Sinovac jab.

Published : July 12, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003147

Electricity authority to allow payment of bill in instalments

Household electricity users and small businesses with electricity bills overdue for more than a month can request the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to allow payment in instalments.

The authority is offering this facility to help alleviate the difficulties of electricity users affected by Covid-19.

Beginning August 16, you can pay for electricity for some months via PEA Smart Plus or counter service at 7-Eleven convenience stores, the PEA said.

All types of electricity users can submit their application for instalment facility at the local electricity office by preparing the following documents:

1. Identification card of the electricity user who submits the application for instalment facility or an attorney (for identity check)

2. Power of attorney and a copy of the person’s identity card (with signature)

3. A copy of the juristic person registration certificate, not older than three months from the date of issuance of the certificate. (only for juristic persons)

Published : July 12, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003142

Bangkok construction workers suffer ‘double-variant’ infection

Seven construction workers in Bangkok have been simultaneously infected with two variants of Covid-19, health authorities reported on Monday.

The seven workers tested positive for both the Alpha and the Delta variants of the virus, according to the Public Health Ministry at a Monday briefing.

Tests at their construction camp on 1,737 workers confirmed 1,327 infections – almost three-quarters (73.7 per cent) with Delta and the rest with the Alpha variant.

The ministry is concerned that cases of mixed infection could eventually spawn a new coronavirus variant.

It reported that Delta is now the dominant strain in Bangkok, accounting for 57.1 per cent of new infections.

Published : July 12, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003139

Rapid antigen test kits to be available soon, promises Anutin

The national committee on communicable disease supports the use of rapid antigen test kits in the 300 state hospitals, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who chairs the panel, said on Monday.

He added that this will cut down queues for the more accurate RT-PCR test, but the kits can only be distributed once the Thai Food and Drug Administration gives it a stamp of approval.

Anutin added that the aim is to eventually make the antigen test kits widely available, so people can use them at home.

Separately, the committee has also decided that recipients of the first Sinovac jab can get AstraZeneca for their second shot as it will be more effective against the new mutants.

“The time period between doses is around three or four weeks and hospitals can from now on follow this practice,” he added.

The committee has also decided that frontline medics should get a third dose of the vaccine for boosting their immunity. The third dose will mostly be the AstraZeneca vaccine, Anutin added.

Published : July 12, 2021

By : The Nation