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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000622

UNICEF ramps up support to curb COVID-19 outbreak in Bangkok’s Klongtoey community

BANGKOK, 6 May 2021 – UNICEF is ramping up support to help curb the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Bangkok’s Klongtoey community through distributing ultra-heat treated (UHT) milk and hygiene supplies, providing critical information and guidelines as well as mobilizing community workers and volunteers to protect the most vulnerable children and families.

UNICEF is supporting Klongtoey D Jung Group of Komol Keemthong Foundation, a non-governmental organization, and other partners on the ground to establish a community response system to fight the recent outbreak in the community and help children and families access health services, child protection such as psychosocial support and counselling and other critical assistance as soon as possible. UNICEF is also mobilizing trained volunteers and hiring additional full-time community workers to help track new cases, facilitate referrals to health and child protection services and ensure timely support for affected households.

The Klongtoey community is Thailand’s largest low-income community located in central Bangkok. Comprising 43 sub-communities, it is home to some 100,000 people, most of whom work in the informal sector and lack access to hygiene and other critical supplies.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic could pose lifelong consequences for children, especially the most vulnerable. Infections among children are on the rise; restriction measures are disrupting their access to health, education, welfare and protection services; family separation measures between children and caretakers infected with COVID-19 could create tension and fear and put the well-being of children at risk; and the economic impact on household incomes may severely affect children’s well-being and futures.

UNICEF will deliver more than 100,000 items of hygiene supplies including soaps, hand sanitizers, alcohol sprays, disinfectants and face masks to protect children and families as well as community workers and volunteers against COVID-19. UHT milk along with books, toys and learning materials will also be delivered to the Klongtoey community to keep young children healthy and learning during the pandemic.

Through the network of I Am UNICEF volunteer platform, UNICEF is mobilizing student volunteers to develop a series of infographics, posters, pamphlets and a community radio programme featuring self-care tips, guidelines for parents and communities as well as updates on the latest government measures to keep the Klongtoey community informed while living under COVID-19 restriction measures.

A hotline will also be set up to provide critical information to the community, such as quarantine recommendations, how to get tested for COVID-19, what to do if a person or their family member is infected and which groups are at risk of infection.

Published : May 07, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000615

NHSO speeds up payments as healthcare sector struggles with rising Covid cases

The Covid-19 outbreak continues to strain healthcare providers physically and financially as they have to cope with the increased workload of screening patients and treating the infected. Extra work always comes with extra costs.

Even though these costs will eventually be repaid, the reimbursement process may not be fast enough for many healthcare facilities to keep up with the rapid increase in operating costs.

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) is well aware of this problem and is trying to adjust its financial reimbursement system to better cope with the changing situation of Covid-19 and the financial impact on these healthcare providers.

The NHSO’s ultimate goal is to make it possible to pay all financial reimbursement to service providers instantly after claims are submitted, said NHSO secretary-general Dr Jadej Thammatach-aree.

To achieve that goal, the NHSO continues improving its information technology system, a task that needs more time to achieve as it deals with a substantial database system, he said.

Previously, the NHSO allowed healthcare providers under the Universal Coverage Scheme to submit claims for reimbursement once a month. This has now changed to every 15 days, Dr Jadej said.

“We hope this change will help improve hospitals’ liquidity and their ability to cope better with the changing outbreak situation that requires both work efficiency and flexibility,” he said.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has also been adopted to make the compensation process more efficient, he said.

From the beginning of this year until the end of March, a total of 781,625 Covid-19 tests have been carried out, which cost the NHSO THB1.86 billion and THB1.49 billion was spent on treating 31,488 Covid-19 patents at the same time.

Screening is a crucial mechanism for containing the outbreak. The National Health Security Fund had initially started offering Covid-19 screening and laboratory testing to people who meet the patient under investigation (PUI) criteria set by the Department of Disease Control for deciding as to who should be given a free Covid-19 test.

Most recently, the NHSO has announced that physicians will decide on a case-to-case basis as to who else should be screened for Covid-19 and the cost of testing will be covered by the NHSO.

Along with this change in the Covid-19 screening policy, the NHSO has also encouraged private hospitals that aren’t contracted under the Universal Coverage Scheme to become part of the same Covid-19 screening network.

The NHSO covers four types of Covid-19 tests, namely reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests via nasal and throat swaps, RT-PCR testing of pooled saliva samples combined with pooled nasal and throat swab samples, antibody testing and antigen testing.

The NHSO has already reached an agreement with private hospitals that they must not charge any new confirmed Covid-19 patient who needs to be admitted for treatment, Dr Jadej said.

Reimbursement for such providers will be made under the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) unless the service is already covered by the patients’ own health insurance policies.

“Since Covid-19 is considered a health emergency that comes as a heavy financial burden to many people, we would like to assure all of you that if you strictly follow advice by doctors at the healthcare facility you are receiving [Covid-19 treatment] services, you won’t have to pay any extra costs,” he said.

In a bid to help everyone find Covid-19 screening test at a healthcare facility closest to his or her home, the NHSO has on its website provided information detailing what people are entitled to and which healthcare facilities they should consider visiting.

The National Health Security Board has also approved a proposal about regulations governing the spending of THB3.75 billion baht received from the government.

The fund was allocated to the NHSO under a Cabinet resolution reached on March 30.

Of the THB3.75 billion, THB3.65 billion will go to healthcare services associated with Covid-19 and the remainder will be spent on other related costs.

The Cabinet wants this amount to be spent separately from the UCS payment.

This is how the NHSO has been working to boost public confidence in access to healthcare services necessary for saving lives and curbing the spread of Covid-19 since it emerged early last year.

Published : May 07, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000614

Bangkok generates 16 tonnes of infectious waste per day

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has collected a total of 547.93 tonnes of infectious wastes from April 1 to May 5.

The wastes were collected from state quarantine facilities, alternative state quarantine hotels, field hospitals and “hospitels” in the province, averaging about 16.12 tonnes per day on average.

“The BMA has hired Krungthep Thanakom Ltd to handle the disposal of infectious wastes through incineration at infectious waste management centres in On Nut and Nong Khaem districts,” said BMA permanent secretary Silapasuay Raweesangsoon. “Krungthep Thanakom is also responsible for disposal of used face masks that people separate from their general household wastes.”

Bangkok generates 16 tonnes of infectious waste per day

Silapasuay added that the BMA had instructed all waste collection staff to employ strict preventive measures to protect themselves against Covid-19.

“All staff must use tongs and wear appropriate protective gears while working. Most importantly, they must never touch the waste by hand directly,” she said.

“After working they need to clean their body properly to prevent infectious wastes spreading virus and other germs.”

Bangkok generates 16 tonnes of infectious waste per day

To tackle the increasing infectious wastes in the province amid the pandemic, the BMA has deployed another 1,000 biohazard garbage bins across the city for people to dispose of their used face masks and other medical waste separate from household garbage.

“The bins for used face masks will be coloured orange while the garbage bags for medical waste are red to indicate it needs to be disposed of properly,” said Silapasuay.

“Extra bins have been placed at district offices, health service centres, hospitals, city halls, schools, sport centres, youth centres, fire stations, public parks, markets and in front of shopping malls.”

Published : May 07, 2021

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000613

Thundershowers forecast for most of Thailand with gusty winds and heavy rains

A high-pressure system from China covers upper Thailand and the South China Sea while the southerly and the southeasterly winds bring moisture from the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand to the upper regions of the country.

Hot weather is forecast for upper Thailand with thunderstorms, gusty winds, hail and isolated heavy rains in some areas, the Thailand Meteorological Department said on Friday.

People in upper Thailand should beware of the severe conditions by avoiding outdoor places, big trees, unsecured buildings and billboards, the department said. Farmers were warned of damage to crops.

Meanwhile, the southeasterly and easterly winds prevail across the Gulf of Thailand, the South and the Andaman Sea, bringing scattered thundershowers to the South with isolated heavy rains in some areas.

The weather forecast for the next 24 hours:

North: Hot day with thunderstorms in 60 per cent of the region; heavy rains, gusty winds and hail are possible in some areas; temperature lows of 21-25 degrees, highs of 32-36°C.

Northeast: Hot day with thunderstorms in 40 per cent of the region; gusty winds are possible in some areas; temperature lows of 23-25°C, and highs of 33-36°C.

Central: Thunderstorms in 70 per cent of the region; gusty winds are possible in some areas; temperature lows of 20-27°C, highs of 32-33°C.

East: Thunderstorms in 70 per cent of the region; heavy rains and gusty winds are possible in some areas; temperature lows of 22-24°C, highs of 32-34°C; waves a metre high and over two metres during thundershowers.

South (east coast): Thundershowers in 70 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 23-25°C, highs of 30-31°C; waves a metre high and over two metres during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 23-25°C, highs of 31-32°C; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres during thundershowers.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Thundershowers in 70 per cent of the region; gusty winds are possible in some areas; temperature lows of 23-24°C, highs of 31-35°C.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : May 07, 2021

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000604

Private sector prepping 372 jab sites in nationwide vaccine push

The private sector is preparing 372 Covid-19 vaccination points, including 82 in Bangkok, to support the government’s mission to inoculate 50 million people this year, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) said on Thursday.

Factories and offices around the country were being equipped with mobile vaccination units, computer systems, IT equipment, printers, volunteers, card readers, food and drinking water to support the mission, said TCC chairman Sanan Angubolkul. The aim is to provide local vaccination services to reduce the risk from people travelling and spreading the virus.

Sanan spoke after meeting with Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda to discuss public-private cooperation to boost economic recovery from Covid-19, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Both agreed that the urgent most mission was to accelerate vaccination of people so that the country could open to travellers.

A model private vaccination site in collaboration with Bangkok City Hall will launch soon to provide a model for chambers of commerce, governors and health authorities nationwide.

Published : May 07, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000603

All Bangkok adults to be vaccinated by August: NSC

All 6 million adult residents of Bangkok should be vaccinated by the end of August, National Security Council chief General Nattaphon Narkphanit said on Thursday.

Nattaphon cited the government’s plan to vaccinate 50 million people by the end of the year, a span of only eight months.

This meant 60,000 people per day would have to be jabbed in Bangkok from May to August, he added. Officials were preparing vaccination sites in 50 districts across the capital to meet that goal, Nattaphon said.

Bangkok is in the dark-red zone (maximum restriction) that has been prioritised for vaccinations.

“The PM has ordered the Public Health Minister to hasten vaccine procurement and jab as many people as soon as possible. Many vaccine doses will arrive by the end of May and be quickly administered in the dark-red zone,” said Nattaphon.

Published : May 07, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000600

Almost 50% of Thais aim to avoid using cash after pandemic ends: Visa

Nearly half of all Thai consumers – 45 per cent – are likely to avoid using money after the Covid-19 pandemic ends, Visas Consumer Payment Attitudes study showed on Wednesday.

The study also delved into which activities Thais are looking forward to spending on when recovery is underway. The top three are travelling within Thailand (35 per cent), travelling abroad to Covid-safe destinations (29 per cent) and making short getaways in their own cities (19 per cent).

“The pandemic has had a massive impact on how people live, work and shop both in Thailand and globally,” Visa Thailand country manager Suripong Tantiyanon said. “As we have crossed the one-year mark since the pandemic hit, we are taking a look at how events in the past are shaping our future.”

According to the study, other behaviours that are likely to become a new normal post-Covid are wearing a mask (62 per cent) and avoiding crowds (43 per cent).

The situation also prompted many Thais to explore different shopping channels in the present crisis, the most popular being apps and websites (65 per cent), direct delivery at home after orders via phone from local stores (47 per cent), and shopping on social media channels (44 per cent).

Thai consumers have been forced to rethink their spending priorities.

According to the respondents, spending categories that experienced the largest reduction are international trips (63 per cent), going to cinemas or public events (60 per cent), buying luxury items such as bags, watches and jewellery (60 per cent), fine-dining (58 per cent), well-being treatment (57 per cent) and buying new clothes (54 per cent).

Looking ahead, in addition to domestic, international and short getaways, Thais are preparing to resume spending on gadgets (16 per cent), groceries and personal care items (15 per cent), and going out to enjoy fine-dining and out of home entertainment (10 per cent). Less than one in ten plans to upgrade home appliances (9 per cent) and spend on fashion and clothing (8 per cent).

“We strongly believe some of the behaviour shifts will become permanent rather than a temporary swing. This includes a preference for using touchless payments such as contactless cards or smartphones, which offer better experience and are safer for both buyers and sellers,” Suripong said.

“While we are hoping for a speedy return to normalcy, Visa is working with others across the payments industry and beyond to prepare for a future that has arrived sooner than we expected,” he added.

Published : May 07, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000597

Impact Muang Thong Thani offers Challenger Hall as field hospital

Nonthaburi’s Impact Muang Thong Thani exhibition centre is offering its Challenger Hall up as a field hospital to help tackle rising Covid-19 infections in Greater Bangkok.

“Challenger Hall covers 100,000 square metres and we are willing to let the [Public Health] Ministry use it for free from May to June,” said Paul Kanjanapas, chief executive officer at Bangkok Land, which oversees the exhibition centre. “If a field hospital is set up here, it will be the largest in Thailand with the capacity of treating up to 5,200 patients.”

Impact Muang Thong Thani offers Challenger Hall as field hospital

He added that Challenger Hall comprises three buildings, which can be used to separate patients with different symptoms. “Patients in green and orange groups who have no or mild symptoms can be treated in buildings 1 and 2, each of which can accommodate 2,000 beds, while patients in the red group with severe symptoms can be treated in building 3, which can accommodate 1,200. It will be equipped with negative pressure rooms and respirators,” he said.

Impact Muang Thong Thani offers Challenger Hall as field hospital

“The buildings have been thoroughly cleaned and our staff has ensured that they are properly ventilated and the waste-water management and CCTV systems are functioning properly. We have also set up an internet connection for the convenience of staff and patients,” Paul added.

“The Public Health Ministry can set up a field hospital here as soon as possible.”

Impact Muang Thong Thani offers Challenger Hall as field hospital

Published : May 06, 2021

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000596

Thailand drops 4 places in Covid Resilience Ranking

Thailand has fallen four places in the latest Covid Resilience Ranking published by Bloomberg, reflecting the third wave of infections that emerged last month.

However, Thailand is still ranked 13th among 53 countries listed in Bloomberg’s “Covid Resilience Ranking, The Best and Worst Places to Be as Variants Outrace Vaccinations”, published last month.

Singapore topped the rankings, followed by New Zealand, Australia, Israel and Taiwan.

Singapore has already administered vaccines to 20 per cent of its population”, Bloomberg noted.

By contrast, Thailand had administered vaccines to just 1.65 per cent of its population as of Tuesday (May 4), according to Oxford University’s “Our World in Data” project.

Bloomberg says its Resilience Ranking uses a wide range of data to capture where Covid-19 is handled most effectively, with the least social and economic disruption.

Scoring lowest on resilience among the 53 countries ranked was Brazil.

Published : May 06, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000595

All expats in Thailand eligible for vaccine: Disease Control Dept chief

All foreign nationals living in Thailand can get a Covid-19 vaccine if they want, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Disease Control Department, said on Thursday (May 6).

He was responding to questions related to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s speech earlier this week. The premier had said everybody in Thailand will get inoculated on a voluntary basis as per international standards.

“The PM was referring to all persons living in Thailand, regardless of whether they are Thai or foreigners,” he said. “If a person wants a vaccine, they will get it no matter what their nationality.”

Opas added that 70 per cent of the population must be inoculated to build herd immunity against the virus.

“Currently, about 70 million people are living in Thailand – 67 million are Thais and 3 million are foreigners,” he said. “That means about 50 million people in Thailand need to be vaccinated for herd immunity, and the government has plans to procure a total of 100 million doses to achieve this.

“Anybody who wants to be vaccinated can register via the provided channels, though people with chronic conditions will be given priority,” he said.

He was referring to the Mor Phrom (Doctors Ready) platform on Line application, which the Public Health Ministry has launched for vaccine registration since May 1.

Priority will be given to those at risk of developing severe symptoms from the virus. They are persons above the age of 60 as of January 1 and those with chronic diseases, such as severe respiratory syndrome, heart and coronary diseases, kidney diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer patients under treatment, and obese patients weighing over 100kg or having a body mass index exceeding 35.

People who do not have a smartphone have the option of booking their vaccine at their hospital or at a local public health office.

Published : May 06, 2021

By : THE NATION