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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000401

Stimulus schemes expected to help domestic tourism gain momentum

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects more tourists to start travelling domestically from June-July when the Covid-19 situation improves, in line with its new stimulus campaigns, TAT Governor Yutthasak Supasorn said

“The third phase of “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” [We Travel Together] travel subsidy campaign will start on May 7, while the “Tour Tiew Thai” package tour scheme will kick-off on May 27. Both should help encourage more people to travel domestically,” he said.

Under Rao Tiew Duay Kan, eligible registrants can receive up to 40 per cent discount on hotel rooms and restaurants. They also will receive an e-voucher when checking into a hotel as well as a 40 per cent flight refund when they check out. The subsidy is capped at 2 million room nights whereas registrants must reserve the room at least 7 days in advance.

The new Tour Tiew Thai co-payment scheme will see the government covering up to 40 per cent of tour package cost for a maximum of one million people. The subsidy is capped at Bt5,000 per trip. Eligible people can reserve the trips starting May until August.

Thai citizens aged above 18 years are eligible for the two schemes.

Yutthasak added that due to the new wave of Covid-19, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports had reduced tourism growth estimates to 1.5 to 2 per cent for the year compared to 2020, down from the 4 per cent year-on-year expansion it had predicted at the start of 2021.

“Tourism revenue for 2021 is estimated at Bt850 billion, down from the original Bt1.2 trillion forecast,” he said. “Of these, Bt550 billion will come from domestic tourists and Bt300 billion will come from foreigners, especially after the Phuket Tourism Sandbox campaign is launched in July.”

Under this scheme, tourists who can verify that they have been inoculated against Covid-19 and test negative can fly into Phuket and move around freely without having to quarantine. Similar schemes will be applied later to other destinations such as Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phang Nga and Surat Thani, once more people have been vaccinated and preventive measures are put in place.

Published : April 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000400

Comedian Arkhom succumbs to Covid-19 at 64

Famous comedian Arkhom Preedakul, 64, who was infected with Covid-19, died on Friday morning from complications.

Arkhom, known widely by his stage name “Kom Chuanchuen” or “Na Kom” (uncle Kom), reportedly contracted Covid-19 this month.

Born in 1958 in Ayutthaya province, Arkhom became popular among audiences after he joined the comedy group “Chuanchuen”.

Obituaries to Arkhom praised him as a punctual professional who was often the first to reach locations when filming movies or shows.

On Thursday evening, his daughter Napatcharin Paiboonrattanakij updated on her Instagram that medical teams had tried their best to help her father in his severe condition.

On Friday, she updated again that Arkhom was “resting in peace”.

Published : April 30, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000398

Cabinet approves THB3.75bn boost for NHSO’s battle against Covid-19

The Cabinet has approved a THB3.75-billion fund for National Health Security Office (NHSO) health units to combat the Covid-19 emergency. The fund is part of the governments THB1-trillion package to fight the pandemic and mitigate its social and economic impact.

It will cover the cost of Covid-19 services in hospitals without interrupting other essential health services under the Universal Health Coverage System.

NHSO secretary-general Dr Jadej Thammathat-Aree said that part of the approved fund would answer the increasing need for Covid-19 screening tests after the highly contagious UK strain was discovered in Thailand. The tests are reserved for “Patients Under Investigation” – people with Covid-19 symptoms who have visited virus hotspots or work in quarantine facilities – according to Department of Disease Control (DDC) guidelines.

However, recent local cases with the UK variant tend to show no or very few symptoms, pushing the DDC to include “doctor’s diagnosis” as a new condition for screening tests.

As a result, more people require the tests despite showing no symptoms.

The government fund obtained by the NHSO will cover:

1. Nasopharyngeal/throat swab specimen test RT-PCR (NHSO will cover THB1,600 per test, THB600 for staff compensation, and THB100 for specimen collection).

2. Combination of RT-PCR: Pooled saliva samples (THB320 per test, THB100 for staff fees, and THB100 for specimen collection).

Pooled nasopharyngeal and throat swab samples (THB400 per test, THB75 for staff fees, and THB100 for specimen collection)

Repeat RT-PCR test after a positive result (THB1,600 per test, THB200 for staff fees and specimen collection).

3. Antigen test (Up to THB1,200 per test).

4. Antibody test (Up to THB350 per test).

Dr Jadej Thammathat-Aree

The fund will also cover the cost of running negative pressure rooms (THB2,500/case/day,) field hospitals and hospitels (THB1,500/case/day.)

Though the government encourages people to get Covid-19 testing and treatment at state hospitals, NHSO will cover the cost of services for patients receiving these services in private hospitals.

“The Covid-19 pandemic is an emergency whose financial burdens will fall on patients if healthcare schemes do not cover them. We want everyone in Thailand to feel confident that if they follow doctors and hospital staff’s guidance, they will not need to pay any fees,” said Dr Jadej.

NHSO will reimburse the fees directly to hospital operators, who can now claim costs for Covid-19 treatment every two weeks.

It normally takes around one month to transfer public health funds to hospital operators.

“This will maintain financial liquidity for hospital operators who must provide emergency services every day,” said Dr Jadej.

Anutin Charnvirakul

Published : April 30, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000397

Ministry announces vaccination registration dates for public via Mor Phrom

The Ministry of Public Health will allow the general public to register for Covid-19 vaccination via the ministry’s official group “Mor Phrom V.2” (doctors ready) from May 1.

The ministry has been providing Covid-19 vaccination to medical professionals and volunteers at high risk of infection from interacting with patients since February 28. So far, more than a million people in this group have been given the first jab and about 200,000 have already got their second jab.

The ministry aims to vaccinate 16 million people in the first batch of registration, with priority given to those who carry risks of developing severe symptoms if they contract Covid-19. They are:

1. People over 60 years of age (as of January 1, 2020).

2. People who have chronic diseases, including 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.

Ministry announces vaccination registration dates for public via Mor Phrom

General public who fit in this group can register for vaccination via Mor Phrom V.2 official account on Line application from May 1. Those who do not have a smart phone can contact the hospital that has their records or the local public health office to get registered. The vaccination of this group will start on June 7.

The general public aged 18-59 years who do not fit in this group can register via the above channels from July 1, and their vaccination could start from August.

Published : April 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000389

Face masks to be mandatory in all provinces from tomorrow

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Thursday made it compulsory for people in all 77 provinces to wear face masks when leaving their residences, among several other measures effective from May 1 to contain Covid-19.

Earlier this week, the Ministry of Interior had announced that people in 63 provinces having high infection rate would have to wear face masks, either cloth or sanitary type, in public places, or face a fine of up to THB20,000 under the Communicable Disease Act.

The CCSA announcement essentially extended the coverage of the ministry’s order to all provinces.

The CCSA also announced updated classification of provinces according to the severity of the Covid-19 situation.

▪︎ Six provinces have been classified as red zone, or maximum and strictly controlled area. They are: Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan;

▪︎ 45 provinces are classified as light red zone, or maximum controlled area;

▪︎ 26 provinces are in tye orange zone, or controlled areas.

Face masks to be mandatory in all provinces from tomorrow

Provinces in the red zone will enforce the strictest rules, such as prohibiting the gathering of more than 20 people, no dine-in at restaurants, though takeaways are allowed until 9pm. These rules will be less strict in light red and orange zones, where a gathering of less than 50 people is allowed, dine-in at restaurants is allowed until 9pm and 11pm respectively.

Face masks to be mandatory in all provinces from tomorrow

Published : April 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000388

Three royal ceremonies in May cancelled in bid to contain Covid-19

The Bureau of the Royal Household announced on Thursday that three royal ceremonies scheduled for May have been cancelled in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The announcement, signed by HM the King’s secretary Air Chief Marshal Sathitpong Sukwimol, said that the cancellation of the events was in line with the emergency decree on public administration in an emergency situation that the Prime Minister had announced on March 26, 2020 and then periodically extended until May 31, 2021.

The cancelled events are:

1. Coronation day ceremony and merit-making for royal ancestors from May 2-4.

2. Royal ploughing ceremony on May 9-10

3. Visakha Puja ceremony on May 25-26.

Published : April 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000387

Thundershowers forecast for most of Thailand, gusty winds and heavy rains in some areas

A high-pressure system from China covers the North, the Northeast and Central regions of the country as well as the South China Sea, the Thailand Meteorological Department said on Friday.

Southerly and southeasterly winds blow across upper Thailand.

Thundershowers, gusty winds, heavy rains and lightning strikes are likely in the upper regions of the country.

People 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 crop.

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

The weather forecast for the next 24 hours:

North: Thundershowers in 70 per cent of the areas; heavy rains and gusty winds are possible in some areas; temperature lows of 20-24 degrees Celsius, highs of 31-35°C.

Northeast: Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas; heavy rains and gusty winds are possible in some areas; temperature lows of 21-23°C, highs of 29-35°C.

Central: Thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas; heavy rains and gusty winds are possible in some areas; temperature lows of 23-25°C, highs of 32-34°C.

East: Thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas; heavy rains and gusty winds are possible in some areas; temperature lows of 23-24°C, highs of 30-35°C; waves less than a metre high and over a metre during thundershowers.

South (east coast): Thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas and isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 22-25°C, highs of 30-34°C; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 23-24°C, highs of 31-34°C; waves 1-2 metres high and 2 metres during thundershowers.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 24-26°C, highs of 30-33°C.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : April 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000375

Thai private sector gets green light to import vaccines

The private sector has been granted permission by the government to import Covid-19 vaccines, said Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) president Suphan Mongkolsutee on Thursday.

Suphan was speaking a day after meeting with Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to discuss vaccine procurement.

The industry chief said the government will speed up the process to procure 100 million doses this year, with another vaccine brand added in May.

Thailand has so far ordered 61 million AstraZeneca and 2.5 million Sinovac jabs and is negotiating to buy 5-10 million doses of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine.

The FTI said it will now coordinate with the private sector, including private hospital operators, to import vaccines.

Meanwhile, companies seeking vaccines for their own employees can register their requirements at www.fti.or.th.

Suphan also invited the public to register for their jab via the MorPromptr app ahead of the government’s launch of mass vaccination on May 1.

Published : April 30, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000374

14-day quarantine mandatory for all arrivals in Thailand from May

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced on Thursday that all arrivals from overseas will be required to complete their 14-day mandatory quarantine regardless of their vaccination status or nationality.

The CCSA said the 14-day mandatory quarantine will also apply to all those who hold a certificate of entry (COE) issued on or after May 1. Travellers who hold a COE that was issued before May 1 and who arrive before May 6 will be quarantined for seven to 10 days depending on their inoculation status. People arriving after May 6 will be quarantined for 14 days.

Travellers checking into alternative state quarantine venues will be required to stay inside their rooms at all times. They will not be allowed to use any facilities the hotel may offer and are required to undergo three Covid tests during the quarantine period.

Published : April 29, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000372

Thai student-inventor reveals education vision to regions ministers

A ninth-grader from Chiang Rai presented his vision for the future of education at an international summit of education ministers on Thursday.

Phiyachon “Anthony” Phumwiphat from Gainesville International School made headlines earlier this year with his invention for the “XPRIZE Carbon Removal” competition launched by Elon Musk, Tesla and SpaceX CEO.

Phiyachon presented his carbon capture invention via YouTube on February 3, and the viral response marked a turning point in his life, said the young inventor.

Thai student-inventor reveals education vision to regions ministers

On Thursday afternoon, he addressed the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO) Congress 2021 in a new video.

Phiyachon told education ministers there were two elements crucial to future education – technology and the environment.

Education must enable younger generations to learn about the virtual world and how AI works, he said.

“It is very important to all of us in this world to show care for the environment pay attention to climate change and green energy in order to create a balance between conservation of nature and the development of technology, between reality and virtual reality,” he added.

Thai student-inventor reveals education vision to regions ministers

Phiyachon said he hoped his video would inspire youth around the world to conserve their world and help it last a little longer.

Related story:
Living in polluted Chiang Rai inspires teen to invent green tech

Published : April 29, 2021

By : The Nation