A respiratory specialist has come out with a few health suggestions for people to follow as the Covid-19 situation improves, which will eventually lead to the government lifting all restrictions on foreign arrivals.

“As Covid-19 moves towards becoming endemic, people should embrace the following steps to prepare for a full reopening,” said Vichaiyut Hospital’s Dr Manoon Leechawengongs in a Facebook post on Thursday.

“First, everyone needs to get two doses of vaccination and then a booster shot to keep their immunity high. It is highly recommended that the booster shot should be a mRNA vaccine such as Pfizer or Moderna,” he said.

“For those in high risk groups such as elders and people with chronic health problems, they should get another mRNA shot four months after a booster just to be on the safe side,” Manoon said.

“Secondly, we still need to wear a face mask in public, crowded spaces and in areas with poor ventilation. The mask will not only protect you from the Covid virus but also help prevent against most respiratory communicable diseases, including influenza, RSV and tuberculosis,” the doctor pointed out.

He also suggested those who have fever, a cough, sore throat or a runny nose should take an antigen self-test. If the result is positive, they must remain in home isolation for at least 10 days while wearing a face mask at all times. Patients must wash their hands immediately if they came in contact with phlegm or nasal mucus.

“As for others who have no symptoms, please wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitiser after touching objects such as doorknobs, elevator buttons and stair rails. Avoid picking your nose or rubbing your eyes, or at least wash them thoroughly before and after,” he advised.

“Lastly, everyone should remain vigilant of the situation but do not be too afraid to live your life under new normal standards,” he added.

Published : May 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015476

Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Wednesday that it had approved two Covid-19 vaccines for children.

Covovax, developed by the Serum Institute of India in partnership with US-based Novavax, can be given to children aged 12-17, expanding from the FDA’s previous approval that allowed the vaccine to be administered to recipients aged over 18. The vaccine must be administered in two doses of 0.5 millilitres each, at an interval of three weeks, just like for adults.

Meanwhile, Moderna’s Spikevax can be given to children aged 6-11, expanding from the previous limit of 12 and over. The vaccine must be administered in two doses of 0.25ml each – or half the dosage for adults –at an interval of four weeks.

The Public Health Ministry reported that so far 54 per cent of children aged 5-11 have received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine and 17 per cent have got the second.

The ministry also said it is negotiating with AstraZeneca to purchase Long Active Antibody drugs for those who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 but whose immunity has not increased due to certain conditions, like patients with liver disease or those with organ transplants who are on immunosuppressants.

On Thursday, Thailand recorded 8,019 Covid cases and 59 deaths in the past 24 hours, while 8,807 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospital. Cumulative cases in the country since January 1 stand at 2,129,802.

Published : May 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015475

Thailand will officially enter the rainy season on May 13 as winds prevailing across the country 3.5km above ground have changed into a southwesterly direction, while winds 5km and above have changed to a northeasterly or easterly direction, The Meteorological Department said on Wednesday.

This will result in an outbreak of continuous rain in most parts of the country.

The department also forecast that this year’s rainy season, which normally ends around mid-October for upper Thailand and mid-January for the South’s east coast, will see 3 per cent more rainfall than normal, but overall rainfall will be slightly lower than last year’s.

The department warned that a dry spell could occur from mid-June to mid-July, whereas August and September would see the most frequent rainfall.

It suggested farmers residing outside irrigation areas plan their cultivation accordingly.

During August and September there is a high probability of tropical cyclones moving past upper Thailand, bringing heavy to very heavy rain in several areas. People in upper parts of the country are warned to expect flash floods, water runoff and bank overflows during this period.

As for the weather forecast for Thursday, the department said moderate southerly and southwesterly winds prevail across the country, while a low-pressure cell covering upper Vietnam will result in continuous rainfall and isolated heavy rains over Thailand. People should beware of the severe conditions that may cause flash floods and overflows.

In addition, tropical cyclone Asani over the central Indian coast will not directly affect Thailand but cause moderate winds across the country, the Gulf and the Andaman Sea.

Published : May 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015466

Ministry of Public Health reported on Thursday (May 12) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 8,019 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 3 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 59, while 8,807 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 2,129,802.
 

Published : May 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015459

The cost of Covid-19 treatment with Molnupiravir anti-viral drug has dropped to THB600 per person as the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation is now capable of making the drug locally, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the national disease control committee, Anutin said the GPO is also allowed by the drug manufacturer to import it at THB13 per pill.

“As a result, the cost of treatment per person has dropped from THB8,000 to THB600,” Anutin said.

The public health minister added that the price of Remdesivir, another drug for treating Covid-19 patients, has also fallen from THB1,200 per injection to THB200.

“The drop in prices indicates that production of Covid medicine is more than what is needed by infected people,” Anutin said.

Asked whether the Public Health Ministry would allow private firms to import Molunipiravir, Anutin replied that the Food and Drug Administration is ready to approve it.

“But Molnupiravir is registered as medicine for use in an emergency and this classication means it can be bought only by government agencies,” Anutin explained.

“Once the manufacturer registers it with the FDA as a general drug, the FDA will be ready to consider approving imports.”

Anutin said if private firms can import Monulpiravir, it would serve as another step closer for the pandemic to be downgraded to an endemic.

Published : May 11, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015458

A car driver had a lucky escape when heavy steel beams slid down a trailer truck and one of them hit the car’s windscreen on a Bangkok road early on Wednesday.

Pol Captain Thanawat Wiphatothai, deputy inspector of Makasan Police Station, said the accident happened at 6am on Asoke-Montree Road near the Asoke-Phetchaburi intersection in Bangkok’s Makasan district.

A giant steel beam fell from the truck on the windscreen to the left of the driver. The Honda car carried a Khon Kaen licence plate. The beam did not pierce the windshield but left it partially damaged.

Police did not reveal the name of the car driver.

The truck driver, Nimit Ngamsaeng, 27, told police that he was transporting the steel beams and parts with total weight of 15 tonnes to a construction site in the Lumpini area via Rama IX Road.

When he reached the Asoke-Phetchaburi intersection, he made a left turn into the Asoke-Montree Road but when his truck climbed up the bridge over the Saen Saeb Canal, the chains that tied the beams broke, as a result the beams and parts slid on to the road. One of them hit the windshield of the car right behind the truck.

Published : May 11, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015456

Lazada’s offensive TikTok ad may violate Section 22 of the Consumer Protection Act, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Anucha Nakasai said on Wednesday, citing remarks from the Consumer Protection Board.

The TikTok ad, part of Lazada’s 5.5 sales campaign, was posted on Wednesday last week.

Soon after it was posted online, the clip – depicting a woman in a wheelchair being bullied by another character of noble birth – sparked an uproar on the internet.

Anucha, who also supervises the Consumer Protection Board, explained that Section 22 stated that ads should not contain any statement which is unfair to consumers or produce adverse effects on society at large.

He pointed out that the ad contained a statement which supported violation of laws or morals, or led to cultural depreciation or conflict among people.

“The Consumer Protection Board issued a letter to Lazada on May 6 to clarify the issue,” he said, adding that the board would enforce the law immediately if the company is found guilty.

Anucha said the board had the duty to protect consumers from physical and property damage, as well as social threats.

Entrepreneurs should pay attention to the law and consumers in order to prevent conflict in society, he added.

Published : May 11, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015454

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan expressed confidence on Wednesday that Thailand’s ranking in the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report this year would improve to Tier 2.

Speaking at a press conference at Government House, Prawit said the government has done a lot to suppress human trafficking and to improve workers’ conditions as suggested in the last US TIP report.

As a result, he is confident Thailand would be taken off the Tier 2 Watch List and included in Tier 2 this year.

On July 1, 2021, the State Department report downgraded Thailand to the Tier 2 Watch List, down from Tier 2 the previous year.

Also present at the press conference were Social Security and Human Security Minister Juti Krairiksh and Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin.

Prawit said the government realised the seriousness of human trafficking so it announced suppression and prevention of the crime as a national agenda in 2015.

Since that announcement, all government agencies have integrated their operations to fight human trafficking with the help and advice of international organisations.

This year, the government also announced national mechanisms for management of human trafficking legal cases and for providing remedy to victims, as well as tackling unfair employment practices, Prawit said.

The mechanisms served to upgrade the standards of operations to suppress human trafficking to meet international standards, he said.

As part of the government’s successful operations, 188 human trafficking cases were wrapped up last year, the deputy prime minister pointed out.

He said the government also introduced online methods for managing cases and helping victims.

From last year until now, the government has been carrying out operations to prevent and suppress human trafficking according to five suggestions in the last TIP report, and the operations have seen concrete results, Prawit said.

For example, the government issued an operations manual for officials who deal with such cases.

The government has also developed mechanisms to check and detect human trafficking, while employers are required to draw up labour contracts both in Thai and the language of immigrant workers.

Prawit said the government has additionally set up a national centre for separating victims from human traffickers and has even issued measures to prevent children from becoming victims.

“All these operations clearly show the Thai government is trying its best to prevent and suppress human trafficking sustainably,” he added. “So Thailand deserves to be upgraded to Tier 2 this year.”

Published : May 11, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015448

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and two ministers flew to Washington on Wednesday morning to join the 2nd Asean-US Special Summit.

Prayut was joined by Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai and Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow, Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said.

He said the summit, which was postponed from last October, will mark the 45th anniversary of Asean-US relations.

The in-person summit will enable leaders to exchange views on various issues to implement the direction of a relationship between Asean and US in the future, he added.

“Meanwhile, the premier will meet with other Asean leaders, as well as the US president and high-ranking representatives, to promote cooperation on post-Covid recovery in Asean and sustainable growth, as well push for Washington’s creative role in the region,” he said.

He added that the prime minister has many important items on the agenda on Thursday, such as a meeting between Asean leaders and US business representatives at the US Commerce Department.

Published : May 11, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015447

Two government agencies will work with a private firm to recruit and train workers with advanced skills to secure employment for them in Saudi Arabia.

Phairoj Chotikasathian, director-general of the Employment Department, said on Wednesday that his department would work with the Skill Development Department to train engineers and welders with advanced skills to work in Saudi Arabia.

The export of Thai labour to Saudi Arabia is being speeded up after the department signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia earlier and after Fahad bin Jalawi al Saud of Saudi Arabia visited and held discussions on sport, economic and social cooperation with Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan on Tuesday, Phairoj said.

On Tuesday, the Employment Department held a meeting with Mermaid Maritime Co Ltd to discuss preparations for the export of skilled labourers to Saudi Arabia.

Phairoj said Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin attached importance to the export of skilled labour, especially to Saudi Arabia, after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Prawit, who oversees the Labour Ministry, wanted concrete progress within three months.

Phairoj said the meeting on Tuesday focused on the export of engineers and welders to work on oil rigs in the Middle East nation.

Phairoj said Ovart Thongbormakood, director of the Overseas Employment Administration Division, was assigned during the meeting to cooperate with the Office for Development of Trainers and Training Technology to invite Mermaid Maritime representative to visit a welding training centre of the Area 1 Skill Development Office in Samut Prakan province. The visit would convince Mermaid Maritime of the welding skills of Thai workers.

Phairoj added that Sibmuenchai Photisin, inspector-general of the Labour Ministry, has been assigned to coordinate with the Employment Department, the Skill Development Department and Mermaid Maritime to recruit and prepare Thai workers for jobs in Saudi Arabia.

The Employment Department will recruit workers for the Skill Development to train and for Mermaid Maritime to hire and bring to work in Saudi Arabia. Mermaid is a leading international subsea and offshore drilling services company for major oil and gas companies or their contractors.

“Those who want to work overseas can register at the overseas employment centre of the the Overseas Employment Administration Division,” Phairoj said.

“They must state the country where they want to work and the position they are seeking.”

Phairoj added that applicants must also state their English skill level and their work experience.

Interested Thai workers can also apply for overseas jobs at employment offices of Area 1-10 or at their provincial employment offices.

So far, 1,794 workers — 1,205 men and 529 women — have applied for jobs in Saudi Arabia, Phairoj added.

An executive of Mermaid Maritime said his company has large construction projects to support petroleum and gas industries in Saudi Arabia and other Middle East nations.

The executive said Mermaid has already been hiring some Thai workers as welders to work for its construction projects in the sea off Saudi Arabia and other Middle East countries and the workers are getting a daily pay of about THB3,000 to THB4,000.

Published : May 11, 2022

By : THE NATION